A letter to the editor will perhaps reach the largest audience you will ever address. More than one-third of newspaper audiences regularly read the editorial pages.

1.Familiarize yourself with the publication to which you are writing. Review several letters to the editor that have already been printed in order to obtain a feel for what style of letter is printed most often.

2.Check the publication for a mailing address for letters to the editor and other instructions.

3.Type letter double-spaced on 8.5 x 11 paper. Use only one side of the page. Letters to the editor should be no more than a few paragraphs in length. Many publications now also accept e-mailed letters.

4.Plan your initial sentence carefully. A good way to grab your reader by referring to an article (citing headline and date) that was recently printed in the same publication, then use this as a way of building a quick bridge to the content of your letter.

5.Limit your letter to one topic only.

6.The most significant information should appear in the opening paragraph as newspaper editors often cut letters to fit available space.

7.Write your letter in the active voice, using short, declarative sentences and action verbs. Express your thoughts as clearly and precisely as possible.

8.Use personal experiences whenever possible to illustrate your point.

9.Sign your name and also type your name, address, and telephone number at the bottom of the letter.