Letters to the Editor - How To Tips
Writing a letter to the editor is a simple,
effective way of spreading the pro-life message.

Keep it short and sweet. People tend to be more willing to read short snippets than longer pieces. And, many newspapers have length guidelines. The recommended length for a typical letter to the editor is 250 words. Fortunately, the sample letters linked to below are all within the 250 word limit.

Be certain to use correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word usage. Having a friend proofread your letter will help you to find and correct any mistakes before you send it in. Mistakes make it appear as if you don't know what you're talking about.

If your letter is to correct misinformation, make sure to simply correct the specific information. Stay focused. Have a copy of the item you're responding to at hand, and quote it carefully.

If your letter isn't published, ask why. Be ready to correct your own errors, or to follow up the chain of command until you get an answer.

Anticipate upcoming events and have responses ready for every possibility. It makes no sense whatsoever to scramble around in a panic trying to respond to a big Supreme Court decision that you knew beforehand was coming! Anytime something is on the horizon that will create an opportunity for a letter, prepare a response for all the possibilities, and then after the event all you have to do is fill in the details.

More guidelines from FeministsForLife.org

Priests for Life is happy to present the following resource, provided with the permission of Mark Crutcher of Life Dynamics. There are 430 sample letters to the editor about abortion, which can be very helpful in communicating the pro-life message by means of the press. Just browse the sample letters for ideas, then re-write the letter using local details and your own words. We have also provided an index of various terms and topics contained in these letters.