writing an epic letter to the editor

Letter to the Editor Rubric – E-P-I-C

Engage Your AudienceHere, you want to get your audience’s attention with a dramatic fact or short statement. Keep this opening statement to one sentence if possible.

Problem-State the ProblemHere you present causes of the problem you introduced in the first section. How widespread or serious is the problem?

Inform about SolutionsHere you inform the audience about a solution to the problem you just presented. Develop your solution by examples of how and where it has worked. You could site a recent study or report or tell a first-person account of how the solution has impacted you or others you know.

Call to ActionNow that you’ve engaged your audience, presented the problem and informed them of a solution, what do you want them to do? Make the action something specific.

Letters to the editor are encouraged. Each letter must be signed and include an address and a telephone number where the writer can be reached during business hours. Addresses and phone numbers will not be published. Letters should be a maximum of 250 words to be considered for publication and may be edited for length, style and grammar. Letters should be addressed to Letters to the Editor, Tulsa World, Box 1770, Tulsa, Okla., 74102, or send e-mail to letters@tulsaworld.com.