Top ten tips for letters to the editor:

1

Keep it short – different newspapers have different guidelines, but the standard is approximately 300 words. The Cook County News-Herald limit is generally 350 words, but occasionally if space allows a longer submission may be published. However a long letter is less likely to be read.

2

Keep it clear – choose your topic and stick to it. Don’t try to cover too much in one letter.

3

Keep it issue oriented – In light of the numerous candidates (local, state, national) in election years and because editorial space is limited the News-Herald generally will not publish letters endorsing political candidates. Address an issue if you want your letter to be published.

4

Keep it neat – a typed letter is best. If you must hand-write a letter, PRINT neatly and legibly.

5

Keep it polite – letters are frequently written in anger. Make sure your emotions don’t detract from your issue. Name-calling will almost certainly guarantee that your letter does not run.

6

Get it there on time – newspaper deadlines vary. Call the paper and ask what the deadline is for receiving letters for a particular issue. The earlier you get your letter in, the better the odds the letter will run. The Cook County News-Herald deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m.

7

Provide a frame of reference – if you are writing in response to another person’s letter, mention it. If you are writing about what went on at a community meeting, give a brief explanation of the meeting.

8

Provide a call to action – if there is something people can do, let them know – provide a phone number to call, or the address of who can be contacted for more information.

9

Provide contact information – include your name, address, telephone number and e-mail. The News- Herald will only run your name and town, but must be able to contact you with questions. Newspapers may withhold a name to protect a letter writer, but will never run an anonymous submission.

10

Check your facts – if you use statistics in your letter, cite the reference. Unsubstantiated facts may cause an editor to choose not to run your letter.