Drafting:
Most professional writers, whether they are journalists, novelists or
anything in between, will tell you that a good piece of writing does
not happen overnight. Once you have written your first draft, it is
generally a good idea to put it aside for several days. After a week
or so has elapsed, look at it again, striking out anything that looks
extraneous or suspect. Remember that if you are writing to a
newspaper, there is limited space in each opinion column, and you are
somewhat more likely to be published if you can make your point
quickly. It is also a good idea to find a few trustworthy individuals
to proofread your document. If there are any points of confusion or
disbelief, work on those sections. I recommend making two or three
revisions to your work before mailing it, regardless of the intended
audience.
Presentation:
In all matters of written communication, strong presentation is
important. It can decide whether an editor decides to read through
your work, or a politician's assistant brings your letter to his or
her desk. Make sure that your essay is printed cleanly and crisply,
and that your envelope is filled out neatly and according to all the
standards of whomever you are addressing. Include a cover letter if
necessary. Don't forget to date and sign your work. Though there are
many newspapers who will accept opinion submissions through email,
most politicians can only be contacted through regular mail –
or, if they have email, are very unlikely to ever receive
correspondence sent that way.
In Conclusion
You are now on your way to becoming an accomplished writer of
persuasive essays. Along with public speaking, the persuasive essay
is one of the major tools of becoming a known figure in your local
community's political and social issues. You will find that the more
you read and write, the easier it will be to select words that
heighten the impact of your essay. This talent is universal to the
craft of writing and no less important than anything specific to
persuasion. Don't be afraid to take every opportunity to make your
opinion heard.