The purpose of a letter to the editor is to let others know what you think about an issue and to persuade other readers to agree with your opinion. The intended audience is therefore the readers of the paper.

Tips for making an impact:

• If you are responding to comments made by an earlier letter, state the title and date of the letter you are responding to.
• Stick to one issue. If you have comments on a number of issues, write a letter about each one.
  Begin with a strong and direct statement on the issue.
• Avoid letters that are just whining and complaining. Where possible, also make some suggestions about positive things that might be done.
• Make sure each argument you have is in a separate paragraph.
• While you can let your feelings be known, avoid too much anger or sarcasm.
• Put the important points at the top of the letter. Sometimes when a letter is edited for publication, bits down the bottom may get chopped off.
• Keep the letter short - usually around 200 - 250 words.
• Use short sentences and paragraphs. It makes the argument easier to follow when the reader is skimming the paper.
• Remember, letters on current issues are more likely to be published. Even if an issue isn't topical, still try. You might just create a issue that will stir up action.
• Include contact details - your name, address (and phone may help). The editor may want to contact you to elaborate on some points of view.
• Check the letter carefully for accurate spelling and grammar. This makes you seem more of an expert!
• Remember, newspapers often receive hundreds of letters each day. They cannot all be published. If after a few days, your has not been published, ring and politely ask why yours has not been published. The personal approach may work.
• Not all letters need to be ones that criticise what is going on. Too often, we miss the good news stories and congratulations for people who are doing the right thing.
• Double space your lines and extra space between paragraphs helps keep the attention of busy editors.