Your letter to the editor can help raise awareness and make a big difference in OLYMPIA’s future.

More people read Letters to the Editor than any other part of the newspaper. Editors look for opinions, criticisms, praise and feedback to articles, events, and news. They also look for ideas and facts about interesting happenings in our world. You help an editor by providing information and facts on items of interest in the form of a well written letter. Keep in mind that they are not required to print your letter but that does not mean that your letter doesn’t matter. In fact, if it is not printed, your letter at the very least helped to educate the editor and raise awareness for a future story. If it is printed, you reach an extensive number of people and likely influence your legislators who pay attention to Letters to the Editor as a source of public opinion.

Here are some tips to make your letter of interest to an editor:

• Read several letters to the editor in your local paper and get a feel for the interests, language, and style of those the editor has printed. Understand the readership and number of people who it reaches (circulation).
• Use your own words. Your words show your passion about OLYMPIA. Don’t be nasty or offensive and remember to be professional. A well worded, direct letter can express concern and is more effective than outrage. Remember too that creative letters can leave a lasting impression on readers,
• Explain why OLYMPIA is important to you and or the community and know your facts. Visit About Olympia and Protect Olympia for ideas.
• Keep it brief, simple and direct. Stay on subject! No one wants to read a long winded letter and many papers will not print them. A letter less than or well under 200 words has a better chance of being printed but check with your local paper to determine their guidelines. Editors reserve the right to edit your letter for both length and content.
• If you want readers to contact a specific legislator, include their contact information in the letter.
• Check with your paper as to how to deliver your letter. Many accept email (available through your local library if you do not have access otherwise) which saves time and trees. If you send in a hard copy, make sure it is typed and not written. Fax it to the editor’s attention.
• Sign your letter and always include your mailing address and phone number. If emailed, include your daytime phone number so they can call to confirm it’s really you.
• Watch your local paper. If you don’t see your letter within a few days, call them and politely ask about the letter. They may offer hints to help you when you submit a letter in the future.