10 great tips for getting your Letter to the Editor published and for maximizing impact!
Find a ‘hook.’ Use current events in the news locally or nationally that can be linked to your issue. It can be anything - a recently released report, an upcoming summit or conference, even a controversy that is attracting public attention! Direct some of that attention your way by hooking it to what you want to say. We have found this greatly increases your chances of people published.
Keep it short. Be catchy, snappy and always ensure your text ends with a conclusion that takes the form of a demand. Editors like creative, concise, and insightful commentary. If you can’t say what you want in three paragraphs or less then you should write an opinion piece, or op-ed. It is usually longer (around 300 words) and develops a more in depth argument on a particular topic.
Adopt the proper tone. Be respectful and polite. Don’t let anger or slander get in the way of a good opportunity to get your point across. Wit and humor can increase your chances of being published.
Expand your reach. If you are going to the trouble to write one good letter, why not modify it slightly and publish it ten or twenty times? You likely won’t have time to research how to “hook it” in every case but don’t let that prevent you from distributing your letter more widely. Save time by using the ‘cut and paste’ approach, but make sure you send the letter to each paper individually. Look to the RESULTS Canada website for a media list with up-to-date email publications for publications across Canada.
Don’t discriminate! Local community papers are underutilized and often go begging for good, publishable letters. Consider writing to them as well as larger National Dailies. Don’t forget magazines and on-line publications as well.
Display authorship. The strength of a letter to the editor is that it represents the view of an ordinary citizen. RESULTS Canada volunteers learn about an issue and then write from their heart and with their own “voice”. Most papers need to confirm authorship of your letter so always include your name, address and a daytime telephone number in the signature block.
Dynamite title. Once you have completed your letter, give it a title that will draw attention. Newspapers reserve the right to change your title and often do so. However, if the title you are proposing attracts the attention of the Editor, your chances of getting your letter published are much higher.
Share it! Letters to the Editor have impact beyond their publication date. After, or even before you are published, share your letter with colleagues, friends, decision-makers. We know that letters and opinion pieces are tracked and monitored by government officials – but don’t take a chance. Use your letter as your personal calling card and take the time to broadcast your message beyond the printed page.
Don’t give up. If your letter hasn’t been published after a couple of days, call the letters editor and ask him or her for their reasons. Find out what it would take to get published next time.
Track it. When you’re published, share that info with RESULTS Canada by copying and pasting you published letter onto our publications database at www.results-resultats.ca or sharing it with us at grassroots@results-resultats.ca
