Using Print Media
You have your message ready and you are raring to go! How do you get your stories, statistics, and request heard? Print media offer a number of vehicles you can use to get your message out.
News Releases (coming soon!)
News Stories (coming soon!)
Op-Eds (coming soon!)
Newspapers, neighborhood newsletters, and often, publications from local, community organizations, provide opportunities for advocates to send letters in support of library services.
Hints to help make your letter effective and increase its chances of being printed:
Determine if submission rules exist and, if they do, find out what they are. For example, rules may limit the length of your letter or the way it must be submitted (paper copy, email, fax, etc.).
Read other letters that have been printed and look for common styles and lengths to get a feel for what the publishers select.
Put your main argument at the beginning of the letter and follow with supporting data and stories. That way, even if people do not read the entire letter, they still take away one important point or piece of information.
Be short and succinct.
Be respectful. Displaying anger or name calling weakens what may otherwise be a very strong argument.
Useful to know: Because it is uncommon, a child’s letter is more likely to be published.