How to Get Your Letter to the Editor Published

By eHow Culture & Society Editor

Rate: (3 Ratings)

Be succinct, clear and controlled if you want your letter to be in the paper.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Use plain white paper, or use letterhead for added authority or weight.
Step2
Print your letter on your computer or on a typewriter. If you must handwrite your letter, make certain it's legible.
Step3
Address the letter to the editor, whose name can be copied from the masthead.
Step4
Spell the editor's name correctly to elicit the best response.
Step5
State your opinion right off the bat in the first line: "I am writing to say ..."
Step6
Clarify your context. For example, "In response to yesterday's headline, let me say ..." or "In printing John Smith's diatribe against big dogs, you've lost this small reader's subscription ..."
Step7
Trim your letter. Column inches are precious, and the newspaper will edit the letter if you don't.
Step8
Keep insults, name-calling and hearsay out of the contents if you want your letter published.
Step9
Proofread carefully, then hand your missive to someone else to proofread a second time.
Step10
Sign the letter with your name and title, if appropriate. A signed letter has a much greater chance of getting published.
Step11
Send the letter promptly for relevance.

Tips & Warnings

  • Humor, wit, intelligence and solid reasoning go a long way to persuade.
  • Newspapers, online magazines and traditional press are public forums, so use them.
  • Sarcasm, bigotry and subjective condemnation will get your letter into the circular file, not the opinion pages.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Many newspapers accept letters to the editor through email, so check out the website for submission quidelines.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Writing to a national fly-fishing magazine about how bad parking facilities are at the local racecourse will ensure your letter goes in the bin.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Many newspapers (including the one I work for) have rules or limitations concerning submissions. For example, there may be a limit on the number of words, or there may be a deadline. Following these guidlines improves your chances of being published.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If you put your conclusion in the opening sentences, you don't run the risk of your main idea/opinion being cut off in the event the paper shortens your letter due to lack of space.

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eHow Article: How to Get Your Letter to the Editor Published

eHow Culture & Society Editor

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