Know the word limit and stick to it. Shorter letters are more likely to be printed.

Stick to a single topic and check your grammar and spelling.

Include your name, address, and daytime phone number so that they can verify that you wrote the letter.

Smaller newspapers are more likely to print your letter and are more likely to be seen by locally elected officials.

Be aware that newspapers aren't likely to print letters from the same person more than once every couple of months.