Letter Writing Tips

Letters to politicians.

Letters to newspapers or publications.

How to write a letter to a politician

• Keep it to the point, don't make it too long: When writing a letter to a politician it should be concise, factual and focused. Try not too exceed one page or you may risk losing the interest of the person reading. State your opinion early on in the letter, and be sure not to talk about to many issues all at once.
• Be respectful: Your point is more likely to be received openly if it does not include and insulting or inappropriate language.
• Tell them about yourself. Refrain from giving too much information, yet, sharing a little bit about yourself, possibly relating to why you might care about the issue at hand, can be beneficial. This helps bring a mental image to the reader, which helps bring you and your point alive.
• Make sure you are writing to the appropriate person: Depending on whether the issue is as federal or provincial one, the more affective person to write to will differ.
  To find your MLA visit http://streetkey.elections.ab.ca/
  To contact Alberta MLAs, Ministers and the premier go here:
  Find your federal MP
  Find Canada's Federal Ministers
  
• Request a change or action: Make sure it is well known what your issue is and ask for the change you want. Such as, "Please vote to pass this issue concerning...".
• Aim for the public interest: Explain why you think the change would benefit the public as a whole, not just yourself.
• Know the facts: You do not need to know everything regarding the issue, however, be sure to fully understand the facts your letter contains. Do not let the fact that you are not an expert prevent you from voicing your opinion, though.
  
• Ask for a reply: This lets the reader know you mean business. End with a statement such as, "I look forward to your reply". Assume that you will be receiving a response.
• Re-read and revise: After your first draft, be sure to re-read your letter and make sure it is vocalizing what you want it to. Make sure to check you're spelling and grammar as well. If you're not sure about your letter or a section of it, why not ask a friend to read it over for you?
  
• Consider if you should send a copy of the letter to anyone else: You local representative should always receive a copy of a letter you send to the Prime Minister, Premier or any cabinet minister.
  

Writing a letter to the editor

• Write about a relevant issue: Editors prefer to publish timely, concise letters that respond to an article, editorial, or other letter that appeared in the newspaper.
• Be quick: Write your letter and submit it as soon as you can. The day that the article is published is the most effective time.
• Email letter if possible: Check out the newspapers website to see the emailing address for editorials. If you cannot email it, type it up, it is neater and easier to read.
• Be appropriate: Remember, your letter will not be published if you speak in a offensive, or obscene manner.
• Include contact information: Publications want your full name, address, postal code and daytime phone number to verify your letter or discuss changes prior to publication. Anonymous letters will not be published.
  
• Open your letter with a strong statement: Your opening statement can take issue with a comment from someone interviewed for the story, add to the discussion by pointing out something readers would need to know, disagree with an editorial position, or point out an error or misrepresentation in an article.
• Keep it short: Focus on one, or at most two, major points. Support your position with facts, statistics, citations or other evidence. Aim for no more than 250 words, or 2-3 paragraphs.
• Have a strong closing statement: Close with the thought you'd like readers to remember. Instead of focusing your attention at a reporter, editor, or expert who got it wrong, consider the central point you want people reading the letter to take away.
• Re-read and revise: Make sure to go over your letter for mistakes. Have someone else also read it to check for any changes that need to be made.
• Don’t give up: Most publications are selective about the letters which they publish. Do not get discouraged.

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