Writing Editorials
Elected officials try to stay aware of
issues of interest to their constituents, and keep an eye on newspapers,
magazines and other periodicals. They are particularly cognizant of editorials
or articles mentioning THEIR NAME. A copy of a well written letter you
have sent to your representative can be very effective as an editorial comment.
It should of course, meet the guidelines below as well as those regarding
writing to your legislators. An editorial in a local newspaper can be very
effective at getting your fellow citizens involved in an issue. A letter to a
magazine or large circulation periodical dedicated to the subject at hand (such
as a fishing magazine) can help get others in the recreational fishing community
involved.
Guidelines for writing
letters to the media
- Be brief. Focus on one issue. Be succinct. The more concise
the letter, the less chance it will be edited beyond recognition.
- Be accurate. Do your homework. Check your facts as well as
spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Be courteous. Avoid insults. Criticize facts, not opinions.
- Be interesting. Have something original to say, even on an
old subject.
- Be humorous. An entertaining letter is more memorable (and
more apt to be printed) than an angry one.
- Be Timely. If the topic of your editorial is time sensitive
or is currently a hot issue, strike while it is a matter of attention
and is still on the "front burner" of public awareness.
- Be patient. If at first you don't succeed, keep trying.
- Be professional. Remember to sign it and include your name,
address, and daytime and evening phone numbers. If e-mailing an editorial
letter, be sure to include your full name, City and State.