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Fact Sheet:
HOW TO GET THAT LETTER PUBLISHED

The Letters to the Editor section is one of the most read sections of any newspaper. Having a letter to the editor published can get the word of the need for LPS reform to tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of people. And legislators pay close attention to the letters that appear in their local papers.

Here are some rules and some tips for writers:

1. You must use your real name. Newspapers do not print anonymous letters.

2. Be sure to include a phone number for confirmation, and an address. This applies to e-mail, fax, and regular mail alike.

3. No open letters. Write as if you're talking to the editor of newspaper -- not to readers, not to elected officials, nor to the world at large.

4. Keep it short. There is a rough limit of 250 words for letters. Longer letters are less likely to be published and, if selected, will almost definitely be edited. Don’t let the letters editor remove or dilute your most important points.

5. Stay on point. One topic per letter is best. Our topic is reform of the LPS Act. And do not feel that you have to cover all aspects of that in a few short sentences (it's not possible). Rather, concentrate on a few powerful points that show the need for LPS reform.

6. Newspapers usually only publish letters that respond to recent articles, op-ed's, or editorials. Search the paper daily for incidents that could have been prevented by rational treatment laws. Articles about the general mental health system can also be used as a lead-in. If you wish to introduce a new topic to the paper, submit an op-ed to the editorial review board. Op-eds are normally around 750 words.

7. The sooner the better: The first letters received on a topic are read first and more likely to be selected.

8. No ad hominem attacks. Jumping on the ideas expressed by others can make for a lively letter; jumping on the individuals themselves is uncivil behavior.

9. The best way to submit your letter is by fax, the next is e-mail, and least is regular mail. But tendering it in two, or even all, of those manners will maximize the chances of getting your letter published.

***This document was compiled by the California Treatment Advocacy Coalition***

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