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HOW I CAN HELP:
Write a letter to the editor

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The "Letters to the Editor" section is one of the most read sections in any newspaper. Having a letter to the editor published about   reform of Maryland's treatment law can provide necessary information to tens or even hundreds of thousands of people. And legislators pay close attention to the letters that appear in their local papers. Even if your letter is not selected for publication, submitting it can make a difference as editors of the letters section gauge how their readers feel about an issue by how many letters they receive for and against. So either way, writing a letter can have a huge impact.

Steps for writing a letter to the editor.

#1. Decide what you are responding to.

Newspapers usually publish letters that respond to a recently published articles, opinion piece (signed by an individual), or editorial (usually unsigned, giving the editorial board's collective opinion). Search the paper daily for stories about 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, or opinion pieces or editorials that touch on any of these issues.

For instance, your local paper may publish an article that makes the case for rational treatment laws (articles about tragedies that could have been averted, for instance, if the person was in treatment) or an editorial that shows a lack of understanding about the benefits of better treatment laws. Both of these examples are good opportunities for letters - in the first case, clarifying how changes in the law could have made a difference in your own experience, in the second case, educating the editorial board about why change would be a good thing.

#2. Write your letter.

• Write your letter quickly, the sooner the better: The first letters received on a topic are read first and more likely to be selected.
• Write as if you're talking to the editor of the newspaper - not to readers, not to elected officials, not to the world at large.
• Cite the article or opinion piece to which you are responding, including the date.
• Bring in personal experiences when appropriate and if you are comfortable doing so.
• Stay on point. One topic per letter is best. Our topic is reform of the treatment laws in Maryland. Do not feel you have to cover all aspects of the reform in a few short sentences (it's not possible). Rather, concentrate on a few powerful points that show the need for reform.
• Avoid personal attacks. Jumping on ideas expressed by others can make for a lively letter; jumping on the individuals themselves is rude.
• Keep it short. There is an average limit of 250 words for letters; some papers have shorter limits. 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. Keep it as short as possible.

#3. Submit your letter.

• Proofread and spell check. It is always a good idea to have a friend read it over to double-check that everything looks good.
• You must use your real name. Newspapers do not print anonymous letters.
• Include a phone number for confirmation and a regular mailing address, even if you are submitting by email. Newspapers need this information for internal use to confirm that you are the person who submitted the letter. They will usually print the name of your town, but not your actual address or phone number.
• Submit your letter by fax, e-mail, or regular mail. Sending it two, or even all, of those ways maximizes the chance of getting your letter published.
• If you submit by email, paste your letter into the text of the email. Do not send attachments. Many papers will not even open an email with an attachment because of potential viruses.
• Information on submitting to specific papers appears below. If your local paper is not listed here, find their web site and look for the letters section for instructions.
• Good luck! We look forward to reading your letters - if you want to send us a copy, please do so in a separate email.

This document was compiled by the Treatment Advocacy Center, www.psychlaws.org.

Web links and submission policies
Following is a list of links and letter submission options for the largest Maryland-area newspapers. These papers are a high priority for letters, because legislators are highly likely to see them.

The Baltimore Sun. Must submit full name for publication, home address and daytime phone number. The Sun reminds letter writers that "brevity is the soul of wit."

• Fax at 410 332 6977
• Email to [email protected]
• Mail to Letters to the Editor, The Sun, P.O. Box 1377, Baltimore, Md. 21278-0001

The Washington Post. Letters must be exclusive to The Washington Post, and must include the writer's home address and home and business telephone numbers. Full policy.

• Email to [email protected] ("Do not send attachments, they will not be read.")
• Mail to The Washington Post, Letters to the Editor, 1150 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20071

The Washington Times. Include your name, address, and a phone number where we can reach you. Full policy.

• Email to [email protected]
• Mail to The Washington Times, Letters to the Editor, 3600 New York Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002-1996

Additional Maryland newspapers
Following is a list of links and letter submission options for additional Maryland newspapers, by size of circulation. If your local paper is not listed here, go to their web site and look for the letters or opinion section for instructions. Good luck!

Cumberland Times-News. Circ. 31,456. Include your name, home address, and a phone number.

• Fax at 301 722 5270
• Email to [email protected] 
• Mail to The Cumberland Times-News, Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 1662, Cumberland, MD 21501-1662

Montgomery Journal (Rockville). Circ. 30,667. Include your name, home address, and a phone number.

• Fax at 301 816 1421
• Email to [email protected]
• Online form (allows you to send an attachment)
• Mail to The Montgomery Journal, Letters to the Editor, 5706 Frederick Ave., Rockville, MD 20852-1818

Frederick News Post. Circ. 29,995. Include your name, home address, and a phone number.

• Fax at 301 662 8299
• Email to [email protected]
• Mail to The Frederick News Post, Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 578, Frederick, MD 21705-0578

Prince George's Journal (Lanham). Circ. 27,866. Include your name, home address, and a phone number.

• Fax at 301 731 8363
• Email to [email protected]   
• Online form (allows you to send an attachment)
• Mail to The Prince George's Journal, Letters to the Editor, 9410 Annapolis Road, Lanham, MD 20706-3026

The Herald Mail (Hagerstown). Circ. 20,530. Include your name, home address, and a phone number.

• Fax at 301 714 0245
• Email to [email protected]  
• Mail to The Herald Mail, Letters to the Editor, 100 Summit Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21740-5563

This document was compiled by the Treatment Advocacy Center, www.psychlaws.org.

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