This page created
23 April 1999
Hook, Line
and Sinker
Catching the public's eye
with a Letter to the Editor
Why write a
letter?
Writing a letter to the editor
is one of the best ways to express your concerns about an issue.
It is easy and it gets great profile. A string of letters to the
paper is often much better at changing opinions than a media release
or news story
How should
I write a letter?
- Only put one idea in each
letter -- too many issues in a letter and it gets confusing.
- Remember hook, line and sinker.
Use a hook to attract the reader -- an opening sentence
which is controversial or refers to a previous writer. Then outline
your key point, idea or argument. Finally, put a punchy last
line to sink the letter into your readers' minds. People
talk about a good letter!
- Use local examples, if applicable.
- Respond to letters already
published.
- Try to provoke a response
from the opposition (ending with a question often helps).
- Don't get personal (the paper
won't publish anything it considers defamatory).
- Remember to check the guidelines
for letter writing that usually accompanies the letter page.
You will usually be allowed 150 words. You need to include your
name, address, date, and sign it. You may need to include your
daytime telephone number.
With acknowledgement
to
Action for Community and the Environment
Public Access
New Zealand, P.O.Box 17, Dunedin, New Zealand