Letters to the editor

This can often be a good way to generate a discussion in your local press as letters page discussions often keep a topic alive for days and even weeks at a time. You might be trying to introduce your topic from a standing start, or responding to an article or letter that has been published previously. There are some general things to bear in mind when writing your letter, such as:

· Keep the readership in mind and make sure your points appeal to them in some way. Read the other letters to work out what sort of style tends to get published.

· Don’t descend into ranting - plenty of other letters will do this, so be calm, rational and intelligent in your comments.

· However, occasionally you might need to inject either a bit of vitriol or humour for your letter stand out and make it to publication.

· Remember to make your key points and stick to them.

· If it’s appropriate, try to get other notable signatories to your letter - it might carry more weight if a local celebrity puts their name to your letter.

· Include your name and address, even if you ask for these to be withheld, because some papers won’t publish anonymous letters.

· Remember to keep your letter short - better to sacrifice one of your key points for the sake of brevity if that keeps your letter to the right length. Look at the published letters to get an idea of the right length.