How to Write

Tips on Writing Letters to the Editor

Letters to the editor are a newspaper's way of getting feedback from its readers. While they may only be able to publish a few of the letters they receive, editors are influenced by the volume of mail they get on a given topic. An article or editorial to which readers respond is more likely to be followed up with future pieces.

• Respond to a recent news story or editorial. A good letter might begin, "Your article on the anti-war movement ("New Movement Builds Against War" Dec. 4) was excellent. Readers might also want to know that the current legislation in the house on the DOP is seeking to not just a deterrent to war, but will work to cultivate a deep and lasting peace on Earth in many different aspects of life...."
• Make your letter short and legible. It should contain a few striking facts that might surprise an editor or a reader. (The United States spends 300 billion a year on the military, but almost nothing on sound psychological principles of conflict resolution in international and domestic affairs, both of which could go far to end the beginnings of violence.)
• Use descriptive words which communicate how passionately you feel about the issue. Don't be dry. ("I am concerned for my children and all the children of the world, that will inherit our disastrous relationships. We must begin to look at our social and political structures and how they promote things that will do nothing to bring forth deep and lasting peace for the coming generations.")
• Include your address, home and work phone numbers, and e-mail address.

The Miami Group would like to thank the Global Renaissance Alliance for allowing us to reprint sections of their Citizen Action Guide.