Quality Writing – Read the letter aloud to make sure it makes sense. Don’t forget to check for spelling and grammar mistakes.
Timing – This is crucial to getting your message in the news. Make sure your letter has what is called “a relevant media hook,” i.e., a particular reference to something in the news recently, and make sure to reference that article or event.
Be solution-oriented – Don’t be too pessimistic. Your letter needs more than “doom and gloom”. Tell the reader what actions are needed and give positive examples of how people are working to correct the problem.
Keep it simple – Providing too much information can confuse and frustrate the reader.
Shorten it – Try to keep your letter to 300 words or less. Editors work under tight deadlines. The more time they must spend editing your letter, the less likely they are to print it.
Localize it – Readers and editors want to know what is going on around them. Use an example of how the population pressures affect your own town to help readers understand how their own lives are affected.
React – Responding with a different view to a previously published article is often a good approach.
Support your ideas – Numbers never lie. Explain the issue using a few facts and figures to support your position.
Identify yourself – Include your full name and email address. Most publications will not print your letter unless you include this information.
Keep trying – If your letter does not get published the first time, try again later with a revised letter and different approach to the issue.
