LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A good place, for beginning writers especially, is to submit reactions and opinions to a publication's letters-to-the-editor column. Although most publications don't pay for these, the fact that a writer's letter was chosen to be printed can be an encouragement to that beginning writer. It has also been a path to regular publication in that periodical when the letter shows an intelligent grasp of the topic discussed. Some publications put a limit on the number of words they will accept, such as the 150-word-limit set by the New York Times. For samples of current letters-to-the-editor, go to: http://www.publishaletter.com.