220 / Types of Writing
- Are^ sentences^ polished,^ placing^ emphasis^ on^ the^ most^ important^ ideas?^ Are^
main ideas in the main clauses? [See Sample Revision for Sentence Variety in
Chapter 3, Revising.] - Have^ I^ used^ the^ techniques^ of^ emphasis?^ [See Sample Revision for Emphasis in
Chapter 3, Revising.] - Do^ transitions^ connect^ and^ show^ relationship^ among^ the^ ideas?^ Have^ I^ used^
the most effective transitions? [See Sample Revision for Transition in Chapter 3,
Revising.]
Revise so that you can answer “yes” to the preceding questions. [See Chapter 3, Revis-
ing, for additional, more general guidelines for polishing.]
STEP 6: Revising—Typing the Final Draft
Next, type a final copy of your letter. In order to prepare the inside address, find the
editor’s name on the editorial page.
You may use a typical business-letter format [see Business Letters earlier in this chap-
ter], or, as some editors prefer, you may type your letter on a single, standard 8^1 ⁄ 2 "
× 11" sheet of paper, double-spaced, maintaining standard margins. Although this
format permits you to omit a formal heading and inside address, you should begin
with the salutation Dear Editor to identify your purpose. In addition, your name and
address must appear on the page, preferably at the end. Most papers will not print
your address or phone number, but the editor must have this information for verifi-
cation. (It’s for your protection. Someone else could submit a letter with your name
and cause undue embarrassment.) Editors almost never print anonymous letters.
Most newspapers and magazines accept e-mailed letters to the editor. While the elec-
tronic version omits the necessity for an inside address, all other rules remain in
place. [See also Chapter 23, E-Mail.]
STEP 7: Proofreading—Checking the Mechanics
Before you mail your letter, check for mechanical details. [See Parts I and IV for
explanations and examples of writing techniques.] Finally, check spelling and word
choice.
If you used a business-letter format, ask yourself the following specific questions
regarding the form of the letter:
-^ Have I used an accurate and complete letterhead, adding today’s date, properly
punctuated?
-^ Have I included an accurate and complete inside address, including the editor’s
name and title, all properly punctuated?