Here are a few more tips to help you get your message across in a letter to the editor:
Timing is everything.
Respond to an article or news item right after it happens; or even better, if you know a bill is passing or an article is being printed, send your letter to the editor before readers know anything about it.
Keep it short and sweet.
Just as when you are writing to a legislator, keep your letter clear and concise. Make one strong point and leave it at that. It's a good idea to write a draft of your letter, take a break, and then look at it again. That way you can edit out any emotional fervor and be sure that you are saying exactly what you intend.
Check your facts.
Both your credibility and that of the publication hang on the accuracy of your letter, and credibility is everything. If it turns out you didn't have your facts straight, it's unlikely your letters will be published again.
Make it relevant.
If you are writing to a small, local paper, explain how your issue affects the community (i.e., "If Councilman Who's resolution passes, one in every four third graders at Whoville Elementary School will be "). If you are writing to a larger publication, adapt your tone and scope to its audience.
Name names.
Don't be afraid to mention policymakers' names"this is another way to get their attention. If you are addressing a specific person's policies or intentions, send a copy of the letter to that person. Politicians need to know you are paying attention to what they are doing for children with LD.
Let them know who you are.
Any letter to the editor should include all your contact information. The publication won't print it, but an editor may need to get in touch with you to verify some information or to ask you questions. Just as with policymakers, one of your goals is to become a source for them. Also, if you have any credentials that make you more of an authority, mention them. Any expertise will make it far more likely that your letter will get printed.
Follow up.
Call the publication to make sure they received your letter and offer to help them with any stories they have planned on learning disabilities. They might have feedback for you on your letter or might take the opportunity to ask you a few questions about the issue.
Keep trying.
Even if your letter doesn't get published, write another one the next time it's appropriate. There can be many reasons why a publication doesn't print any one letter, and educating the editorial staff of the publication is an important task, too.
Writing an Op-Ed Piece.
Op-eds are the upper crust of letters to the editor. They are written by readers, just like letters to the editor, but tend to come from people of authority, such as presidents, CEOs, even legislators. Op-eds carry a byline, so, in a way, they are articles, but opinionated ones. If you are part of an advocacy organization, it's a good idea to give the byline to the executive director, or a member of the board (with their permission, of course). When writing an op-ed, use the guidelines for letters to the editor, and also keep in mind:
The format for an op-ed is very specific. Usually they range from 300-750 words. Make sure you know what the publication's guidelines are. Op-eds are generally also exclusive, so submit the op-ed to the publication that has the largest circulation and the greatest likelihood of publishing your work.
The strongest op-eds are the ones that make readers understand (1) why an issue is important to them personally and (2) what they should do about it. The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda, but rather that yours is of broad concern, and you are offering a suitable call to action.
Make it simple. Your message should be loud and clear, so a good rule of thumb is to first tell them what you are going to say, say it and then tell them what you said. Your language should be jargon-free and unemotional.
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Legislative Terms
act
A bill or measure after it passes one or both chambers of Congress; also used to describe a law that is in place.
adjournment
The end of a legislative day and any business of that day; different from recess, which does not end the day.
adjo... More >
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