Getting a letter to the editor published is a basic skill of grassroots activism. Both of the U.S. major parties provide tools to help you do it. You will also find that many special interest groups do as well.
The basics are to keep it concise, personal, local, topical and original. Always include your real full contact information (most newspapers verify that the authors are real and like to limit frequent writers).
You will have even more success if you are polite, but funny, with a little bit of snark (but always respectful).
Tips on getting your letter published
- Tips from the Friends Committee
- They say to make it personal and local. I agree.
- Tips from the ACLU
- Best tip: "Keep it short and on one subject."
- Tips from an activist
- "Close with a short restatement of your position or a pithy comment." I find the pithy comment to be a sure-fire way of getting published. Be funny and witty, but never rude or abusive.
- Tips from 20/20 Vision
- "Be timely - Capitalize on recent news and events, within 24 hrs of a story if possible." I find that incorporating recent events with whatever you really want to write about is a good way of making an otherwise off-topic letter more relevant. Want to write about Iran-Contra? Link it to a more recent scandal.
- How to Write a Letter to the Editor
- Read this for the EPIC format for writing a letter to the editor
- Frame your ideas
- Framing advice from The Rockridge Institute (where George Lakoff works).
- Astroturfing definition from the Wikipedia
- Your letters need to be unique and original to avoid the appearance of astroturfing.
Tools for writing your letter to the editor
- Democratic Party's Letters to the Editor page
- This link will take you to the Democratic Party's letters to the editor page where you can get tips on writing a letter, topic ideas, and a tool to actually send the letter to your local paper.
- Republican Party's Letters to the Editor page
- This is a similar page to the Democratic Party, except for the GOP.
- MoveOnPac's Letter to the Editor page
- MoveOn, a left-leaning political action committee, runs their letters to the editor campaigns through this site.
- Friends Committee Letter Tool
- In addition to their great tips, the Friends commitee provides this tool.
Books on Activism
You Have the Power: How to Take Back Our Country and Restore Democracy in America
Amazon Price: (as of 12/02/2008) 
The Activist's Handbook: A Primer Updated Edition with a New Preface
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 12/02/2008)
MoveOn's 50 Ways to Love Your Country: How to Find Your Political Voice and Become a Catalyst for Change
Amazon Price: $8.76 (as of 12/02/2008)
Stir It Up: Lessons in Community Organizing and Advocacy
Amazon Price: $26.67 (as of 12/02/2008)
Organizing for Social Change: Midwest Academy : Manual for Activists
Amazon Price: $16.29 (as of 12/02/2008)
Books on Framing
Don't Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate--The Essential Guide for Progressives
Amazon Price: $8.00 (as of 12/02/2008)
Thinking Points: Communicating Our American Values and Vision
Amazon Price: $8.00 (as of 12/02/2008)
Headlines from The New York Times
These are the headlines of the New York Times today. Your letter will be more relevant if it references one of these topics, no matter which paper you write to.
Headlines from CNN
More headlines to refer to in your letter. Timely, relevant letters get preference. Tie your pet issue to news.
-
Tip line key in cracking cold case
- Coalition nations leave Iraq as security improves
- Obama to nominate Richardson for Cabinet
- Bio terror attack likely by 2013, panel says
- Lawmakers: Honor soldiers held as Nazi slaves
- Mumbai police chief denies warning given
- Jimmy Carter: U.S. must lead rights struggle
- Priest tried to warn of Cambodia's insanity
- Do you suffer 'TiVo guilt'?
- Guns N' Roses lashes out at Dr Pepper
- Coalition nations leave Iraq as security improves
