Letter-to-Editor

LocalLink, a php/sourgeforce project - finds all your local papers, just enter your zip and check the papers you want to write. We'll get it as soon as we cross over to a new server but for now here's 2 sites that have it. (dont forget to erase any sample text)

localink @ downhill battle
localink @ military free
RapidResponse
FAIR media contact list

Tips:

Put some thought into it, you want it read & hopefully published not deleted.

Don't go all over the map with different issues. Stick to ONE point. What is the most important issue for you? Use it.

100 -200 words. The shorter the better. 3 paragraphs is good.

Don't repeat the entire post above, keep your letter original and source it.

Address the editor(s). Write as if you're talking to the editor of the newspaper – not to readers, not to elected officials, not to the world at large.

Get others to write. The more letters one editor gets, the more likely one will be printed.

You aren't writing solely to get published so dont be disappointed if your letters seem ignored. They aren't. They get alot of letters and that's the point, it's helping to shape what content they provide in the future and alerting media to concerns- so don't stop writing LTE's if yours isn't published, keep hammering away!!

Balance criticism with positives (if possible) Pose a solution or suggest an action

SPELLCHECK

Avoid:

Ripping them a new one over it, your letter won't have a chance in hell ;)

Overstating/Exagerrating (again, use sources)

"I'm writing to..." (skip needlees words, your letter is short remember? Use active language.