A letter to the editor is a powerful tool for activists. They can be used to correct and clarify facts in a news story, editorial or op-ed piece, oppose or support actions of an official agency, direct attention to a problem, or spur action by legislators or corporations. The key to writing a successful letter is to make it personal and authentic and use facts to back up your argument.
Length – Editors usually only publish letters that are under a certain word count, so keep the length of your letter in mind as you write. Ideally, a letter to the editor should be no longer than 300 words.
Tone – Write your letter in your own voice and avoid using jargon or insider language. Newspaper readers want to hear from an authentic, informed person who shares their own experiences and viewpoints. In addition, the more specific and relevant a letter is to the local community, the more likely it will be to engage the audience.
Subject – Stick to one policy or issue in your letter. Adding too many topics can overwhelm editors and detract from your message. Identify how your topic affects the local community in particular and show how it will directly impact the readership. Using personal stories, local statistics, and expert opinions lends your letter credibility.
Conclusion – Close your letter by reinstating your main point and making a call to action. Also be sure to include your name, address, phone number and email address. Many newspapers will contact you to verify that you wrote the letter, so it is important to have your information on hand.
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