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.