Write a Letter to the Editor

This is a simple, straightforward way to help get the word out about the urgent need to take action for Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, streams and Great Outdoors.

The best letters are short (150 words or less) and personal in nature - simply talk about why protecting our Great Outdoors is important to you!

To find contact information for your local paper, check out the Minnesota Newspapers Directory.

Tips for Writing Letters to the Editor

Papers want letters about current issues. In a short time, a topic you care about can be shoved aside by other news. Responding quickly is important; it's best tie your concern to a specific story.

It is often easier to get letters published in a smaller, local paper. Make sure you do not overlook these important publications.

Things to think about:

  1. What kind of tone do you want? Even if the topic fills you with rage, think about what the paper will print. Passion is good but it must be meaningful and entertaining. Irony, edgy humor, and pointing out the absurd can go a long way.
  2. What is/are the most significant fact(s) about your issue? Do you have specific information that the public may not know? What should the public be aware of? Maybe a fact was presented in the third or fourth paragraph that merits attention – you might want to write a letter that addresses this fact. Maybe a story was buried. Letters with specific information tend to get printed more than letters with only opinion.
  3. Keep it short. The semi-colon is your friend; be pithy. You may have to eliminate a clever idea that you really love in order to create a stronger letter. Always be thinking “what's my point.” Don't be cute just to be cute.
  4. Have fun. Don't be discouraged if you don't get a letter in right away. It's also a very good way to create a “Political Journal.” If you copy your text before you submit it to the Star Tribune, you can generate an interesting collection of your perspective. Just because a letter doesn't get printed doesn't mean it has been ineffective; it may inspire an actual story.
  5. Be aware publications limit the number of letters individuals can submit – usually one letter to the editor and one netlet per month.