Write a Letter to the Editor
The letter to the editor section of your local newspaper is an effective forum for getting your message to your neighbors, legislators, and members of Maine’s Congressional delegation. Use our tips and resources below to write and submit a letter to the editor that makes a difference for Maine’s environment.
One of the ways you can get involved in environmental advocacy is to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Letters are widely read and are an effective way to make sure decision-makers and others in your community understand why acting for a healthier environment matters.
Submission forms for Maine’s daily newspapers
We’ve listed submission forms for Maine’s daily newspapers below, but we encourage you to write to your local weekly newspaper as well. Local papers are where many of your neighbors get their news and where they find out about issues that affect them. Getting a letter to the editor published in your local newspaper is one of the most powerful ways to shape how people think about the issues that matter.
Tips for getting your letter to the editor printed:
- Keep your letter short and on one subject —250 words is a good length.
- Use short, punchy sentences and avoid big words. A catchy first line is helpful too.
- Type the letter—double spaced, one page maximum.
- Personalize your letter—tell a story…explain how the issue has or will affect you.
- Be as factual as you can, but use statistics sparingly. Too many can become confusing and overwhelming.
- When possible, mention a related article already printed by the paper. This increases the chances that your letter will be published.
- Aim to be moderate and fair. This doesn’t mean you should be bland, but that you should write with the average person in mind, and use phrases and arguments that resonate with them.
- Emphasize the positive. When you criticize, also propose a better alternative.
- Don’t repeat claims made by opponents on your issue.
- Include your full name, address, and telephone number. The newspaper will contact you before they print the letter to verify that you are the author.
- Feel free to follow up with a phone call to make sure the appropriate person got your letter.
- Send letters to weekly community newspapers, too. It’s often easier to get published there, and your legislators likely read local weeklies.
- Encourage your friends and neighbors to write letters to the editor as well.
- Sending your letter to your legislator or to members of the relevant legislative committee can also be effective.
Your letter stands the best chance of getting printed when it responds to something recently published in that newspaper—a news story, column, or editorial. Use the reference to that item as a springboard for stating your case.
Your letter can support and expand on something already in the news, raise a point that was omitted, or correct misinformation.
Don’t be afraid to ask for action—tell readers what you want them to do. This includes your elected representatives—at the state and federal levels. You can be sure they read the letters to the editor.