Frustrated that your letters to the editor aren’t being published? The National Post shares its perspective with excellent tips from the people who read select the letters. We see a lot of CCed letters too, so believe us — this is worth reading. Some of the more noteworthy tips:
– Your letter will be edited You could very well be the world’s best writer, but be assured that your carefully selected prose will be fine-tuned by Post staff — and probably shortened — in the interests of clarity and space. Don’t take it personally, but instead consider it a learning experience for the next missive you send in…..
– Tell us who you are Be sure to provide your full name, phone number and address. This crucial information is needed not only for verification, but in case we need to contact you about editing changes. And no, we will not publish letters with your name withheld, except in extraordinary circumstances that have to be arranged beforehand with our editorial staff…..
– We need exclusivity Don’t send your letter to numerous media outlets, thinking that will increase its chance of publication. That only achieves quite the opposite effect. Letters editors across the land, seeing the note is not unique to their paper, will just delete it.
Read the full article.
(Hat tip: Headlines & Deadlines)
UPDATE Jan. 30: Hmmmm. A SF Chronicle blogger is now podcasting selected phone calls from readers in a feature called “Correct Me If I’m Wrong.”
UPDATE Jan. 30: Gary Kamiya of Salon ponders the way “massive online feedback” effects writers.
