Be brief, be quick and leave your phone numbers. These are the three most important things to remember when writing letters to the editor.

Be brief, because there’s a lot of competition for a small amount of space. Be quick in writing because the best letter in the world won’t get printed if the newspaper gets it 3 or 4 weeks after the article it refers to was printed. And leave your home and work phone number on your letter because many papers won’t print letters unless then can call the author to verify that he or she wrote it.

Other tips:


Use statistics sparingly. They can get confusing and overwhelming very quickly.


Mention an article already printed by the paper. This dramatically increases the chances that your letter will be run.


Remember your audience. In most cases you’re trying to sway the public, not your adversary. Therefore, you should take points to seem moderate and fair. This doesn’t mean you should be bland. But you should write with the average person in mind, and use phrases and arguments that resonate with them. You don’t want John Q. Public to be turned off by your rhetoric and think, "well, both sides are extremists." (as often happens with the abortion issue for example)


A catchy first line is helpful. Instead of "I’m writing to respond to the Post editorial of August 3rd…" try "The August 3rd editorial left me wondering if Post editorial writers live in the real world."


Don’t mention criticism that has been leveled against you. Avoid saying "I am not a crook, thief and a liar as reported in last week’s Post." Better to say "Post readers wonder who’s telling the truth in the controversy over___."


Use short punchy sentences. This makes it easier for the reader to follow your thinking and easier for the editor to cut our letter if necessary (and better to have an edited version of your letter printed than none at all.)


Many papers accept letters by fax and email as well as regular mail these days. It never hurts to both fax and email. And you can be most certain by either faxing, emailing and then following up with a phone call make sure the appropriate person got your letter. For more information or to get involved contact: Laura Barrett, Metro Equity Department of Gamaliel Foundation, 314-645-5915, 314-645-2017 fax, lrbrrtt@aol.com