Write a Letter to the Editor!

Writing a letter to the editor is a very important part of the process to win the hearts and minds of our fellow Mainers. Many Mainers across the state read the letters, either online or on the printed paper with their morning coffee. Below are some tips written by one of our members who is experienced in writing LTE’s. If you have any questions about writing letters, please reach out to me at george@indivisibilebangor.org!

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Tips for writing LTEs:

Why write?  To influence public opinion.  “With public opinion nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed” (Abe Lincoln)

The Opinion page of the paper is the 2nd most popular page.  We’re all curious about what others think apparently!

LTEs are OUR “bully pulpit”!  They can inspire, educate and motivate others to learn more, speak out and/or take action.  And they can offer you some catharsis!

*Make a point!  Letters that stand out make a point….not 3, 5 or no point.  Get to the point quickly.

*See the word limit as your friend.  All publications have word limits.  That forces you to be concise and increases the likelihood your letter will actually be read.  

*Tie to a recent piece in the paper if possible.  Or respond to another letter writer’s submission that you disagree with.

*Personalize if you can……if you’ve had trouble finding a place to rent or paying for healthcare etc., share your story.

*If you cite factual information to support what you’re saying (quotes, statistics etc.), supply links to the sources.  

*Don’t limit yourself to your hometown papers.  Papers will usually print a good letter regardless of where you live.  

letters@bangordailynews.com…..250 word max., submissions must be 30 days apart

news@ellsworthamerican.com ….300 words, 4p.m. Friday for Wednesday’s paper  (weekly paper)

metln.org 250 words….watch for a followup email asking you to call to confirm you wrote. The Trust for Local New owns the Portland, Lewiston, Brunswick, Augusta and Waterville papers, as well as many weeklies in Cumberland County

Also, you can click the button to go to the Bangor Daily News “Submit a letter or column” page, the Portland Press Herald “Letters to the editor” page, and the “Letter to the Editor” page at the Ellsworth American.