How to Write a Letter to the Editor
Writing a letter to the editor is an effective way to express your views to a large constituency. The key to getting your letter printed is to have a quick response to the newspaper. Remember, what is news today may not be news tomorrow. You can either fax, e-mail or mail your letter to the editor. NTA has put together a few guidelines to ensure that your letter is published.
- Establish credibility from the beginning of your letter by explaining why this issue affects you (i.e.: you are a member of the National Tour Association, a small business owner, work in the tourism and travel industry, etc). This action will help validate your point of view.
- Give a brief history of the topic or refer to the article to which you are responding. Readers need to have a reference point in mind when reading your letter.
- It is important to recognize and validate that others may have different viewpoints. After you point out the other views, outline point-by-point why your outlook is better.
- Do not take a defensive tone.
- Be concise. You should be able to sufficiently defend your opinion in 300 to 500 words.
- Proofread!!! Be especially aware of your grammar and spelling.
- Address the letter to the Editorial Page Editor. Take the time to find out who this person is, what his or her title is (it may vary from publication to publication), and address your letter accordingly. Usually this information is printed on the editorial page itself.
- Use formal business letter format:
- Flush left
- Colon after salutation
- Comma after closing
- Your name and title
- Furnish your address and phone number. Editors will often telephone to verify your permission to print your letter.
- Do not take a defensive tone.