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by H. Paul Payne, Members' Council Administrator
The letter to the editor is one of the best tools for the grassroots activist to use in order to get his or her message out to the public. They are easy to write and every community has at least one newspaper in which you can submit your letter. Sending letters to the editor can help you achieve your goals because they:
- reach a very large audience.
- can be used to rebut information not accurately addressed in a news article or editorial.
- create an impression of widespread support or opposition to an issue.
- are widely read by community leaders and lawmakers to gauge public sentiment about current issues in the news.
The purpose of submitting a letter to the editor is to have it published so that you will influence your targeted primary audience, the readers of the newspaper. The letters to the editor section of the newspaper is one of the most popular features in many newspapers.
If your letter is not published, write another one. Most newspapers receive many more letters than they can print. Even though they are not published, all letters are read by the editors, and may influence them in determining which topics should receive further attention or follow-up articles.
Don't hesitate to send letters to weekly, on-line, or community newspapers. By submitting your letter to a newspaper with a smaller circulation, it is often easier to get your letter published.
The following techniques should help you when writing your letter to the editor:
SIX SIMPLE STEPS
- Type or Write Clearly. Hand written letters are the best. Make them legible. Your letter doesn't have to be professionally written or fancy, but you should use a typewriter or computer/word processor if your handwriting is hard to read or messy. Hand sign your letter, whenever possible.
- Addressing Your Letter Correctly. If you are mailing or delivering you letter, you should address your letter "To the Editor" or "Dear Editor." If you are sending your letter via email or fax, type "Letters to the Editor" in the topic or subject heading.
- Keep Your Letter Short and on One Subject. Letters should never exceed one page. Many newspapers will edit your letter before publishing it; in order to ensure a minimum amount of editing, always try to keep your letter smaller than 150 words in length. Keeping your letter brief will help assure that the newspaper does not edit out your important points. In the opening paragraph, state the purpose of your letter and stick to that topic. Make sure to follow the paper's letter submission guidelines, which are usually found on the editorial page of the paper.
- Always be Factual. Don't embellish your story or statements. And never openly attack the paper or other readers. Include statistics, documented facts, and studies in your letter in order to enhance its effectiveness. But, too many statistics will tend to bore or confuse the reader and your point will be lost to them. Only make statements that you can back up. A good rule to follow is, "If you can't prove it, don't include it."
- Write About Current Events and News, Not Old Stories. Stick to recent issues. Respond promptly to anti-gun stories and editorials. Mention your support for pro-gun legislation or opposition to anti-gun legislation. Make references to recent stories that you read in the newspaper. Although some papers will print general commentary, many will only print letters that refer to a specific article or editorial.
Included, are a few examples of ways to refer to articles in your opening sentence:
- I was disappointed to see that…
- I am deeply saddened to read that Congressman (insert name) is…
- In your editorial of (date), you missed an important point…
- The readers of (insert name) County couldn't agree with you more, when you said…
- I strongly disagree with the view expressed by (author's name)…
- I'm sure that many readers were confused by…
- Include Your Daytime Contact Information. Most newspapers will not print a letter until they verify its authenticity. Therefore, they require that your letters be signed, addressed, and daytime phone number be included for verification. It would be very unusual for a newspaper to print anonymous letters.
© 1999/2005 H. Paul Payne, All Rights Reserved.
