Letter Writing

Letters to the Editor

Writing a letter to the editor is a great way to help Sen. Obama win in November. George Lutz, who has had letters appear in Time and Newsweek, along with local newspapers, offers these tips:

1. Keep the word count fewer than 200 because space is precious in newspapers. Short letters are more likely to be read - don't get cut because your letter uses too much space!

2. Each letter should make one argument and make it well. It's always preferable to address the story of the week or a specific story or column that has appeared in the newspaper you're writing to.

3. It's always good to tie in a good standard Obama talking point, such as:

a. Obama had the good judgment to oppose the Iraq war from the start.
b. Obama's economic plans greatly benefits middle class families and students.
c. Obama plans to invest heavily in real long term solutions to our energy crisis.
d. Obama does not accept funding from federal lobbyists.
e. McCain represents the continuation of Bush policies.

4. Send the letter by email. Always include your full name, address and phone number in the email so the letter can be verified (only your name is printed though).

These are some useful email addresses:

Trenton Times: letters@njtimes.com
Star Ledger: eletters@starledger.com
Home News Tribune: letters@thnt.com
NY Times: letters@nytimes.com (The NY Times has a strict 150 word limit)
The Trentonian: editor@trentonian.com
Philadelphia Inquirer: inquirer.letters@phillynews.com or sjletters@hillynews.com

5. Keep writing until a letter gets printed. It's not relatively difficult to get printed but don't expect your first attempt to succeed. Keep writing until your voice is heard. It's definitely more productive than watching talking heads on TV. And of course you get to brag to your friends when you get in the paper. If you'd like help editing your letters, please email me at george.lutz@gmail.com.