Writing letters to the Editor

I have had success with letters to the editor. Generally I get about two in three published.

But for a long time I got nothing printed.

The key, I learned, is to be very responsive and say something that adds information.

So, on learning that, say, Stephen Harper is canceling a federal grant program and you are angry a letter saying 'I am angry and Harper is a pig' is guaranteed to sit unpublished. But if you say something specific about why canceling the grant program is a problem you will have something worth printing.

Another critical point is to keep your letter short. Cut out everything you don't need. Try to keep your letter to under 120 words.

Finally, send the letter in as early as you can. Write it before you go to work. News is like fish - it won't keep for long!

Good luck!!