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Tips on Writing a Letter to the Editor

A Letter to the Editor (LTE) published in your paper's Op-Ed section can reach thousands of people in your community. No paper is too small or too large to approach. Smaller papers may be more likely to publish your work, but letters to nationally-read newspapers or magazines will speak to even more people. The good news is that you don't have to be a great writer to make a real difference. Check out the tips below and then start writing!

Make your letters relevant
Letters on timely topics are more likely to be published. Your LTE can respond to a recently-published article (include the title of the article and its publication date in your letter) or a current event, such as a pending piece of legislation. Your letter can provide an opposing viewpoint, be supportive of a positive news item, or suggest a new angle to a story.

Clearly argue your point
Focus on one or two issues to most effectively drive your point home. Use Farm Sanctuary talking points on topics or review the "Issues" section of our Web site for background information. Be clear about your point and your take-home message. Remember that readers may not be familiar with the cruelties of factory farming. Proofread your letter for proper spelling and grammar.

Use your own words
Avoid submitting pre-written letters, using other people's words, or being overly dramatic. When appropriate, draw from your own experiences and use the arguments that resonate most strongly with you as they will likely appeal to your neighbors as well.

Lead by example
Remember that a compassionate world begins with you. Be polite, kind and truthful in your letter and set the stage for how you would like others to behave. Always include your full name, mailing address and a phone number with your letter. You will likely get a call to verify that the letter is yours-if the editor has chosen to publish it.

Know your paper
Read the LTE section regularly to get a feel for what LTEs the paper or magazine publishes. Some papers print LTEs every day, while others only print them on certain days of the week. It is also important to be mindful of length, as most papers limit letters to fewer than 150 words. Information on where to send your Letter to the Editor is most often listed in the LTE section or under the "contact us" section of the paper's Web site.

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