A letter to editor is an important means to shape public opinion and inform the public about issues, people, programs, and policies that matter. Letters to editors can also help to stimulate community conversation and generate media coverage for a program or cause.
Write in your own words. Editors prefer to run letters that are original. Avoid using reprints of other articles or written material as they may be viewed as plagiarism.
Letters should be brief and focused on a specific issue. Generally, a letter should be no more than a page long. Letters that are overly long or repetitive will not be published.
Use facts and personal experiences to make your point. Local statistics and personal stories lend credibility and are more compelling to readers. Be sure to include your full name and title, especially if it is relevant to the topic you are discussing. This adds to your credibility and shows that you are not trying to hide anything.
Refute, advocate, and make a call to action. Open your letter by refuting a claim that was made in the newspaper article you are addressing. Follow this with a few sentences explaining why you disagree with the statement and then explain how you think the issue should be handled. Close by making a call to action and asking that the reader take action. Legislators and other policy makers frequently track letters to the editor to keep a finger on the pulse of public sentiment and issues. Corporations track letters to the editor as well, particularly in communities where they have offices or plant locations.
About the Author
