 Write a Letter to the Editor
Writing a 'Letter to the editor' is a quick and very effective way to get your point across to thousands of your fellow voters. Let's take a page from the republican play book and use the editorial page to educate voters and counter republican distortions that regularly appear in our papers.
Click HERE to see a list of the newspapers in Iowa that regularly print letters. The list includes the name of the paper, it's address, fax number, and (usually) the email address to which you can quickly send an email.
Speak Up! How to Write an Effective Letter to the Editor
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Write your letter immediately. Timeliness is imperative.
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Make sure you have read the entire article before writing your letter. Include the title, date and author in your letter, preferably in the first sentence.
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Start strong by using the pyramid style: Your most important fact/conclusion comes first, your least important comes last.
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Stay focused on the issue. Don't go off on tangents.
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Do not confuse a letter to the editor with an op-ed piece. Say it in 300 words or less.
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If you cite facts, always provide references. Do not play with numbers; editors will often fact check letters and any discrepancy will destroy your credibility.
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Avoid personal attacks. If you attack the writer, you will only amuse. If you attack a third person, your letter could be libelous. Either way, your letter may not be published.
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Never end with directives like "Think about it!" or "Shame on you!"
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Always include your name, even if you wish it withheld for publication, your address and daytime and evening phone numbers.
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Never proof your own copy; it's hard to catch your own typos.
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Always follow the proper procedure for submitting letters to the editor.
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Newspapers
Here are some of the regional newspapers in Iowa that regularly print letters to the editor. The fastest way to get your message there is to click on their email address, and send your message.
Newspaper |
Mailing Address |
Fax Number |
E-Mail |
Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil |
117 Pearl St.,
Council Bluffs, IA 51502 |
712-328-1597 |
www.nonpareilonline.com |
Denison Bulletin |
1410 Broadway,
Denison, IA 51442 |
712-263-2125 |
gwolf@swiowanews.com |
Des Moines Register |
PO Box 957,
Des Moines, IA 50304 |
515-284-8560 |
letters@news.dmreg.com |
Fort Dodge Messenger |
713 Central Ave.,
Fort Dodge, IA 50501 |
515-574-4529 |
democrat@interl.net |
LeMars Daily Sentinel |
41 1st Ave NE,
Le Mars IA 51031 |
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sentinel@lemarscomm.net |
Sergeant Bluff Advocate |
PO Box 712,
Sgt. Bluff, IA 51054 |
712-943-4606 |
advocate@longlines.com |
Sioux City Journal |
PO Box 118,
Sioux City IA 51102 |
712-272-5059 |
Click Here |
Spencer Daily Reporter |
310 E Milwaukee,
Spencer IA 51301 |
712-262-3044 |
pbuenger@hotmail.com |
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