Letters to the Editor
The news media play a powerful role in shaping public opinion on public policies. You can make the most of this cultural force by writing Letters to the Editor to your local papers. Letters to the Editor are one of the most widely read sections of the newspaper and reach a large audience. Letters to the Editor provide you with an opportunity to comment on articles, editorials, or advertisements that appear in your paper. Your letters carry weight and can achieve results. Elected officials often read this section of the newspaper to gauge constituents' opinions on current issues.
Newspapers get many more letters than they can possibly squeeze onto their editorial pages, so yours will have to stand out if it’s ever going to make it to the eyes of your neighbors.
Here are some tips to write an effective letter to the editor:
Know the rules. Check the paper’s guidelines for writing letters, which should be printed on the editorial page of your local newspaper. Learn the maximum number of words allowed. When composing a letter, the status bar at the bottom of a Word document shows the word count.
Keep it short and specific. Many newspapers have strict length limits and edit letters for space. A concise, single-issue letter has a better chance of keeping the reader's interest. Be sure to state the purpose of your letter in the first paragraph.
Keep it current. Write your letters on issues or legislation happening right now. Respond promptly to recently printed stories or editorials. By covering current issues, your letter stands a better chance of getting printed.
Make specific references. While some newspapers will print general commentary letters, most prefer letters that respond to a specific article. Here are some ways to refer to an article:
Think local. You’re far more likely to catch an editor’s eye if you address an issue of local or regional concern. The closer to home you bring the issue, the less abstract your point.
Show, don’t tell. Forget introductions like, "I am writing this letter to comment on the growing problem of regulation in our society." That’s telling them why you’re writing, and your job is to show them: "The harmful effects of over-regulation are more evident than ever, as a growing number of businesses continue an exodus from our state." That kind of straightforward statement keeps even those who disagree with you sticking around for a few more sentences, if only to see how you prove your point. Clearly and concisely explain the reasons for your position about the issue. Offer statistical or anecdotal evidence. Be factual, and highlight aspects of the issue that haven’t been previously addressed.
Type your letter and sign it. Be sure to include your name, mailing address, and telephone number, as papers do not print anonymous letters, and often times will call to verify authorship. Don’t use pseudonyms or initials. When printed, the letter will usually only include your name and city. Address your letters to “The Letters Editor” and “Dear Editor.” Letters should be in plain text and not include attachments. Don’t send the text as an email attachment. A paper's website often has a page to directly "Submit a Letter to the Editor."
Encourage your friends to write letters. The more letters generated from different people on a given subject, the greater the chance your view will be published. Make sure your family, friends, and co-workers are aware of issues and legislation that affects them, and encourage them to get involved.
Newspapers get many more letters than they can possibly squeeze onto their editorial pages, so yours will have to stand out if it’s ever going to make it to the eyes of your neighbors.
Here are some tips to write an effective letter to the editor:
Know the rules. Check the paper’s guidelines for writing letters, which should be printed on the editorial page of your local newspaper. Learn the maximum number of words allowed. When composing a letter, the status bar at the bottom of a Word document shows the word count.
Keep it short and specific. Many newspapers have strict length limits and edit letters for space. A concise, single-issue letter has a better chance of keeping the reader's interest. Be sure to state the purpose of your letter in the first paragraph.
Keep it current. Write your letters on issues or legislation happening right now. Respond promptly to recently printed stories or editorials. By covering current issues, your letter stands a better chance of getting printed.
Make specific references. While some newspapers will print general commentary letters, most prefer letters that respond to a specific article. Here are some ways to refer to an article:
- “My experience confirms Jane Smith’s concerns about property values being diminished by the proposed habitat conservation plan (‘Plan aims to set aside 153,000 acres for open space,’ June 18).”
- “I strongly disagree with John Doe’s position supporting the proposed habitat conservation plan in the June 18 article, ‘Plan aims to set aside 153,000 acres for open space.’”
Think local. You’re far more likely to catch an editor’s eye if you address an issue of local or regional concern. The closer to home you bring the issue, the less abstract your point.
Show, don’t tell. Forget introductions like, "I am writing this letter to comment on the growing problem of regulation in our society." That’s telling them why you’re writing, and your job is to show them: "The harmful effects of over-regulation are more evident than ever, as a growing number of businesses continue an exodus from our state." That kind of straightforward statement keeps even those who disagree with you sticking around for a few more sentences, if only to see how you prove your point. Clearly and concisely explain the reasons for your position about the issue. Offer statistical or anecdotal evidence. Be factual, and highlight aspects of the issue that haven’t been previously addressed.
Type your letter and sign it. Be sure to include your name, mailing address, and telephone number, as papers do not print anonymous letters, and often times will call to verify authorship. Don’t use pseudonyms or initials. When printed, the letter will usually only include your name and city. Address your letters to “The Letters Editor” and “Dear Editor.” Letters should be in plain text and not include attachments. Don’t send the text as an email attachment. A paper's website often has a page to directly "Submit a Letter to the Editor."
Encourage your friends to write letters. The more letters generated from different people on a given subject, the greater the chance your view will be published. Make sure your family, friends, and co-workers are aware of issues and legislation that affects them, and encourage them to get involved.