How to Write a Letter to the Editor

Use your own voice
Use talking points and the sample letter below as a starting point for your own message. Letters with a personal angle are always more compelling. Ask yourself how paying more for soft drinks will affect you, your family or your business.

Be concise
Keep it brief and to the point. Letters under 250 words in 3-5 paragraphs are much more likely to be published.

Make specific references
While some newspapers will print general commentary letters, many prefer letters that respond to a specific article. Be sure to mention the title and date of the article you are responding to within your first two sentences.

Be factual
Highlight aspects of the issue that have not been previously addressed. Utilize the Get the Facts and for fresh messages that newspapers may have failed to cover.

Tie the letter to an outreach event
Editors are interested in printing letters that relate to events happening in the community. Frequently check for grassroots activities in your area.

Stay calm
Use no more than one exclamation point per letter. Do not attack anyone personally. Stick to the facts and keep the letter respectful.

Include your contact information
Many newspapers will only publish a letter to the editor after verifying the author’s contact information. When printed, the letter will usually only include your name and city.

Sample Letter to the Editor from an individual

[DATE]

Dear NewspaperEditor:

When I heard about the new tax on health insurance claims and beverages that will start on August 1 to fund the state Dirigo Health Program (insert recent news article title and date), I became very concerned about what would happen to my bottom line for my family budget. Having to pay more for visits I make or my kids make to the doctor’s office or to pay more for beverages from the grocery store or eating out at a local restaurant is not fair. I feel like I am already taxed to death and I am having enough trouble making ends meet in this tough economy. This tax will end up costing all residents of Maine $75 million more per year.

I support the “Fed Up with Taxes” coalition and feel like there should be other ways to help fix our local health care problems, but not on the backs of all Maine residents through a hidden tax. The Dirigo Health Program is only helping a small percentage of our state’s population, but costing everyone a lot of money.

This is absolutely the worst time to be asking me to pay more for the everyday items and services that I enjoy.
Sincerely,
XXX

Sample Letter to the Editor from a small business owner

[DATE]

Dear Newspaper Editor:

When I heard about the new tax on health insurance claims and beverages to fund the state’s Dirigo Health Program (insert recent news article title and date), I was outraged.

This economy is making it very difficult for my family restaurant to stay open.  Families already are cutting back on eating out.   Now Maine consumers are going to have to pay an additional $40 million every year on beverages they drink.  That means I have to charge 35 percent more for every drink I sell.

I don’t want to have to close my business, but I might have to if this tax goes into effect. As a small business owner, I feel like I am already paying more than my fair share of taxes and now I will be paying even more. That is not fair. There has to be another solution to our state’s health care problems. I agree that we need to fix health care, but this is the wrong approach.

I support the “Fed Up with Taxes” coalition and not only want to make sure I can keep my doors open, but also continue employing my staff and keep the economy of Maine going.

Sincerely,
XXX