How to Write a Letter to the Editor

You feel strongly about an issue and you want to say something about it! You decide to write a letter to the editor of your local paper. How can you be sure it will be read? And how can you increase your chances that it will actually get published? Here are some tips to help you:

Keep it Simple

It's the old "KISS" principle. Keep it simple, stupid! Do not try to make 10 points in a letter to the editor. There's not enough space, and the newspaper's readership doesn't have the attention span.

"But," you protest, "I have so much to say." I'm sure you do, but that doesn't mean people want to hear everything you have to say. Think of that annoying family member who dominates the dinner table conversation, never giving anyone else to chance to say anything. Maybe you're that person. Well, these kinds of people turn other people off.

You're going to have to edit yourself down. Pick one or two points you wish to make. Make those points. And end the letter. Keep it simple.

Keep it Short

You've narrowed your letter to one or two points. Don't take forever making those points. Don't bring in numerous sub-points. You only need three sub-points (and that's max!) for each main point. And each sub-point should be one sentence.

What are those sub-points? They are not a repeat of the main point. For instance, don't do this: "The proposed nuclear power plant for the north end of town is a dangerous idea for our children. Nuclear power is really dangerous. We shouldn't bring danger into our town."

What's wrong with the above? First, the two sub-points to the main point ("the proposed nuclear power plant....is a dangerous idea") are nothing more than repeats of the main point. The sub-points should develop and support the main point, not just re-phrase it.

So, decide your main points - your main arguments. Then, develop two or three arguments (as in two or three sentences) to support each main point. You have your outline.

Then, add an opening sentence to grab the reader's attention and emphasize the topic's importance. And add a closing sentence that calls for action. You're almost done.

Reference a Newspaper Article

If you want to increase your chances for publication, make sure your letter references a newspaper article on the same subject.

Let's use our nuclear power plant example. See if one of your sub-points or (better yet) your introductory sentence can incorporate a quote or statistic from a news article the paper has already run on the power plant.

Follow the Guidelines

Each newspaper has editorial guidelines for letters to the editor. These include length and how to submit. Make sure you follow these guidelines fully.

Be Realistic

If you're submitting your letter to the editor to a paper with a circulation of 500,000 people, then your chances of publication are slimmer than if the paper had a circulation of 50,000.

If you live in the Washington, DC area, you have a better chance that your suburban, weekly newspaper will carry your article than The Washington Post.

Also, persistence pays off. If in the course of your life, you only submit one or two letters to the editor, your chances of publication are not as good as if you submit four or five each year. Be a frequent contributor, although don't be obnoxious about it. If you saturate your local paper every week or month, you make yourself a nuisance. Balance is the key.

Writing a letter to the editor is one of the most tangible and effective things you can do as a citizen. Good luck!