Publishing

Your letter is more likely to be published if you keep it short and to the point.  Many newspapers state a limit of 200, 250, or 300 words.

Include your full name, address, daytime phone number, and signature. The papers will only publish your name and city with your letter. Unsigned letters often go unpublished.

Please understand, many letters are submitted and not all can be printed.  Many papers will not print letters from out of their serving area, however, unless stated I would send the letter anyway.

Using the Lists

   When sending to more than one newspaper, I suggest sending individual e-mails rather than using the 'CC'.  Click on one:

King County Papers     -     Papers Across America

Washington Papers     -     Other Publications

Type out your letter, count your words and check your spelling.  Highlight your text, copy, then click on 'Email' in the first newspaper box.  Your email client should come up with the newspaper email address. Click and paste. You will then be able to paste the text into additional E-mails without retyping.

Writing The Letter 

When inspired by a current event to write, do it then while the issue is still timely.  Put some style into your letter, using a catchy phrase.  Be sure your information is accurate.  Take note that the newspaper reserves the right to title your letter and to edit for space, grammar, and liability.  Being concise and to the point reduces the possibility that any editing will neuter the essence of your letter.  Back up your premise with facts, and check your sources especially when receiving information by forwarded email.  You are in competition for the letter space so be creative.

Use your spelling and grammar checker. The worse your spelling spelling and grammar the less likely you are to be published.  Do not swear. Swearing in a letter will get you immediately censored. Swearing for any reason is no reason for swearing.

- I've received Hate-Mail due to my letters.  They are never signed... of course. The main complaint is that Conservatives are published more often. If the poor spelling, bad grammar, and cussing, in the 'hate mail', is any indication of the quality of letters the Newspapers receive from them Dem. Libs, it is no wonder they are not published as often; if indeed that is the case.

Click here for some examples of published letters.

Promoting Your Agenda

When campaigning for a Conservative agenda with letters to the editor keep yourself to the agenda.  Writing letters of other agendas only serve to provide liberal editors the excuse for not publishing the conservative message.  Once a piece is published they need not print  another by you for two, three, four, or more weeks according to that newspaper's policy.   Within your agenda vary the subject, possibly providing a unique perspective.  The more unique and more articulate, the more likely you are to be published.