Go to print with letters to the editor
Many aspiring writers print first in a place others don’t think about: the editorial pages of the newspaper. And that’s a good place to start.
After all, most letters to the editor originate from largely untrained journalists, truly from the heart of the country. However, while the authors are unlikely to win a Pulitzer Prize, the letters have great appeal because (with rare exceptions) the writers speak only for themselves, not for an organization.
Therefore, we are likely to find controversy in this section, with all sorts of possible targets for criticism. Targets include newspaper staff, local and national government, school system, corporate officials, developers, religious groups, environmentalists, health addicts, and more. The list goes on infinitely.
The editors are eager to publish quality letters from area residents. The editorial page would be practically blank without them. This is another reason why your early publishing efforts might be successful here.
Keep these guidelines in mind for your letters to the editor:
* The letters have word limits. Call to find the allowed number, knowing that publishers will make no exceptions.
* Editors reserve the right to edit to ensure spelling and grammatical accuracy. Some editors change sentences, combine sentences, and omit useless passages. In this sense, resist the pride of being an author. Welcome editors to help you present a correct image.
* Anonymous letters go to the newsroom trash, deservedly. Editors want writers who back their thoughts with pride. Sign or don’t send your letter.
* Regardless of what title you suggest for your letter, which represents a mini guest column, expect the publisher to post another header. Rarely does the editorial page keep its original title.
* Please note that publishers do not need to publish all letters. When hundreds of readers write about a hot topic, and many of the arguments sound almost the same, editors select those that represent the range of opinions. When your letters don’t make it onto the printed page, keep this in mind.
* Keep your language moderate, avoid harsh jargon that borders on profanity, and avoid sarcasm that readers may misinterpret. Never ridicule an individual or group. It’s true that we read letters like that from time to time, but you don’t know how many similar letters ended up in the editor’s junk pile.
* To end my advice on a positive note: I repeat that editors want and need articulate and thoughtful letters on current issues, particularly those that express new points of view.
Using these guidelines, I encourage you to join the thousands of citizens who cheer on the newspapers with their honest opinions. Write letters to the editor and you’ll enjoy one of the most wonderful privileges of a free press by seeing your signed ideas in print.