Letter Preparation Guide
This guide is designed to help you write a letter to the editor on some issue that concerns you.
• Tell why you are writing the letter. State the problem or issue that concerns you. Example: “The big jump in the cost of heating a house has me concerned. I just got my utility bill in the mail, and I was shocked. Even though the weather has been mild, this bill was as high as any I have seen.”
• Tell why this is important. Tell how the problem or issue affects you or others, or tell what will happen if something isn’t done. Example: “I’m worried that some of my friends won’t be able to pay their bills when it gets really cold. If I’m not lucky, I may not be able to pay my bill.”
• Praise or criticize what someone has said or done about the issue. Make a positive or critical statement about a public action related to the issue. Example: “I want to praise our elected offcials for having the courage to try to do something about this problem.”
• Tell why this is good or bad. Explain your view about why the particular action or comment is good or bad. Example: “Other cities and the state government won’t face the problem because they’re afraid of the politics.”
• State your opinion about what should be done. Explain what you think would work. Example: “This life-line utility program is a good idea whose time has come.”
• Make a general recommendation. Say what should be done, by whom and when. Example: “I believe our elected offcials should do something.”
• Sign the letter. Sign your full name and write the name of the town where you live.
• Send the letter my snail mail or by e-m