LETTERS TOOLKIT*

To have your letter to the Editor considered for publication, it must include your name, address, telephone number and signature. By submission of a letter, you agree that the editors may edit the letter and publish and/or license the publication of it in print, electronically, and for archival purposes.

Tips for Letter-Writers!

Writing a letter to the Editor is a very effective way of reaching thousands of newspaper readers about almost any political issue. Equally important, politicians keep a close watch on letters to the editor to monitor public opinion and this directly affects the action they will take.

Furthermore, each newspaper gauges its readership’s interest in various topics by reviewing letters to the editor, including those it does not print, and this over time affects what topics the newspaper actually covers. Editorial boards, in particular, keep a close watch on letters to the editor in determining topics on which to editorialize, and letters referring to current, printed editorials are especially noted to sense the climate of public opinion.

• Short letters are more likely to get printed, but letters don’t have to be published to be effective!
• Always refer to and comment on an article or item on the editorial pages
• Look at the letters published in the newspaper for length
• Show some emotion! Show that you care about and believe in what you are saying.
• Have a clear point and make it. Have someone else read your letter before you send it.
• Include an interesting fact or argument. Pick one that will surprise people.
• Try to get a few friends to write a similar letter!

*Adapted from Context Institute, June 2000, www.context.org

Send letters to:

Letters Editor
The Seattle Times
P.O. Box 70
Seattle, WA 98111
Fax: (206) 382-6760

See the recent Seattle Times editorial on commercialism .

 

P-I Letters to the Editor
Box 1909
Seattle, WA 98111-1909
Fax: (206) 448-8184

See the P-I’s recent editorial on commercialism .

 

Seattle Weekly Letters to the Editor
1008 Western, Ste. 300, Seattle, WA 98104
Fax: 206-467-4377