Writing letters to the editor is an inexpensive, easy, and yet effective way to get your political message out into the public forum. Letters to the editor are widely read by regular citizens as well as decision makers.
Below you will find contact information for local papers as well as tips for writing a letter to the editor. Remember to include your address and phone number with your letter. The newspaper will want your phone number to verify that you did submit the letter, but will not include your phone number when the letter runs.
Contact Information for Local Newspapers
Billings Gazette: - 300 words or less
- Mail: Gazette Voice of the Reader, PO Box 36300, Billings, Mont., 59107
- Fax: (406) 657-1208
- E-mail: speakup@billingsgazette.com
Bozeman Daily Chronicle:
Daily Interlake:
Great Falls Tribune:
Helena Independent Record:
- 200 words or less
- Mail: Readers' Alley P.O. Box 4249 Helena, MT 59604
- Fax: (406) 447-4052
- E-mail: irstaff@helenair.com
Missoulian:
- 300 words or less
- Mail to: Missoulian Letters, P.O. Box 8029, Missoula, MT 59807
- Fax: 406-523-5294
- E-mail: oped@missoulian.com
Ravalli Republic:
Tips for writing a letter to the editor:
• The first thing you want to consider when writing a letter is length. Most newspapers generally request that letters are between 150-300 words. Concision in this case is the golden rule, keep your letter simple and to the point.
• Choose an issue that is timely. If an article relating to the same subject as your letter has just run in a local paper, or if you are responding to a previous letter relating to the same topic, your chances of having your letter published are pretty good.
• Organize your argument logically. Identify the topic, state the opposition argument, and then respond using your best piece of evidence. Once again, brevity is the controlling factor. (Try to use facts or figures to rise above a simple 'he said she said' debate)
• Think of the reader. Will your argument sound logical to someone without specialized knowledge in the area you are writing about? Avoid using jargon or specialized terms to make your point.
• Make sure you include your contact information. Generally newspapers will want to confirm that the author is indeed who they say they are. Part of your letter should note your name, address, phone number, and email address if relevant. The newspapers will not publish your phone number but will nevertheless need it to print your letter.
• Proofread your letter and read it to a friend.
• Call the newspaper that you submitted your letter to the day after you have submitted it. Request to know if and when your letter will be published. Calling will greatly increase your chances of having your letter published. |
Write a Letter to the Editor