What Is a Letter to the Editor?
If you have an opinion about an environmental or other issue and want to share it, writing a letter to the editor to a local newspaper or magazine is a great way to get the word out. Letters often appear in the first section of a publication and the opinion section is often the most read part of any news content. These letters are especially effective for campaigns related to politics and legislation, because legislative staff closely monitor the opinion pages of newspapers in their districts. There's a good chance your letter will be published if you follow these tips and submit to a local news outlet. But even if it isn't, the simple act of writing a letter will help hone your writing ability and understanding of the issue.
Why Letters to the Editor Are Important
- They are an important way for the public, policymakers, and the press to get a better informed understanding of an issue and how the public views it.
- LTEs are an excellent media tactic for "rapid-response" situations and campaigns where we need to demonstrate public support, opposition, or public pressure to a decision-maker.
- LTEs are especially effective for campaigns related to politics and legislation because Congressional staff closely monitor the opinion pages of newspapers in their districts. They will pay even more attention if you've mentioned that decision-maker by name.
- Because many people read letters to the editor, they are a quick, effective and continuing means of communicating your campaign message to a wide audience.
- They can be used to correct and clarify facts in a news story, editorial or op-ed piece, oppose or support actions of an official agency, direct attention to a problem, spur news editors.
How to Write Your Letter:
Pick a Timely Topic
Newspapers rarely publish letters about topics that are not being covered in the news. Referring to a previously published article or column will increase your letter’s chances of being published. Look at each paper to see how they like to reference the article in LTEs they publish. A specific reference is not always necessary. Not having a reference shouldn't keep you from submitting.
Just Write
As soon as you feel inspired to write, sit down and do it. Do not wait, do not look up data, do not get distracted. Just write. Get your initial thoughts out. Add data, correct, and edit later. Make sure not to wait too long before submitting or it will no longer be timely.
Research the Guidelines
Most papers' length limit on LTEs is around 250 words. Stick to this so that an editor does not cut out the important points of your letter. Often newspapers want your address and phone number so they can verify that you wrote the letter. You can usually find a paper's guidelines on the letters page in print or online. If not, call the paper directly. Spend some time looking at letters that the paper has already published to get a sense of what opinion editors usually choose to publish.
Tips:
Assume Nothing
Do not assume that your readers are informed on your topic. Give a concise but informative background before plunging into the main issue. Refer to any newspaper article or editorial by date and title. Also include any relevant credentials that prove you are informed about your topic.
Be Brief
State your position as succinctly as possible without eliminating necessary detail. Keep your paragraphs short. Long rambling sentences and digressions will cause people to lose interest quickly. Stick to one subject.
Maintain Composure
It is okay to express outrage, but it should be kept under control. Avoid personal attacks and focus instead on criticizing specific policies or ideas.
Find a Local Angle
Readers are more interested in an issue when they see how it affects their lives and communities. Find a way to show how budget cuts or environmental policies will affect this particular readership.
Make it Personal
Personal stories and anecdotes are particularly compelling to editors and readers than facts and figures alone. The less impersonal a letter is the better.
Offer Specific Recommendations
An op-ed is not a news story that simply describes a situation; it is your opinion about how to improve matters. Include a concrete and realistic call to action.
Adapt Form Letters
If you are working from a form letter or a sample letter that was provided to you, take some time to personalize and localize it. If you don’t have time, don't let that keep you from sending it in. Something is better than nothing.
Follow Up
If your letter doesn't get published within a week, resubmit it and call the paper. Ask for the opinion editor and ask the person if they received the letter and if it will be published.
Sample LTEs and LTE Types:
- Letters used to thank or scold officials
- Support for campaign issues
- Rapid response to urgent issue
- Expert perspective
- Personal perspective
Thank you to Thomas Young for your support in writting this guide!