Writing a Letter to the Editor
(download doc)
Why write one?
When to write one?
How to write one?
How to get it published?
- They shape public opinion
- They inform politicians about constituent concerns
- They encourage similar-minded people
- They are used to track interests and concerns over time and from all over the country
When to write one?
- In response to a news article or editorial
- Best chance at publication, so connect your concern to the article in some way
- Send the letter quickly; same day is best
- If not in response to a printed article
- When the issue is “ripe”
- Point out the paper’s omission of info about the issue
- Much more effective if you do NOT use sample letters – make it your own
- When the issue is “ripe”
How to write one?
- Make it short and pithy – no more than 150 words is best. Fewer than that is better.
- Decide what one point you want to make (a group can work cooperatively on this)
- The letter is essentially your opinion, but certain kinds of facts make it better:
- Local information –
- (ex. If the letter is about children’s health care, use a statistic about how much your city pays for uninsured care at the local public hospital.)
- Local information is available through the Chamber of Commerce, http://www.state.tx.us , cities and townships, and school boards
- Limit yourself to one stat – or two tops; otherwise readers’ eyes glaze over
- (ex. If the letter is about children’s health care, use a statistic about how much your city pays for uninsured care at the local public hospital.)
- Personal experience – very important; gives the issue human interest.
- Tell how this issue affects you or how it has affected you in the past.
- Clearly connect your experience to the issue
- Positive experiences are as important as negative ones – sometimes more so
- Ranting and whining don’t make good reading
- Tell how this issue affects you or how it has affected you in the past.
- Local information –
- Start with your one main point in the first sentence; everything after supports it.
- Break it up in small chunks. No more than 2 long or 3 short sentences to a paragraph.
- Write the letter, then go back and read it. Is it short? Is it focused? Does it have human interest? Is it specific to your location? Revise as needed.
How to get it published?
- Email is best
- Clean copy – no messages you’ve exchanged with anyone should be included
- No “cc” – send a separate email if you want to copy to someone else
- Keep it relevant and short
Letters in Print
- Support Petition for Amendment by Madeleine Sandefur, The Brownsville Herald | July 15, 2014
- Anticipating McCutcheon Decision by R. Day, Lockhart Post Register | March 7, 2014
- KeystoneXL pipeline and politics by M. Badzioch, Houston Chronicle | January 28, 2014
- Corporations and Religion by M. Badzioch, Houston Chronicle | November 29, 2013
- Priorities Misguided by J. Richards, Austin American Statesman | September 24, 2013
- Speaking volumes about BP (and one comment) by M. Badzioch, Houston Chronicle | September 19, 2013
- Defend rights of 'the people' (with 5 comments) by D. Rogers, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | September 18, 2013
- Travel, economy and privacy by M. Badzioch, Houston Chronicle | July 31, 2013
- Re: May 3 column, “Senator: Rescind calls for change.” by R. Day, Austin American Statesman | May 12, 2013
The Letter to the Editor Section is one of the most widely read sections of the newspaper and can reach a large audience. It allows community members to comment on the way issues are being addressed in the media and to influence the topics the local paper may choose to cover. Elected officials often monitor this section of the newspaper and take notice of constituents' opinions.
