Letter-to-the-Editor (LTE) Guide

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Letters to the Editor (LTEs) are a simple and excellent way to communicate key messages about Green Jobs Now and a green economy!  Policymakers often consider the LTE section as the "voice of the community," so they are particularly attuned to the viewpoints expressed here.  

Take a few minutes to write and submit a LTE to your local newspaper the week of Green Jobs Now.  To maximize the likelihood that your letter will be printed, follow these guidelines:

Short is Sweet: Resist the temptation to write a two-page screed – your LTE has to be short, punchy and to the point.  Focus on keeping your letter to 100-150 words. 

Short Sentences.  Short Paragraphs: If you write like a journalist – short sentences and short paragraphs – editors will be more likely to choose your letter.  

Communicate Key Messages: Use every sentence to communicate your message – don't risk the chance that your key message will be left on the editing room floor!  Refer to our core message and talking points to craft your LTE.  

Make It Personal: People make decisions based on emotions and values, and the best way to communicate values and emotions is by telling a (short) personal story.  To this end you can use your LTE to talk about your event!

Include Your Full Name, City, Phone Number: Your LTE should always end with your complete name, city of residence and telephone number.  Your number will not be published, of course, but many papers will call to verify that you actually wrote the letter. 

If you are writing a letter on behalf of your organization, list your organizational title, organization name and the city that the organization is located in (rather than your personal city of residence).