letter.writingThe commentary page is the most widely read section of the newspaper. That means your letter-to-the-editor will be read by most newspaper readers which is an effective way of voicing your opinions. Here are some tips for effective letter writing:

 
  • Choose a timely issue or current newspaper article to respond to. 
  • Type your letter, rather than writing by hand. 
  • Keep your letter to 150 words. Some papers allow more words; some allow fewer words. Contact the paper to be sure. 
  • Be clear and concise. State the relevant facts, your opinion, and provide a suggested course of action or solution. 
  • Do not use form letters or simply copy a sample letter you receive from us. Use your own words. 
  • Avoid jargon or technical language. 
  • Sign your letter with a full name. Also provide address and daytime phone number. Papers will call to verify your letter. 
  • When emailing your letter, paste the text directly into the email. Do not send attachments. 
  • When your letter is printed, send copies to your elected officials.
 
Contact information for some papers:
 
USA Today
By web: Visit the USA Today website to submit a letter to the editor

 
New York Times
By email: letters@nytimes.com
By fax: (212) 556-3622.
By regular mail: Letters to the Editor, The New York Times, 229 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036

 
Washington Post
By email: letters@washpost.com
By regular mail: Letters to the Editor, The Washington Post, 1150 15th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20071

 
The Oregonian
By email: letters@news.oregonian.com
By fax (503) 294-4193
By regular mail: Letters to the editor, The Oregonian, 1320 S.W. Broadway, Portland, OR 97201

 
Seattle Times
By email: opinion@seattletimes.com
By fax: (206) 382-6760
By regular mail: Letters Editor, The Seattle Times, P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111

 
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
By email: editpage@seattlepi.com
By fax: (206) 448-8184
By regular mail: P-I Letters to the Editor, Box 1909, Seattle, WA 98111-1909
By hand, drop your letter off at: Seattle P-I, 101 Elliott Ave. W., Second Floor

 
Tacoma News Tribune
By email: letters@mail.tribnet.com
By fax: (253) 597-8451
By regular mail: The Editor, The News Tribune, PO Box 11000, Tacoma, Wa. 98411

 
Vancouver Columbian
By email: letters@columbian.com
By fax: (360) 699-6033
By regular mail: Letters from Readers, The Columbian, P.O. Box 180, Vancouver, 98666
By hand, drop your letter off at: 701 W. Eighth St. Vancouver

 
Daily Astorian
By email: editor@dailyastorian.com
By regular mail: The Daily Astorian, P.O. Box 210, Astoria, OR 97103
By hand, drop your letter off at: 949 Exchange St. in Astoria, or 140 N. Roosevelt Drive in Seaside.

 
Idaho Statesman
By email: editorial@idahostatesman.com
By fax: (208) 377-6449
By regular mail: Letters to the Editor, The Idaho Statesman, P.O. Box 40, Boise, ID 83707

 
Lewiston Morning Tribune
By email: letters@lmtribune.com

 
Spokane Spokesman Review
By email: editor@spokesman.com

 
Los Angeles Times
By email: letters@latimes.com

 
Anchorage Daily News
By email: letters@adn.com
By fax: (907) 258 -2157 Attn: Letters to the Editor
By regular mail: Letters, Anchorage Daily News, Box 149001, Anchorage, AK 99514

 
Juneau Empire
By email: editor@juneauempire.com
By fax: (907) 586-3028
By regular mail: Editor, Juneau Empire, 3100 Channel Drive, Juneau, AK 99801

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