Know your timeline. Newspapers take up to two weeks sometimes to publish an op-ed. Be patient, but keep in touch to find out the status of the piece once you have submitted it. Letters to the Editor are an excellent and personal way to communicate about arts issues important to the community. Especially since there is often very little attention given in most local newspapers to these issues.
Letters are usually in response to a local issue of importance or a recent article or editorial.
Publications are open to critical letters, as long as they are composed in a constructive manner and raise valid issues. Include in the letter your name, address, and phone number. Never send an anonymous letter, as the majority of newspapers refuse to publish letters without signatures. Press also are likely to use services such as America Online and CompuServe. Once online, editors and reporters are interested in reference materials, but also using e-mail and seeking out sources for interviews.