Words have power.
Letters to the editor play an important role. Letters create a space to share public opinions and debate ideas openly. They give insight into how people make meaning of the events of their lives. They reflect what people care about. They’re a chance to air grievances or demand change. It’s empowering for ordinary people to have the opportunity to voice their opinions and experiences. Even if the media controls and curates which letters to publish.
Having your letter published can lend legitimacy to your ideas. It can spread them beyond your circle of influence. Letters to the editor are an important tool for activists especially. They can impact our local or national conversations. Shifting public opinion has the power to shape our culture and influence our future.
Do you have an important issue to voice? Is your goal to debate? Educate? Influence? Or inspire action? A great letter could accomplish all of the above. We want to help you write a letter to the editor that gets published. Before you type or write a single word, start here.
Choose your outlet
What’s the scale of your message? Local, community, or in-state publications are most likely to publish your letter. Local voices are more relevant to their readership. Writing about how an issue affects you, your town, or your state is more likely to get noticed. Centering your message on a specific community helps readers relate. Local publications receive fewer letters to the editor than national publications do. Yet, some issues can be relevant nationally. Consider and choose the most suitable outlet for your message.
Do your research and follow the rules
Every publication has specific guidelines for their letters to the editor. A one-size-fits-all approach will not work. You’ll need to consider limits on word count, formatting, and exclusivity. Just to name a few. Editors can receive hundreds to thousands of letters a week. Research what the rules are for the publication you’ve chosen. Then, write your letter to follow their requirements. You’d hate to have your letter rejected over a technicality.
Consider your audience
Think about who you’re trying to reach. Who does the issue impact? Are you trying to reach someone familiar with your topic or new to the subject? Are you writing for people in a community that you’re a part of? Maybe you’re hoping to change hearts and minds? Are you addressing policymakers? Elected officials’ staff are known to check local media for mention of their names. There’s a strong possibility that if you name one of your local representatives in a letter, you could get their attention. The same is true for leaders of corporations. Especially if they have a headquarters or plant near you.
Be timely
Are you writing in reaction to a specific article, event, or a previously published letter? If so, you could increase your chances of getting published. Publications will often publish responses to maintain fairness and balance. If recent news relates to your topic, seize the opportunity. Make sure to reference the newsworthy item you are commenting on.
Get personal
You have a unique lived experience and point of view to share. Be specific. Avoid using clichés. Speak from “I” statements. Avoid speaking on behalf of others. No one on planet Earth is exactly like you. Avoid generalities. What topic(s) are you specially qualified to speak on? What are your affiliations or connections to the topic? Tell your story. Write from your perspective. No one wants to read something they’ve heard a million times before. Let your writing reveal who you are. To engage with your readers, show your true self.
Keep it short and simple
The average American reads at a 7th to 8th grade reading level. Use plain words and short sentences and paragraphs. This makes your message easier to read and understand for everyone. It also increases the chance that people will read your letter. You can use online tools to determine the reading level of your writing. Most media outlets also have strict limits on the length of letters to the editor. On average, your letter should be 200 – 300 words. Print publications are limited on space. Try to stick to one topic. Choose your words wisely. Think of a letter to the editor as an elevator pitch. You’ve got a limited amount of time and space to get your point across.
Follow this format
- Debate: Reference something timely
- Educate: State the problem
- Influence: Offer one or more solutions
- Inspire action: Call to action or next steps
- Repeat: Loop back to your original point
Include your contact information
The media outlet will need your basic information. They’ll verify that you’re a real person and that you are who you say you are. Include your name, city, state, email address, and phone number. Don’t worry. The outlet shouldn’t publish this info. And it shouldn’t count against your word count.
Keep checking back
You may not be told when a media outlet publishes your letter. So check their letter to the editor page often. You don’t want to miss your moment.
Start writing now
Start writing your letter to the editor today. Or start a letter writing group in your community. Don’t forget to proofread your final draft. Share it with a few friends for feedback before submitting it. If your letter gets published using this help, please email our Communications Director to let us know.
Writing a letter to the editor is a great way to get involved and take action. Dogwood Alliance needs action-oriented people like you. We want Ambassadors to promote climate justice and forest protection. Check out our Ambassador opportunities. Join our next gathering. Discover how you can lend your time and talents to support the movement for forests, climate, and justice.
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