There is a good chance that your local newspaper will run a letter from you if it is tied into a recent issue or debate that has been in recent news. The chances of getting your letter in print are much greatest at smaller, weekly newspapers (some of these run virtually all the letters they receive), but, depending upon the letter, it may be worth trying a larger daily paper.
Send your letter to the editorial page editor, with a cover note making it clear that you are requesting that the letter be included in the letters-to-the-editor section of the newspaper. Offer to provide more information. Make sure to include your address and phone number, so that the editor will know how to contact you for verification or further information.
Your letter will have a much greater chance of appearing if it is short (no more than 150 words), personal, and clearly linked to the local community. Focus on making one major point, rather than raising lots of issues.
It is neither necessary nor desirable to mention your connection to NESEA and the NESEA Network. It is more useful to tie the letter into any personal or professional experience you have with the subject of your letter.
Aim to get the letter to the newspaper at least one week before you would like it to appear.
Please let us know if you take action! Just send an email message to NESEANetwork@nesea.org with a copy of your letter and the name and location of the newspaper to which you submitted it.
NESEA Network