How to write a letter to the editor

Writing a (good) letter to the editor is probably one of the easiest ways to get your name in print. But the competition is fierce. Editors receive thousands of letters. If you want your ideas in print, you need to write the best letter you possibly can.

This is a very specialized kind of writing. You need to know a few things before you start. Follow the steps below and you’ll learn how to write a letter to the editor.

Determine your purpose

People have dozens of reasons for writing a letter to the editor. Some are good, some not so good. If your purpose is only to vent or insult an opponent you might be better off not mailing your letter. Go ahead and write it; it will make you feel better. Just don’t send it to anyone.

If you’re passionate about a cause, educating others about it may bring about a desired action. Your clear position on a controversy can help influence lawmakers. Bringing a news item to an editor’s attention can expose an important issue to the public.

But none of these things will happen unless you craft a well-written letter.

Study the publication

A knowledge of the publication is an important first step. If you’re sending a letter to your local paper that you read every day, you already know its layout, tone, and philosophy. If you plan to submit to a lesser known publication, read a few issues first.

Find information on how to submit your letter. This should be listed in the publication itself or online. Most editors these days prefer email. You will still find some who ask that letters be sent by FAX or by US Postal Service. Some even accept telephone messages. Follow their guidelines.

Purpose

Knowing why you’re writing helps to determine what you include and how you word your message. Picture the person or persons who will be reading your letter. Keep them in mind as you draft your letter.

Repercussions

While sitting in the comfort and safety of your own home, you feel emboldened to express exactly the way you feel. Think through possible scenarios as you compose your letter. Publications generally do not print anonymous letters. You will be identified as the author. Keep in mind that not all readers are going to respond positively to your thoughts. Some people could respond in extreme ways.

People who respond generally feel very strongly about an issue. Their opinion could be thrust upon you in the form of an angry letter or a threatening phone call Keep copies of any nasty letters. Report any of these incidences to the editor. The publication may not be able to take action, but it should be made aware of the event.

Planning your letter

Newspaper writing is set up in the form of an inverted pyramid. Include the most important information first. If the letter needs to be cut to fit the available space, it will be cut from the bottom.

Letters to the editor must be short. About 150-200 words is a good goal. Local papers may print letters as long as 300 words.

In addition to short, letters must be concise. It may take a few rewritings to get your main ideas presented in a clear, distinct way. Writing a short piece is more difficult than writing a long one.

Structure

Start with a formal greeting. “Dear Editor:” is sufficient. Using the editor’s name is even better.

Your first sentence should introduce your topic. If you are responding to a news article, identify it by title and date.

Following the introduction should be several short paragraphs supporting your point. Be as specific as possible.

Strengthen your support

Two types of supporting evidence are common: personal experience and facts. Personal experience should be relevant and brief. Show the connection with your topic. Facts are easy to obtain. Much information can be found by searching online or calling your library’s reference desk. Hard facts and statistics make a better point than the old standby, “They say . . .”

If dealing with a local issue, check with your Chamber of Commerce, or city hall, or law enforcement, depending on which agency is involved. Much information is available under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Mind your manners

Shouting seldom accomplishes anything. Neither does the written equivalent. Insulting people leaves a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. Name calling and use of sarcasm will not gain you readers. And you certainly won’t win anyone over to your cause. Attack the behavior or actions, if you must, but stay away from attacks on people. A well-reasoned argument is much more likely to be read and considered by readers.

Join the ranks

Writing a letter to an editor can be an exhilarating experience. Seeing it in print even more so. Spend a little time learning how to write a letter to the editor. You’ll stand a much better chance of publication. Even better, you may even sway public opinion.