| Northern California |
| San Francisco Bay Area |
| Central California |
| Eastern Sierra |
| Southern California |
| Outside of California |
Amador Ledger-Dispatch: www.amadorledger-dispatch.com
email: info@amadorledger-dispatch.com
mail: 10776 Argonaut Lane, Jackson, CA 95642
phone: (209) 223-1767
fax: (209) 223-1264
Arcata Eye: www.arcataeye.com
email: eye@humboldt.com
mail: 791 Eighth Street (Jacoby's Storehouse), Suite 6, Arcata, CA 95521
phone:(707) 826-7000
fax: (707) 826-0161
Chico Enterprise-Record: www.chicoer.com/
email: chicoer@maxinet.com
mail: Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 9, Chico, CA 95927
phone: (530) 891-1234 ext. 253
fax: (530) 342-3617
Marysville Appeal-Democrat: www.appeal-democrat.com/letter2editor.html
email: Julie_Shirley@link.freedom.com
mail: 1530 Ellis Lake Drive, Marysville, Calif. 95901
phone: (530) 741-2345, (800)831-2345
fax: (530) 741-0140
Northcoast Journal (Arcata): www.northcoast.com/~ncjour
email: ncjour@northcoast.com
mail: 145 G St., Suite A, Arcata, Calif. 95521
phone: (707) 826-2000
fax: (707) 826-2060
Oroville Mercury-Register: www.orovillemr.com
email: chicoer@maxinet.com
mail: Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 9, Chico, CA 95927
phone: (530) 891-1234 ext. 253
fax: (530) 342-3617
Petaluma Argus-Courier: www.arguscourier.com
email: acwebmaster@arguscourier.com
mail: 830 Petaluma Blvd. North Petaluma, CA 94552
phone: (707) 762-4541
fax: (707) 765-1701
Placerville Mountain Democrat: www.mtdemocrat.com
email: www.mtdemocrat.com/leteditor.html
mail: 1360 Broadway, P.O. Box 1088, Placerville, CA 95667
phone: (530) 622-1255
fax: (530) 622-7894
Redding Record Searchlight: www.redding.com
email: www.redding.com/edit.htm
mail: P.O. Box 492397, Redding, CA 96049
phone: (530) 243-2424
fax: (530) 242-8672
Tahoe Daily Tribune: www.tahoe.com/tribune/index.html
email: tribune@tahoe.com
mail: 3079 Harrison Ave., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
phone: (530) 541-3880
fax: (530) 541-0373
Ukiah Daily Journal: www.ukiahdailyjournal.com
email: udj@saber.net
mail: 590 S. School St., Ukiah, CA 95482
phone: (707) 468-0123
fax: (707) 468-5780The Vacaville Reporter: www.TheReporter.Com
email: Letters@TheReporter.Com
mail: P.O. Box 1509, Vacaville, CA 95696
phone: (707) 448-2200
fax: (707) 447-8411
Bakersfield Californian: www.bakersfield.com/
email: opinion@bakersfield.com
mail: Letters to the Editor P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302-0440
phone: (661) 395-7500
fax: (661) 395-7519
Carmel Pine Cone: www.carmelpinecone.com
email: mail@carmelpinecone.com
mail: Post Office Box G-1, Carmel, California 93921
phone: (831) 624-0162
fax: (831) 624-8076
Davis Enterprise: www.davisenterprise.com
email: editor@davis.com
mail: 303 G St., Davis, CA 95616
phone: (530) 756-0800
fax: (530) 756-1668
Fresno Bee: www.fresnobee.com/
email: letters@fresnobee.com
mail: Letters to the editor, The Fresno Bee, 1626 E. Street, Fresno, CA 93786
phone: (209) 441-6111, (800) 877-7300
fax: (209) 441-6499
Kern Valley Sun (Kern River Valley): www.kvsun.com
email: kvsun@lightspeed.net
mail:
phone: (760) 379-3667
fax:
Lodi News-Sentinel: www.lodinews.com
email: letters@lodinews.com
mail: P.O. Box 1360, Lodi, CA 95241
phone: (209) 369-2761
fax: (209) 369-1084
Modesto Bee: www.modbee.com
email: letters@modbee.com
mail: 1325 H Street, Modesto, CA 95354
phone: (209) 578-2330
fax: (209) 578-2207
Oakhurst Sierra Star: www.sierrastar.com
email: sstar@sierranet.net
mail: Post Office Box 305, Oakhurst, California 93644
phone: (209)683-4464
fax: (209) 683-8102
Sacramento Bee: www.sacbee.com/
email: opinion@sacbee.com
mail: P.O.Box 15779, Sacramento, CA 95852
phone: (916) 321-1903
fax: (916) 321-1996
Sacramento News & Review: www.newsreview.com
email: sactoletters@newsreview.com
mail: 1015 20th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
phone: (916) 498-1234
fax: (916) 498-7920
San Luis Obispo Telegram Tribune: www.sanluisobispo.com
email: wgroshong@telegram-tribune.com
mail: 3825 S. Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
phone: (805) 781-7900
fax: (805) 781-7905
Stockton Record: www.Recordnet.com
email: editor@recordnet.com
mail: P.O. Box 900, Stockton, CA 95201
phone: (209) 943-6397
fax: (209) 547-8186
Tracy Press: www.tracypress.com
email:letters@tracypress.com
