A letter to the editor is a short piece of writing that addresses an issue in a publication. Traditionally, letters are submitted to newspapers and news magazines, though they can also be found in academic journals and on television and radio. Letters to the editor are commonly seen in editorial sections or “opinion” pages and can be a good way for citizens to express their opinions and concerns about important issues.
The letter writer’s name, address, and daytime phone number are included with each submission. This is so editors can contact you if necessary. If you are concerned about privacy, submit your letter under a pseudonym or write to the editor-general.
Depending on the subject matter, the writer may choose to include a brief biographical sketch and other relevant information (for example, professional or educational background). It is helpful to use bullet points to highlight key points. A letter to the editor should be well written and focused. It should be short and comprehensible, and it must adhere to any published word limits.
Letters to the editor are a fast, cost-free method of getting an issue in front of many people at once. They are often one of the most widely read sections in a newspaper, particularly in smaller, local publications. They can also be very effective in keeping a topic on the public agenda. Legislators and other policy makers regularly track letters to the editor in order to keep their finger on the pulse of the community’s feelings about a particular issue.
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