How to Write a Letter to the Editor That Gets Published

Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper can be an effective way to have your voice heard on issues that matter to you. With the right strategy, you can greatly increase your chances of having your letter published. Follow these tips to craft a letter that catches the editor’s attention and gets picked up in print or online.

Why Write a Letter to the Editor?

Letters to the editor serve a few key purposes

• Voice your opinion Writing a letter allows you to express your perspective on local happenings or respond to an article recently published in the paper Editors look for original thoughts and strong points of view,

• Influence public opinion A published letter enables you to reach a wide audience in your community Well-reasoned letters can sway readers to your side of an issue.

• Prompt action. An eloquent, convincing letter can motivate officials or community leaders to address problems or make positive changes.

• Get published. For writers, a letter to the editor represents a chance to see your name in print. Shorter and easier to write than an op-ed, letters are an accessible way to achieve publication.

Choose a Compelling Topic

The key to writing a letter that catches the editor’s eye is choosing a topic that will interest readers. Here are some tips for picking a good subject:

• Respond to a recent article. Editors look for letters that provide an alternative perspective or add insights to articles they just published. Reference the headline and date so readers understand.

• Highlight an overlooked local issue. Shine a spotlight on a neighborhood concern or small-scale problem that affects your community. Hyperlocal issues can really resonate.

• Comment on a current event. A letter timed to a trending news event is likely to get more traction. Add an angle not covered in the mainstream media’s coverage.

• Criticize elected officials or local leaders. Readers love holding public figures accountable. Make sure to back up any criticism with facts and specifics.

• Praise recent successes. Positive letters that applaud achievements, thank public figures, or recognize organizations for benefits to the community are also publishable.

Craft a Compelling Opening

The first sentence or two of your letter should grab the reader’s attention. Try these hooks:

• Ask a compelling question. Open with a question that invites further thought and debate on your topic.

• State a strong opinion. Clearly state your perspective right away to set up the rest of the letter.

• Use a striking fact or statistic. Numbers that illustrate the scope of the issue you’re addressing can help capture interest.

• Describe a brief personal anecdote. Relate a short personal story or incident that introduces the topic in a humanizing way.

• Use an attention-grabbing quote. The right saying or quote can cleverly lead into the broader point you want to make.

Structure Your Argument Logically

The body of your letter to the editor should build a clear, reasoned argument. Follow these steps:

• Introduce context on the issue. Briefly explain the background or summarize the situation for readers unfamiliar with the topic.

• State your main argument. Concisely articulate your main point, opinion, criticism, or call to action.

• Provide supporting facts and evidence. Use statistics, expert opinions, examples, or relevant personal experiences to back up your case.

• Acknowledge counterarguments. Demonstrating that you’ve considered other perspectives will strengthen your position. Refute if possible.

• Reinforce key points. Revisit your central argument or main takeaways before concluding.

Close With a Memorable Flourish

End your letter with a final sentence that drives home your message:

• Call for specific action. Close by clearly saying what steps you want to see taken or what outcomes you advocate.

• Refer back to your opening. Echo your first sentences to create a sense of unity and cohesion.

• Offer hope or a vision for the future. Conclude on an optimistic note by underscoring the positive change this issue could drive.

• Use a relevant quote. The right saying or statistic can conclude your letter with rhetorical flair.

• Thank the editor. Express gratitude for their consideration to end on a gracious note.

Optimize Format and Length

Careful formatting improves the look and feel of your letter. Keep these guidelines in mind:

• Address the editor formally. Start with “Dear Editor” and use their full name if known.

• Include contact info. List your full name, address, phone number and email so they can verify you wrote the letter.

• Choose short paragraphs. Chunk your content into 1-4 sentence paragraphs for better readability.

• Use bold and italics sparingly. Occasional emphasis can highlight key points, but overuse is distracting.

• Check word limits. Most newspapers restrict letters to 150-300 words. Concise letters have the best chance.

• Suggest a headline. A 6-12 word title summarizes the main point for skimming readers.

Revise and Proofread Thoroughly

Refine your letter by editing carefully to root out any errors or lack of clarity:

• Read aloud. This often catches awkward sentences that need smoothing.

• Check facts. Verify any names, stats, quotes or references cited to avoid mistakes.

• Trim clutter. Delete redundant words and phrases to tighten the letter.

• Strengthen your argument. Look for any gaps in reasoning you can strengthen with better facts or examples.

• Vary sentence structure. Break up any areas heavy on long or short sentences.

• Fix grammar and spelling. Run spell check and carefully review for typos, missing words, punctuation errors or misused words. Enlist a helper to proofread if possible.

Submit Your Letter

Ready to reach the opinion page? Follow these steps:

• Check guidelines. Review the newspaper’s instructions online for specifications on length, formatting, and method of submission.

• Email your letter. Send it as an attached document for quickest consideration.

• Use online forms. Some newspapers have online submission forms you can fill out.

• Follow up. If you haven’t heard back in a week, it’s okay to politely check on the status.

• Be open to edits. If your letter is accepted, expect that editors may shorten it or tweak wording. Be willing to work with them.

• Invite reprinting. If published, offer permission to reprint in partner outlets to extend your reach.

Writing a persuasive letter to the editor takes skill, but your informed opinion can contribute meaningfully to community dialogue. With care and creativity, you can craft submissions that get noticed and make an impact. Use these tips to hone an eloquent, authentic voice and see your thoughts reach a wide audience in print.