mail: Letters to Editor, Tracy Press, P.O. Box 419, Tracy, CA 95378-0419
phone: (209) 835-3030
fax: (209) 835-0655
Woodland Daily Democrat: www.dailydemocrat.com
email: wdailydemocrat@2xtreme.net
mail: 711 Main St, Woodland, CA 95695-3406
phone: (530) 662-5421
fax:
Alameda Times Star: www.newschoice.com/newspapers/alameda/times/default.asp
email: eangstar@newschoice.com
mail: 6 Jack London Sq. Oakland, CA 94607
phone: (510) 208-6300
fax: (510) 208-6477
Contra Costa Times: www.hotcoco.com
email: www.hotcoco.com/news/opinion/index.htm
mail: Letters to the Editor, 2640 Shadelands Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
phone: (925) 935-2525
fax: (925) 933-0239
Cupertino Courier: www.cupertinocourier.com
email: courier@sjmetro.com
mail: 20465 Silverado Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014
phone: (408) 255-7500
fax:
Fairfield Daily Republic: www.dailyrepublic.com
email: drnews@dailyrepublic.com
mail: Box 47, Fairfield, Calif. 94533
phone: (707) 425-4646
fax: (707) 425-5924
Hayward Daily Review: www.newschoice.com/newspapers/alameda/review/default.asp
email: eangreview@newschoice.com
mail: 116 W. Winton Ave. Hayward, CA 94544
phone: (510) 783-6111
fax: (510) 293-2490
Los Gatos Weekly Times: www.metroactive.com
email: lgwt@sjmetro.com
mail:P.O. Box 65, Los Gatos, CA 95031
phone: (408) 354-3110
fax:
Oakland Tribune: www.newschoice.com/newspapers/alameda/tribune/
email: eangstar@newschoice.com
mail: 66 Jack London Sq. Oakland, CA 94607
phone: (510) 208-6300
fax: (510) 208-6477
Palo Alto Weekly: www.paweekly.com
email: letters@paweekly.com
mail: 703 High Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
phone: (650) 326-8210
fax:
Pleasanton Tri-Valley Herald: www.newschoice.com/newspapers/alameda/herald/default.asp
email: eangherald@newschoice.com
mail: 4770 Willow Rd. Pleasanton, CA 94588
phone: (925) 734-8600
fax: (925) 416-4850
Point Reyes Light: www.ptreyeslight.com
email: editor@ptreyeslight.com
mail: Box 210, Point Reyes Station, California 94956
phone: (415) 663-8404
fax:
San Francisco Chronicle: www.sfgate.com/chronicle
email: chronletters@sfgate.com
mail: 901 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
phone:
fax:
San Francisco Examiner: www.examiner.com
email: letters@examiner.com
mail: P.O. Box 7260, San Francisco, CA, 94120
phone:
fax:
San Jose Mercury News: www.merccenter.com
email: letters@sjmercury.com
mail: Letters to the Editor, 750 Ridder Park Drive
San Jose, CA 95190
phone: (408) 920-5476
fax: (408) 271-3792.
San Mateo County Times: www.newschoice.com/newspapers/alameda/smct/default.asp
email: eangsmc@newschoice.com
mail: 1080 S. Amplett San Mateo, CA 94402
phone: (650) 348-4334
fax: (650) 348-4446
Santa Rosa Press Democrat: www.pressdemo.com
email: letters@pressdemo.com
mail: P.O. Box 569, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
phone: (707) 523-8080 X 2500
fax: (707) 523-8073
Saratoga News: www.saratoganews.com
email: sn@sjmetro.com
mail: 14375 Saratoga Ave., Suite E2, Saratoga, CA 95070
phone: (408) 867-6397
fax:
Sepastopol Sonoma West Times and News: www.sonomawest.com/
email: news@sonomawest.com
mail: P.O. Box 521 Sebastopol, CA. 95473
phone: (707) 823-7845
fax: (707) 823-7508
Sonoma Index-Tribune: www.sonomanews.com
email: bill@sonomanews.com
mail: P. O. Box C , Sonoma, CA 95476
phone: (707) 938-2111
fax: (707) 938-1600
Sunnyvale Sun: www.sunnyvalesun.com
email: sun@sjmetro.com
mail: 160-B S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086
phone: (408) 481-0170
fax:
Vallejo Times Herald: www.timesheraldonline.com
email: www.timesheraldonline.com/extras/letters.shtml
mail: 440 Curtola Parkway, Vallejo, California 94590
phone: (707) 644-1141
fax: (707) 643-4322
Willow Glen Resident (San Jose): www.wgresident.com/
email: wgr@sjmetro.com
mail: 550. S. First St., San Jose, CA 95113-2806
phone: (408) 298-8000
fax:
Mammoth Times: mammothtimes.com/letter.html
email: mamtimes@mammothtimes.com
mail: Sierra Center Mall, second floor, 452 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
phone: (760) 934-3929
fax: (760) 934-3951
Antelope Valley Press: www.avpress.com
email: letters@avpress.com
mail: P.O. Box 4050, Palmdale, California 93590-4050
phone: (661) 273-2700
fax: (661) 947-4870
Hemet News: www.hemetnews.com
email: hemetnew@koan.com
mail: 474 W. Esplanade, San Jacinto, CA
phone: 909-487-2200
