Writing letters to the editor is not the prerogative of a chosen few. The right to ventilate one’s feelings, frustrations, and suggest solutions to problems besetting us – all of which can combine to do good to the society and the individual, belongs to all. These letters are a part of a collective effort at rejuvenating our society from the abyss it finds itself in. Writing is like ‘an itch which grows into a massage’. It is a common platform to espouse social causes and fight social evils.
The importance attached to the writer of letters to the editor has been steadily recognised, one of them being Gorbachev’s glasnost years ago. Every published letter is worth its weight in gold and no letter–writer is more equal than the other.
However, as with the case in any other field, the ‘letter to the editor’ column has also the evil of lobbyists seeking to further their causes, which might not necessarily be in the interest of the society at large. Also, we do have those who are content merely seeing their names in print or counting the number of letters published, but such fads wear off sooner or later.
Regular writers of letters to the editor also had formed an association called AILWA (All India Press Letter Writer’s Association), which encouraged letter writers by guiding them and also offering them prizes annually.
If you have the urge to write on a subject you feel strongly about, then put pen to paper. But do so only if you have something new to offer. If it has substance, it will merit consideration. Do not reproduce published opinions.
But you have to be personally motivated to be able to move others. Thus a thorough shakeup of our existing system is possible only through the power of the pen, wielded by the enlightened letter writer, who expresses views fearlessly and without malice.
The ‘puny’ letter writer has often won battles. Many letters have also been converted by our courts into public
interest litigation cases. There is an immediate need for thoughts to be put on to paper, to awaken the authorities from their deep slumber and rid the appalling apathy, which the average citizen exhibits today. What better nonviolent way than through the letter to the editor?
Moreover in the process you also arm yourself for the world of journalism, like I did.
Here are a few guidelines:
- All letters to the editor have to be essentially a viewpoint and not a rambling essay.
- It has to be topical and lucid, well spelt and grammatically flawless. Normally it should not exceed 350 words.
- All letters should be preferably neatly typed or sent as an email as it is convenient nowadays.
- Understand the subject before venturing to write it. Be original in thought and provide solutions.
- Never send the same letter to several newspapers. If the subject warrants it, rewrite the letter differently to various newspapers.
- Remember, newspapers get hundreds of letters per day and it is actually an excruciating task to wade through them. Do not be disheartened by non publication. Try, try and you will succeed.
- Persevere to write on all subjects civic affairs, local, national and international issues. Do not get stuck in a groove. Specialisation is indeed good, but do try and be versatile.
The address of all newspapers will be found on the last page along with the print line or merely Google it. Do not forget to write the date in every letter, it helps scheduling by the harassed subeditor in charge of the letters column.
Many editors and journalists of today started off being a letter writer, the irrepressible R. K. Karanjia being one of them. Widen your horizons, increase your knowledge and to this end, letter to the editor certainly contributes.
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A. Radhakrishnan
The writer is a Pune based freelance journalist, poet, short story writer and a former President of the All India (Press) Letter Writer’s Association.[/column]