LTE's can be submitted to respond to other stories or to comment on issues in the news.  LTE's can keep your issues in the news and create buzz around your issue. They are a way to get your message in the press without having to work with a reporter.

• Keep them at 200 words max. Some papers specify a word count which can usually be found in their publication or on their website. BE CONCISE: the paper will take the liberty to shorten your letter to suit its format; the more it has to cut, the less control you have of what gets printed. Focus on one component of your message. Get to the point and use engaging, punchy language. Keep the paragraphs short.

• Be witty and use humor. PERSONALIZE your letter! How does the issue affect you specifically? Rely on personal statements more than complicated statistics. Don't use cliches or make personal attacks. Relate to your specific audience.

• What articles or letters have been previously published at the paper on this issue? If you are referring to something previously published, identify it by its headline and the date it was published. This enables the editor to quickly check the original item to verify any references you have made to it (quotes, statistics, etc.)

• The newspaper must be able to verify that the letter is in fact from you, so it is crucial to include your full name, address, and daytime phone number (for verification purposes, not for printing!) and sign the letter.

• Always double check grammar and spelling as the editorial editors won't.

• After submitting your letter, you can follow up with the editorial contact person (but not more than once) if you'd like, quickly pitching the newsworthiness of your LTE.

1st paragraph: If you are citing previous coverage of the issue, name it here.

2nd paragraph: Introduce something personal and state your side of the argument.

3rd paragraph: Move your key messages: what is the basic problem and solution?

4th paragraph: Communicate what action you would like taken and/or write the "kicker" to the letter.

Information provided by the Oregon Student Association