fax: (909) 487-2250
Idllywild Town Crier: www.idyl.com
email: itc@pe.net
mail: P.O. Box 157, Idyllwild, CA 92549
phone: (909) 659-2145, (888) 535-6663
fax: (909) 659-2071
The Lompoc Record: www.lompocrecord.com
email: mhufman@lompocrecord.com
mail: 115 North H St., Lompoc CA 93436
phone: (805) 736-2313
fax: (805) 736-5654
Los Angeles Daily News: www.dailynews.com
email: DNforum@aol.com
mail: 21221 Oxnard St., Woodland Hills, CA 91365
phone: (818) 713-3000
fax
Los Angeles Times: www.latimes.com/HOME/
email: letters@latimes.com
mail: Letters to the Editor, Times Mirror Square
Los Angeles, CA 90053
phone: (213) 237-5000
fax:
Long Beach Press Telegram: www.ptconnect.com
email: speakout@ptconnect.infi.net
mail: 604 Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90844
phone: (562) 499-1244
fax:
Ojai Valley News: www.ojaivalleynews.com
email: letters@ojaivalleynews.com
mail: 408A Bryant Circle, Ojai, CA 93023
phone: (805) 646-1476
fax:
Ontario Daily Bulletin: www.dailybulletin.com
email: www.dailybulletin.com/forms/dbforms.html
mail: PO Box 4000, Ontario, CA 91761
phone: (909) 987-6397, ext. 214
fax:
Orange County Register: www.ocregister.com
email: letters@link.freedom.com
mail: P.O. Box 11626, Santa Ana, CA 92711
phone:(714) 835-1234
fax: (714) 565-3657
Pasadena Herald Tribune: www.HeraldTribune.com
email: editor@heraldtribune.com
mail: 1111 South Arroyo Parkway, Suite 415, Pasadena, CA 91105
phone:
fax:
Pasadena Star-News: www.newschoice.com/Newspapers/LosAngeles/Pasadena/default.asp
email: Letter to the Editor webpage
mail: 911 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91109
phone: (626) 578-6300
fax:
Daily Independent (Ridgecrest): www.ridgecrestca.com
email: dieditor@ridgecrestca.com
mail: PO Box 7, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
phone: (760) 375-4483
fax: (760) 375-4880Riverside Press Enterprise: www.inlandempireonline.com/?www.pe.net
email: feedback@inlandempireonline.com
mail: Box 792, Riverside CA 92502
phone: (909) 684-1200
fax:
San Diego Daily Transcript/San Diego Source: www.sddt.com
email: editor@sddt.com
mail: 2131 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
phone: (619) 232-4381 or (800) 697-NEWS
fax: (619) 236-8126San Diego Union Tribune: www.uniontrib.com
email: letters@uniontrib.com
mail: PO Box 120191, San Diego, CA, 92112-0191
phone: (619) 299-3131 or (800) 244-6397
fax: (619) 293-1440
San Gabriel Valley Tribune: www.newschoice.com/Newspapers/LosAngeles/Tribune/default.asp
email: Letter to the editor webpage
mail: 1210 N. Azusa Canyon Road, West Covina, CA 91790
phone: (626) 962-8811
fax:
Santa Barbara Independent: www.independent.com
email: editorial@independent.com
mail: 1221 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
phone:
fax: (805) 965-5518
Santa Barbara News Press: www.newspress.com
email: editorial@newspress.com
mail: P.O. Box 1359, Santa Barbara, CA 93102
phone: (805) 564-5200
fax: (805) 966-6258
The Signal (Santa Clarita): www.the-signal.com
email: editorial@newspress.com
mail: P.O. Box 1359, Santa Barbara, CA 93102
phone: (805) 564-5200
fax: (805) 966-6258
Ventura County Star: www.staronline.com
email: dsmith@staronline.com
mail: 5250 Ralston St., Ventura, CA 93003
phone: (805) 650-2900
fax: (805) 650-2950
Victorville Daily Press: www.vvdailypress.com
email: dml@link.freedom.com
mail: P.O. Box 1389, Victorville, California 92393-1389
phone: (760) 241-7744
fax: (760) 241-1860Whittier Daily News: www.newschoice.com/Newspapers/LosAngeles/Whittier/default.asp
email: Letter to the Editor webpage
mail:
phone:
fax:
Yucca Valley Hi-Desert Star: www.hidesertstar.com
email: www.hidesertstar.com/extras/letters.shtml
mail:
phone: (760) 365-3315
fax:
New York Times: www.nytimes.com
email: letters@nytimes.com
mail: 229 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036
phone:
fax: (212) 556-3622
USA Today: www.usatoday.com
email: editor@usatoday.com
mail: 1000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, Va. 22229
phone: (703) 276-3400
fax:
Wall Street Journal: www.wsj.com
email:
mail:
phone:
fax:
Washington Post: www.washingtonpost.com
email: www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/edit/letters/letterform.htm
mail: 1150 15th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20071
phone:
fax:
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