Tips for letters to the editor

Writing a letter to the editor is a great way to have your concerns heard. Many people read letters to the editor – particularly politicians who are keen to hear first hand what issues people are concerned about.

 

A few simple rules

You can write a letter to the editor about your issue any time, but it is more likely to get a run if the issue has been in the news, or on the letters page.

 

Personalise the letter: The best letters are those containing attention-getting information.

 

Make your letter and concise, nor more than 150 to 200 words, which is less than one typed double spaced page. Write no more than 3 or 4 paragraphs:

 

  1. The first paragraph cites any previous coverage of a story or letters on the issue, “On 10 May you reported that ...”, "On 13 May Josephine Blow wrote that ...".
  2. The second paragraph introduces something personal and states your side of the argument: “As a gay father of a 4-year-old daughter, I believe equality under the law will lead to greater acceptance, including by other children and families.”
  3. The third paragraph is for your key message: “Discriminatory laws do not stop people from creating loving homes and families, they simply undermine the rights of children living in those families.”
  4. The fourth and final paragraph rounds off your letter, if possible with a “kicker”: “The Victorian Government has had almost five years of consultation done on this issue. If they don't take action now to make all families equal, they will be left behind more progressive states and countries in recognising the reality of our families.”

Always sign your letter and provide a telephone number. Most media will not run unsigned letter, and will call you to verify the letter's authenticity. If confidentiality is an issue, you may request that your name is withheld from publication. However, first check your local paper’s policy on this.

 

You can submit your letter via mail, fax or email. Find out what the paper’s preference is - these days it is mainly email. It is not necessary to contact the editor numerous times to check the status of your letter. This annoys them. One friendly “heads up” call is sufficient.

 

Encourage members of your family, friends and broader community to write letters. The more letters that come in on an issue the better.

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