Letter writing tips

Make sure to:

• Address to Letters Editor, with postal address and date.
• When emailing, paste the text into a text box, (don't add it as attachment.)
• Keep to one issue per letter
• KISS - keep it short and simple (max. 200 words).
• Start the letter by referring to the issue or article in question.
• Mention the writer, and the date or issue in which it was published. "I am responding to editorial/letter/article (put title here), (date printed) in which (author) said that .
• Respond by 1pm of the day of a story you're responding to, if possible.
• Do your homework - you don't want to be caught out with the wrong information.
• If writing to a newspaper, read a few other letters to the editor first, to get the style right.
• Use short sentences - dot points can also be useful.
• Define the problem.
• Offer solutions.
• Call for action.
• Check your spelling and grammar before posting the letter.
• Always sign the letter and print your name, address and phone number below your signature.
• Keep responses to your letters in the same file as your letters.
• Start with your local suburban or regional paper - get practice writing about issues of concern locally, even if not related to a Greenpeace campaign
• Don't give up if you're first go doesn't get published - they receive hundreds every day, some always get printed.
• Often a letter that hits the mark will provoke a response - so keep scanning the letters page - you can keep an issue alive by responding, or getting others to.