Sending Letters to the Editor and Viewpoints to Lansing State Journal

State and local media provide citizens with another set of tools for engaging lawmakers and voters alike. Both groups read newspapers, watch television news, and listen to the radio. Lawmakers especially understand that for every letter to the editor they read in their local newspaper, there are potentially a significant number of people who care about the same issues.

Message: Don’t ramble. Start with the main point you want to make. Use subsequent paragraphs to add examples or supporting evidence.

Style: Use simple words, short sentences and paragraphs. Avoid three and four syllable words. Limit sentences to 15-20 words max. Start a new paragraph after two sentences.

Vocabulary: don’t use words like ‘utilize’ or ‘employ’ when you really mean use. Write to the level of the average eighth grader. A good example of this type of writing is found on the front page of the USA Today.

Address: Address your letter “To the Editor” – you don’t need a name for the inside address.

Signature/Identity: You MUST sign your letter, then type or print your name. This authenticates it. Most papers will not print a letter without a name and address.

Caution: Don’t commit libel – that is, don’t call people names or accuse them of illegal acts, no matter how angry you are about something. Your letter probably won’t get printed if you make false allegations, libel someone or use derogatory words. However, misspellings are often printed exactly as you wrote them with the term (sic) behind the misspelled word. (That’s Latin for “as is.”)

From the MASA Grass Roots Toolkit

http://www.gomasa.org/services/tips-writing-letters-editor

Letters to the Editor—Lansing State Journal

• Letters must be 175 words or fewer and must include your name. Letters relating to the election of a candidate are limited to 100 words.
• Include address and telephone number for verification purposes only.
• Direct questions to 377-1038.
• Submitting letters by:

Email: opinions@lsj.com

Fax: (517) 377-1298

Mail: Letters to the Editor, Lansing State Journal, 120 E. Lenawee St., Lansing, MI 48919

Sending Viewpoints to LSJ

If you’re opinion exceeds 175 words, consider submitting a Viewpoint instead. Viewpoints are 500-word opinions on a topic of general interest.

• Send Viewpoints to Elaine Kulhanek at ekulhanek@lsj.com.

Letters to the Editor—The Towne Courier

• Letters should be 400 words or less.
• Send to Kurt Madden, Editor

kumadden@gannett.com