The Power Publicist

The editorial page is generally the most-read section of any newspaper. Many times, a letter to the editor has a better chance of getting published than the news releases or articles that you send. Published letters can greatly help you to succeed. A good letter to the editor typically displays the writer’s full name, hometown, and business-affiliate for the readers to have access to.

Editors need to fill their pages, and they would love to do so with new perspectives.

Publications typically run letters to the editor that addresses general concerns or have a response to recent articles that they have published. There are many fresh angles you can concoct in order to create a newsworthy editorial letter. Here are some approaches you can take:

1. Amplification. Let the writer know that you strongly agree with what they had to say, then zest it up by relating the information of the article to you and what you do. You are, after all, promoting yourself, so add information that can show off your services or products. For example, you can start with, “As a web designer who has worked in the industry for twenty years, I would like to compliment you on your article concerning…”
2. You disagree. Letters to the editor, despite its intention, should always be written at an even tone. Don’t demonstrate your discontent with harsh words or sarcasm. Instead, write why you thought the information presented was inaccurate, and give your own interpretation on what should have been said instead and why.
3. Something needs to be corrected. When a piece of information in an article needs correction, you should always start on a positive note. You can bring attention to how insightful the topic idea was or how some of the outlooks were truly unique. After offering compliments, then you can drop the however bomb, but keep critiques calm and even.
4. You were overlooked. If an article that was intended to reach out to your target audience mentioned your competitors and not you, write a letter to bring attention to you and your business. Make potential clients and competition know that you are out there and that you too have a lot, if not more, to offer.
5. Thank you and a very little bit of butt-kissing. If a published article mentions you in any way, write a thank-you letter to recycle the exposure. Compliment the writer, reiterate their points, and once again, tie them to you.