Letters to the editor are simple to write and allow you the opportunity to express your ideas to thousands of readers - but if they aren't well-written, they won't be printed. Here's how to express your opinion on a gay and lesbian issue in a way that just might get it published.
Say whether you're gay or not first thing. Start with something like, "As a lesbian ... ," or "Although I'm not gay ... ."
2
Try to focus your thoughts as a response to a particular story rather than as a generic comment, and then describe how the story made you feel. Say something like, "I was troubled by your August 14 story on gay parenting," or "I congratulate you on your coverage of the AIDS vigil."
3
Use the right words so that you don't embarrass yourself and your community - for example, terms like "homosexual" have given way to "gay and lesbian" and "sexual preference" is almost always called "sexual orientation." Using the wrong words can sometimes suggest that you are out of touch with the world.
4
Be brief, for the sake of the editors and the readers. Four to six paragraphs of one to three sentences each should be plenty.
5
Stick to one topic. If you have something to say about something else, write another letter later.
6
Type your letter to make it easier to read, and leave large margins so that the editor can make notes on it.
7
Be aware that your letter may be edited, but you can lessen the chance of that happening by keeping it short.
8
Follow the specific policies of the paper you submit to. Many set maximum word lengths and like submissions to be sent to a specific address, fax number or e-mail address.
9
Send your letter by fax if the paper allows it. It may have more impact than an e-mail letter and will seem more urgent than one sent the old-fashioned way. Go ahead and send the letter by mail also, with a note attached saying it was previously faxed.
Tips & Warnings
Try not to criticize the newspaper too much, or you risk getting your letter thrown away.
It's best not to comment about how little coverage the paper has given an issue unless you're sure your facts are right. Maybe you missed some of the coverage.
Don't appear to be outraged in your letter. It could cause the paper to think you are irrational and to toss out your letter.
Don't make any threats or hollow accusations. Papers can't print that kind of stuff.
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