Tips for Writing Letters to the Editor

1. Know the rules of the paper. Newspapers have different requirements for letters and columns which are usually printed on the editorial or letter page, though they may only appear occasionally. If you don't know what your paper wants, call and ask for the suggested length of a letter to the editor or look up the rules on the paper’s Web site. The limit is usually about 200 words.

2. Stick to one or two points. Choose your message and drive it home. If you try to write about four or five related but different points, you'll likely lose the reader. And if that reader is the person who selects the letters for publication, yours won't be printed.

3. Be brief. Sometimes the best letters are the shortest, and the shorter the letter, the more likely it is to be read. Not only is brevity the soul of wit, it is the heart of readability.

4. Use simple words in declarative sentences.

5. Use personal experiences if they are applicable.

6. Frame your statements as positively as possible even if you are airing a complaint.

7. Write as tightly and clearly as possible. The editor may edit your letter for readability, clarity, or length. To avoid this, edit it yourself or ask a friend do it before you mail it.

8. Be neat. Check your spelling and grammar. Most papers prefer computer or typewritten letters. A letter from a teacher or representative of your association that has even one spelling or grammar error is detrimental to the entire effort. Proof read carefully and ask someone else to check it too.

9. Give your name, address, and daytime phone number. Most papers check to make sure that you actually sent the letter and most will not print an anonymous letter.

10. Just do it. Many perfectly good letters-to-the-editor are not written because writers wait for inspiration or they think their opinions are not important.

The above tips were posted with the permission of the Colorado Education Association

SAMPLE CITY COUNCIL LETTER

The template letters below are posted here for your use in sending your support messages to City Council members and Newspaper Editors. To send your support via e-mail: please copy and paste the text below into the e-mail and modify accordingly.

To send via postal mail: Please copy and paste the text below into a Word processor, modify as necessary, print, and mail.

DATE

City of Broomfield
City Council
One DesCombes Drive
Broomfield, CO 80020

Members of Broomfield City Council:

I am strongly opposed to the development of the Barber property located at 4651 W. 120th Avenue to accoummodate the building of Wal-Mart. I am a resident of this area and I patronize other businesses located in and around this location. I am opposed to this development for the following reasons:

The proposed Wal-Mart has a detrimental impact on the property values in my neighborhood.

Broomfield is subsidizing Wal-Mart using taxpayer money.

The traffic problems in the area are likely to substantially increase and local businness will be affected adversely by the development of Wal-Mart in this area.

The proposed Wal-Mart is in direct opposition to the expressed desires/wishes of a majority of the residents and businesses located in close proximity to this area. As elected officials representing the interests of Broomfield citizens your responsibility is to these same citizens, your constituents. Representatives of Wal-Mart do not qualify as constituents.

I urge you to reconsider the development the Barber's property as a location for Wal-Mart.

Your Constituent,

Name

SAMPLE LETTER TO A NEWSPAPER

DATE

Newspaper Address or Website

To Whom It May Concern:

I am strongly opposed to the building of Wal-Mart at the location of 4651 W. 120th Avenue. This proposal does not benefit the citizens of Broomfield and is a tax subsidy for Wal-Mart. The gateway to Broomfield should show a flourishing community that has combined our a hometown feel with positive progressive growth that is not defined by a big box store.

There are many Broomfield citizens who reside near the proposed development and who patronize businesses located in the area. Many strongly oppose the building of a Super Wal-Mart at this location. Members of Broomfield's City Council need to listen to the voices of their citizens and constituents and reconsider the development of Wal-Mart on the Barber property.

Concerned Citizen

Name