How to Write an LTE
This campaign is a people-powered grassroots movement and would not be possible without people like you. Please use this guide to coach you through writing and submitting your letter.
Letters to the editor are one of the most widely read sections of the paper. In addition to the general public, public officials and their staff, our allies and potential allies, newspaper editors and reporters, and other opinion leaders also pay close attention to letters to the editor. If these people see that Andom has grassroots support, they will be more likely to join #TeamAndom.
The goal of a letter to the editor is to explain your support of Andom Ghebreghiorgis using your personal experience and voice and share ways other supporters (or potential supporters) can get involved.
Step 1
Find the Letters to the Editor address
Find your local newspaper’s Letters to the Editor submission email on their website.
Step 2
Follow the word limit
Be sure to obey your newspaper’s word limit, sometimes as low as 150-200 words.
Step 3
Write the letter
Write your letter! See more below for our tips on how to make it compelling.
Step 4
Email your letter
Paste your letter into the body of your email.
Step 5
Share your contact information
Note that many newspapers will require that letter writers submit contact information with their letter. Phone numbers won’t be published. This is just to verify your identity.
Step 6
Submit your letter locally
Submit to smaller local papers, not just the nearest big city paper. You’ll have a better chance of getting published.
TIPS ON HOW TO WRITE A LETTER
Focus on one topic. If you have two, write a second letter. For example, write about his plan for student loan debt relief or women’s equal rights, but not both.
Be clear and concise—you only have around 200 words or less to make your point. Obey those word count limits. If your letter gets long, write a second letter.
Be yourself. You don’t need to talk like an academic or a policy expert. Remember, you’re a smart, passionate voter who’s paying attention, one who other voters might identify with—and that’s the most powerful thing you can be.
Connect your personal experience. Draw attention to who you are and how you relate to those in your community. Connect your story to the issue.
Included a call to action. Summarize your thoughts and let us know — why are YOU supporting Andom Ghebreghiorgis?