Write to Newspapers

Components of a good letter to editor:

Before you start writing, decide what it is you're trying to do. What kind of impact are you seeking? Who do you want to read it? What does the reader have to know already for the letter to make sense? How can you motivate the reader?

1. Clear and concise writing (often limited to 300 words; can request op-ed, but do so in advance) Write as if you're talking to someone.
2. Get to the point quickly; make sure Who, What, Why, When, and How are covered
3. Don't repeat yourself
4. Use examples, but only those readers can relate to; make them concrete and personal as possible
5. Try to hit readers' emotions; instead of just talking about the 3 million people on welfare, pick an example….(Johnny can't read or write; clunker cars to get to work, etc…Broken windows in house) Use antidotes where applicable
6. Spell out your arguments logically - Here's the issue, here's the history, here's the debate. Use opponents' arguments if you wish, then knock them down. If possible, document what you are saying…"According to a 1999 study from _______________________" Also, tell the truth. The old saying, you can fool some of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time…" If you need to lie to get your point across, you haven't done enough research or your position is inherently faulty.
7. Don't be condescending, snotty or snooty; but also be aware the reader doesn't know anything about the topic; provide as much background as you can, but do it.
8. Wrap up your argument in the last paragraph or so; "Because of these things, John McCain, or Al Gore, or Mickey Mouse, or whomever, deserves to be elected in November…)
9. If there's room, offer an outlet for more information….your organization, websites, email address, etc.
10. Have someone else you trust read your letter before you submit. Does it meet your goals? Can your message be delivered in a better way?

Ok - Time to do something about it!
Write a letter to the editor now!

Here's how to do it:

1. First write your letter with your favorite word processor, spellchecker it, and edit it.
   
   
2. Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number at top or bottom as they will call to verify that it was you that sent the letter.
   
   
3. Then highlight the whole letter with your cursor holding down left mouse button.
   
   
4. Under 'Edit', click on copy.
   
   
5. Then come back to this web page, and,
   
   
6. Click here: www.mtnewspapers.com. When you reach that site, click on Members on the left side of the page. At that site, find the newspaper you wish to write to and click the email address next to that newspaper. At their site click E-mail:
   
   
7. With cursor in body of message click on 'Paste' under Edit.
   
   
8. Click on subject and type "Letter to Editor".
   
   
9. Click on Send to send that message.

Repeat steps 5. through 9. to send the same letter to other newspapers.

E-Mail: naswmt@mt.net
(406) 449-6208

25 S. Ewing, Suite 406
Helena, MT 59601
Fax 406/449-2533