A letter to editor is an opinion piece that appears in a news outlet (such as a newspaper or website). They are often used to correct a factual error in a published story, add information to an editorial or op-ed, respond to a recently published article, or advocate for change. Letters to the editor can be a powerful tool in raising awareness of important issues.
Be concise: Most editors have a word limit on letters, so keep yours short and focused. Use facts, statistics and personal experience to support your main points. Be sure to include a call to action. Readers are more likely to act if they know what needs to be done and how it will benefit them.
Write to be heard: Readers are more receptive to a personal story and may have greater empathy for your point of view. Try to avoid using inflammatory language and making vicious attacks on politicians, the newspaper or authors.
Be a resource: Editors look to letters to the editor as experts on various topics. If you have a unique background in your topic (such as being a doctor writing about a health issue or having solar panels on your roof), share that with readers up front to give your point of view credibility.
Be local: Many outlets only publish letters from people living in their area of coverage. Check out the publication’s letters page to see what types of letters they print and to find out their word limit.
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