How to Write an Effective Letter
How to write an effective Letter:
A well-thought out and polite letter will carry much more weight than an hastily written, angry letter. When writing letters to the media or court offices, here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
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Be brief! Sometimes one short, pithy paragraph is enough - try to stay under 300 words (about one typed page). Editors are less likely to print long letters.
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Type, if possible. Otherwise, print legibly. Be sure to use correct grammar and spelling, and remember to have it proofread.
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Make sure you include your name, address, and telephone number in your letter. Some newspapers verify authorship before printing letters.
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Look for opportunities to write op-ed pieces for local papers. These are longer articles of about 500 - 800 words that summarize an issue, develop an argument, and propose a solution. Send the article to the Editorial Page editor.
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Keep personal grudges and name-calling out of letters; they'll hurt your credibility.
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Avoid self-righteous language and exaggeration. Readers may dismiss arguments if they feel preached to or if the author sounds hysterical.
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Don't assume your audience knows the issues.
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Stick to the facts. One inaccurate statement, accusation, or innuendo can invalidate an otherwise excellent letter.
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Use positive suggestions rather than negative commands.
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Personalize your writing with anecdotes and visual images.
For examples and more tips, see the Guide to Letter-Writing published by PETA
www.peta.org/alert/tkit.html
and the tips offered by the Fund for Animals
www.fund.org/library/documentViewer.asp?ID=39.
Thank you everyone!
Regards,
Carolyn Mullin, CEO & Director
No More Homeless Animals
Oxnard, California USA
mullin@newsguy.com
cavycare@care2.com
www.nomorehomelessanimals.org