Letters should focus on one issue or topic and use facts to back up any arguments.
Letters should reference a specific article in the publication to which they are addressed.
Letters should include a full name and contact information (so that the editor can follow up, not for publication purposes).
Letters are best if they are personalized and should conclude with a call to action. Members of Congress pay close attention to when their name is mentioned in publications, especially ones that are local to their state/district. It is important that you mention your member by name–either to thank them for taking a position or encouraging them to take one you would like for them to take.
Do not send the same letter to competing publications. Again, they should be publication-specific by addressing a particular author or article.
Check publication-specific guidelines before submitting letters to the editor.