Writing a Letter to the Editor

A letter to the editor (or LTE) is a quick, simple, and effective way to send your message to a newspaper’s readership in general, and to local policy makers in particular. The "letters" section in newspapers, and on radio and television stations that have a listener/viewer feedback system, provides a forum for public comment and debate. LTEs are excellent vehicles to secure “free” or “earned” coverage, and keep your issues alive. LTEs work well to correct or clarify misinformation or misperceptions, to provide additional information not included in previously covered stories, to express an opinion or point of view on an issue in the news, and to introduce or reinforce a specific message.

Whether you are writing a letter to respond to "bad press" or to reinforce "good press," there are a number of important points to keep in mind.

Improve Your Chances Of Getting Published

• If you are responding to a specific report or issue in the news, send your letter quickly while the topic is still fresh. Deliver, fax, or e-mail your communication within one or two days. The email address and fax number for LTEs are provided in the publication. Make sure you send it to the "Letters to the Editor" Department. Most newspapers with Websites have a direct email link for submitting LTEs.]
• Shorter letters have a better chance of being published than longer ones. Always check first to see if the newspaper has a word limit. If your letter is too long, it may be edited down in a way you don’t want or, worse, it may be ignored for not complying with the word limit.
• Keep the tone objective and professional. Do not be offensive or make personal attacks. Focus on the information in a previous story, not the person who wrote it. Letters containing derogatory or hypercritical statements may be edited or rejected entirely.
• When providing factual information or corrections, include the reference or source.
  Example: "According to a 2005 report by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, the number of people with developmental disabilities in the United States is....
• Avoid acronyms or industry jargon that your audience would not understand.
• Check for spelling, grammar, and clarity. Have someone edit or at least read over your letter before you submit it.
• Always include your name, address, and phone number so you can be contacted easily to confirm that you are the author. Newspapers will often call and check to make sure the letter was not submitted under someone else’s name.

Remember!

• Newspapers want to hear from their readers. If you write well, make an important point, respond quickly, and follow the writing guidelines, you stand a good chance of being published.
• Whenever you see an article, editorial, or column about issues that are relevant to persons with developmental disabilities and their families, consider it an opportunity to write an LTE.
• News programs on radio and TV sometimes air listener comments at the end of programming, providing additional opportunities for you to use the media to broadcast your information.

All of this adds up to “earned” media for your organization and your issues—coverage of your issues without you having to pay for it! Read your area newspapers regularly, and keep track of area news and public affairs broadcasts so you will be able to identify opportunities for earned media coverage.