How to Get Your Letter to the Editor Published

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Printers
• Bonded Paper
• Computers
• Word-processing Software

1. Use plain white paper, or use letterhead for added authority or weight.

2. Print your letter on your computer or on a typewriter. If you must handwrite your letter, make certain it's legible.

3. Address the letter to the editor, whose name can be copied from the masthead.

4. Spell the editor's name correctly to elicit the best response.

5. State your opinion right off the bat in the first line: "I am writing to say ..."

6. 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 ..."

7. Trim your letter. Column inches are precious, and the newspaper will edit the letter if you don't.

8. Keep insults, name-calling and hearsay out of the contents if you want your letter published.

9. Proofread carefully, then hand your missive to someone else to proofread a second time.

10. Sign the letter with your name and title, if appropriate. A signed letter has a much greater chance of getting published.

11. 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.

[theperfectfit]

on 1/13/2009 Don't count on the editor using your title. Include your contact information, street address. and a phone number. Many newspapers verify the legitimacy of the writer. It may take many submissions to get into print buy don't give up on stating your opinion.

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

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.

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.

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.