How to Write a Letter |
(See link below for frequently used addresses)
Here is some advice from professional writer Hap Corbett (quotes omitted):
A letter to the editor of any publication can have many benefits. For the writer, it may be simply the satisfaction of getting something off his or her chest, regardless of whether or not it is published. However, if it IS published, the writer gets some recognition and the satisfaction that some people will be influenced by the letter.
Over the past five decades, I have written well over a thousand letters to editors, and nearly all of them have been published. This has not been simply by chance or good luck. It has been because they were always short, snappy, well-written and timely.
As the teacher of a course entitled "On Being A Writer," I encourage my students to write letters to editors several times a week. It keeps their expertise sharp in the craft of writing.
Make it short and to the point --- a maximum of 200 words but preferably under 100 and ideally closer to 50.
Never try to debate an entire issue. It is far better to make one point (possibly two) clearly and sharply. It substantially increases the odds the letter will be published, and that is the main reason you write it.
Use everyday language and avoid uncommon words. Big words may impress a college professor, but they don't help to make your point with most readers. An old rule of the thumb is: any word a 10-year-old doesn't understand should be replaced.
Type it double-spaced on white paper with a standard, easy-to-read type style.
Avoid name calling (unless it is in response to name calling by another writer, but even then, be very cautious, and the best practice is simply not to do it).
Go over it several times, eliminating every unnecessary word, especially the word "that" (usually, 75 to 90 percent of all the "that"s in any piece of writing are totally unnecessary).
Have another person read it after you have edited it down to the most perfect and concise version you can.
ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS include your name, postal address, phone number and e-mail address if you have one. Unsigned letters are tossed in the waste basket, AND --- if you don't have the courage to sign your name, you may have a bigger problem than the publication to which you are writing.
If the publication has an e-mail address for letters to the editor, it is better to use it than to send your letter via the Post Office. But either way, follow all the above steps before you send it. Editors like prompt response to what's in their publications (especially same day response, and e-mail can achieve that). Write the letter immediately. Don't say to yourself, "I'll do it this afternoon" (or tonight, or tomorrow, or the next day). That translates into never. If you really, really can't write a letter, make a phone call to the editor.
Link To Frequently Used Addresses