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~How
to Write A Letter to the Editor~
Letters to the Editor is one of the most widely read
sections in a newspaper. Responding to an editorial or
article that's published in your local paper is a good
way to express yourself about the issue of the uninsured.
These tips will help:
- Link to current news.
Editors are interested in printing feedback from stories
recently published in their papers.
- Make one clear argument.
The piece should be in favor of or critical of a particular
position taken by a paper or described in an article.
- Be specific. The
letter should focus on a specific issue that was raised
in an article or opinion piece.
- Cite the article.
Be sure to mention the title and date of the article
you're responding to in one of your first two sentences.
For example "Dear Editor, Your recent coverage
of the uninsured (Healthcare in America, May 13th)
was a thoughtful piece"
- Stay calm. One exclamation
point per letter. Don't attack anyone personally,
stick to the facts, and keep the letter respectful.
- Be brief. Generally,
four-to-six paragraphs are ideal. If you can't contain
the piece to that length, consider writing
an op-ed instead.
- Follow-up. If you
have sent your letter to the editor and haven't heard
anything within a week, make a follow-up call to check
on its status. Be aware that editors receive hundreds
of letters and may not immediately respond to you.
Remember, you must include
your name, address, and daytime phone number in your letter.
Instructions for submitting a letter to the editor are
usually at the bottom of the page where they appear or
on the paper's website. Find out from your local paper
the best way to send a letter. Some papers like them mailed;
others prefer faxes, while others favor e-mails.
~How
to Write an Op-Ed ~
The op-ed section of a newspaper
allows readers to share their opinions. If you have direct
experience with or knowledge of the uninsured issue (for
example, if you are a doctor or nurse who treats people
without health insurance), and you have insights to share
on this topic, you should consider writing one.
The following pointers will
help you get your op-ed piece published:
- Have a news hook.
Tying your piece to an event, new research study findings,
or a legislative debate will increase your chance
of getting published. For example, a newspaper report
on new research about health coverage in America would
be an excellent hook.
- Keep it brief. Newspapers
have limited space and editors don't have the time
to cut your piece down to size. In general, 750 to
800 words will do.
- Make a single point.
You only have 750-800 words. Make one point clearly
and persuasively.
- Avoid jargon. Simple
language ensures that all readers, even non-experts,
can understand your point. For example, don't use
acronyms or technical language.
- Use examples. Illustrations,
anecdotes are personal stories are persuasive tools.
They help explain and bring to life complicated-issues.
- Make a specific recommendation.
This is an opinion piece. State your opinion on how
to improve matters.
- Draw the reader in.
Your first paragraph should draw in the reader by
using a dramatic vignette or a well-stated argument.
- End with a bang.
Your final paragraph is as important as your opening
paragraph. Be sure to summarize your argument in one
strong final paragraph.
- Follow-up. Most
op-ed editors will respond to you within a week. If
you haven't heard in that time frame or if your piece
is particularly time sensitive, you can make one follow-up
phone call to be sure it was received.
Make sure your article is
double-spaced with wide margins. List your name, address,
phone, fax, and e-mail contact information at the top
of the opinion piece. Find out from your local paper the
best way to send an op-ed. Instructions for submitting
an op-ed are usually at the bottom of the page where they
appear or on the paper's web site. Some papers like them
mailed; others prefer faxes, while others favor e-mails.
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