Tips for Writing Letters to the Editor
- Use the following salutation: Dear Editor
- Be sure to check letter specifications for newspapers; roughly two paragraphs is ideal.
- Type or print your letter so that it is easy to read.
- Be sure to include your name, address and email.
- Make your letter timely and connected to a recent article, editorial, or letter to the editor.
- Tell a personal story if possible.
- Address the facts about sexuality education and teen pregnancy and STD prevention; use clear terms and do not use abbreviations.
- Find others to write letters to the editor on similar topics.
- Familiarize yourself with the coverage and editorial position of the paper to which you are writing. Refute or support specific statements, address relevant facts that are ignored, but do avoid blanket attacks on the media in general or the newspaper in particular.
- Be persistent, keep writing!
