QUICK START CHECKLIST
✓ Keep it under 250 words
✓ Start with a personal story
✓ Use 1-2 powerful facts with sources
✓ Write with emotion and impact
✓ End with a clear call to action
✓ Submit to only one newspaper
Letters the editor (LTEs)are a powerful way to persuade legislators to pass LD 785 and LD 395, which would restore the Wabanaki Nations’ inherent right to self-govern under the same federal laws that apply to tribes elsewhere in the United States,. Never written an LTE? Get started with the tips below.
- Know your facts. Learn about both of these bills in our Talking Points for LD 785 and LD 395 and our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). When using statistics, choose only one or two powerful facts – a long string of numbers isn’t persuasive. Include links to sources for any claims you make. Most newspapers publish LTEs online and expect citations.
- Keep it short and focused. Most newspapers limit LTEs to 250 words. Get to your point quickly and put your best material first – editors cut from the bottom up. Focus on one clear message rather than trying to make complex policy arguments.
- Make it personal. Start with a brief story about yourself or someone you know. Why does restoring Wabanaki sovereignty matter to you? How might LD 785 and LD 395 benefit your family, community, or a friend? People can argue with positions, but they can’t argue with your lived experience.
- Write with impact. Let your feelings show! Use powerful verbs, descriptive nouns, and varied sentence length. Short, punchy sentences help your letter stand out and increase the odds it gets published.
- Include sources. Most newspapers publish LTEs on their website and encourage writers to include links to sources for statistics, facts, and arguments included in the letter. Don’t make arguments that you can’t back up with facts.
- End with action. Close by asking your lawmakers to vote YES on LD 785 and LD 395 and or urging community members to voice their support. Your LTE only works if it moves people to act.
- Consider an op-ed or guest editorial. Maine’s daily newspapers and some larger weeklies publish 600-800 word op eds and guest editorials. If you have notable expertise or represent an organization, email the editorial page editor to gauge interest before submitting. (See example)
- Proofread and sign. Check for grammar and spelling errors. Include your full name, title (if relevant), address, phone, and e-mail. Newspapers won’t print anonymous letters, but may withhold your name on request.
- Submit to one paper. Choose your hometown paper if this is a local issue for you or a larger daily. Find contact information for Maine newspapers here.
- Share your published LTE! When your letter is published, share it widely on social media and via email with your friends, family, and networks — and with us! We’ll highlight LTEs on our social media channels and on this website. Send the link to us at info@wabanakialliance.com. And be sure to share it with your legislators as well. Visit our Contact Your Legislators guide for more info.
