Tips for Responding to the Media: Nine Tips for Writing Letters to the Editor or to Media Outlets

1.  Give your letter relevance with a specific reference to an earlier story, letter, or other editorial item.

2.  Letters should be concise, short and neat.  Editors usually prefer letters between 200-300 words (you can check with the paper for its specific requirements).  Avoid clichés and use brief, clear sentences.  The more people understand what you are trying to say, the better your chances for stimulating action.

3.  The first paragraph should refer to the original article or commentary you are writing about (include headline, byline, date).  The second paragraph delineates why you agree or disagree with the article.  It helps to present quotations, facts, statistics, or anecdotes that support your point.  The third paragraph should wrap it up succinctly.

4.  Sign your letter and print your name, address, and phone number legibly.  Keep your source material handy in preparation for a possible fact-checking call.

5.  Some editors say they look for letters with a personal association, that make a factual correction, that take issue with a point of view, and/or that contain humor or wit.

6.  Editors emphasize that they want letters from real people speaking in their own voices about things that matter to them.

7.  It is a good idea to send a copy of your letter to the reporter/author of the published piece you are writing about.

8.  Read published Letters to the Editor in national and local newspapers and magazines to get an idea of what editors like, especially in the publication you are writing to.

9.  If appropriate, please feel free to mention Family and Home Network/Welcome Home as a resource for mothers, including our number 866/352-1075 for a free information packet on FAHN/WH.  Feel free to direct media personnel to contact the Family and Home Network Public Relations Department at 703-866-4164.