How to Write an Opinion Letter to the Editor

Many of us at least glance at or skim the letters to the editor when we are reading our local newspapers. Some readers are dedicated followers of this section, turning to this page first to find out who in their community is sounding off on what topics. If you've always wanted to express your opinion in a letter to the editor, here are some guidelines you should follow to increase the chances that your letter will be published.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer and printer or typewriter (optional)
• Paper and pen
• Envelope
• Postage

1. Decide why you are writing a letter to the editor. Letters to the editor serve a specific purpose. Sometimes they are to correct a previously published error. More often they are to express an opinion about an issue recently in the news. Sometimes they debate an opinion letter previously published by the publication. Occasionally they are a means of thanking the community for its support for a fundraiser or charitable event or dedication to a worthy cause.

2. Keep a copy of news articles or previous letters to the editor you are responding to handy while you are writing your letter. You will want to refer to them for accuracy if you quote anything previously published to be certain it is an exact quote.

3. Research any facts or statistics you plan to use to support your opinion or argument. The more factual your letter, the stronger it will be in making your point and possibly even convincing others that you are correct.

4. Write yourself some notes to follow as a guideline for your letter. List all the important points you want to make in your letter. Jot down the appropriate facts or statistics you will use to support each point next to the appropriate item.

5. Focus your letter on an issue, not a person or business. Express your opinion about that issue, making reference to relevant people or businesses only as needed to clarify the issue specifically or to avoid reader confusion about what you are saying.

6. Type or print your letter neatly so it is easy to read and understand.

7. Direct your letter simply "Dear Editor" and write your letter in the style of a personal business letter.

8. Begin your letter by clearly stating your opinion and to what you are responding. For instance, you might begin with something like, "I disagree with your newspaper's August 10 article suggesting that last week's Relay for Life event was a failure." This should make up the substance of your first paragraph.

9. Use subsequent paragraphs to make individual points that support the opinion you expressed in paragraph one. Incorporate facts that demonstrate your opinion is well founded, accurate and logical. For example, using the issue identified above, you might go on to say, "While it is true that the event did not raise the $10,000 it aspired to, that number was a rather lofty goal and a 100 percent increase over last year's goal of $5,000. In fact, this year's Relay for Life event did raise $7,500 which is a huge accomplishment and 50 percent more than last year's achievement. Both the individuals and organizations that organized and participated in this year's event and the community that came out to support Relay for Life should be applauded for their efforts and their success!"

10. Maintain a professional tone throughout your letter. You want to come across to readers as a reasonable, articulate individual with a valid opinion and solid facts to back up that opinion so that they will agree with you. You do not want to be perceived as radical, liberal, crazy, foolish, inconsiderate, unintelligent or uninformed or any of dozens of other labels that might be applied to a writer who rambles, uses his letter as a personal attack or vendetta, or otherwise writes a letter to achieve his own personal agenda.

11. Keep your letter short and to the point. Use only as many paragraphs as required to clearly express and support your opinion. When you've achieved that goal, your letter should be complete.

12. Check your notes to be sure you've included all of your relevant points and supporting facts.

13. Quote any person or articles you refer to accurately, word for word, and put the statement in quotation marks. Don't generalize or paraphrase if you can possibly help it. Keep quotes brief and only include those portions of the quote that are relevant, but be careful not to take or present any partial quotes out of context.

14. Close with thanks to the editor, a short summary of your opinion or thanks to others who may be the subject of your opinion letter.

15. Type or print your name a few lines below the close of your letter. Include your address, telephone number, email and other applicable contact information below your name.

16. Proofread your letter for accuracy, typos, spelling errors or other mistakes. Make any necessary changes before finalizing your letter.

17. Sign your letter in black or blue ink above your printed or typewritten name.

18. Make a copy of the letter for your records.

19. Fold the letter neatly, put it into an envelope and address the envelope to "Editor" at the publication you are writing to. Include the name of the publication and the complete mailing address. Put your return address on the envelope, affix the proper postage and mail your letter.

20. Check the Letters to the Editor section in the next few issues of the publication to see whether it is published.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't write a combination letter encompassing multiple issues. If necessary, write more than one letter to the editor addressing each specific issue. Or simply write one letter focusing on the issue you feel most strongly about.
• Never write a letter to the editor just to slam another person or business or hurt their reputation. Chances are it won't get published, but if it does, you could become the target of a lawsuit for libel or slander.