Reclaim Democracy!

Writing Effective Letters to the Editor

by

By Jeff Milchen

Letters in newspapers and magazines are prime forums for getting your message to a wide audience. These tips will help increase the likelihood of your letters to the editor (LTEs) published and maximize their impact.

Do:

  • For most publications, respond directly to a recently published article or commentary. Follow the target publication’s norm, but a typical response format is: Re “Talking With the Taxman,” (news, Jan. 13). Your report neglected one key fact… Small local papers may allow writers to raise an issue without responding directly to something published.
  • Focus on one important point and don’t try to address multiple issues in one letter. Be sure to follow the publication’s guidelines and word count limit (up to 250 words is common for local papers, but some larger publications demand shorter letters).
  • Maximize your chance of being published by removing every non-essential word. For example, don’t say, “I think…” It’s obvious. This also minimizes the chance of editors changing the letter.
  • Use verified facts. Take the time to check original sources rather than repeating a “fact” cited in another media outlet.
  • Create immediacy by indicating how readers will be impacted by the issue you’re addressing.
  • Balance criticism with a positive call to action. This includes your elected representatives — by including their names in the letter and asking for action, you can get their attention. Point people to a source for information or to engage when practical.
  • Speak in the language and literacy level of the publication’s readers. Envision a person you seek to influence when writing. This will help focus your message better than writing for “everyone.”
  • When writing to your local newspaper in smaller towns or cities, follow up with a polite phone inquiry about its status if it doesn’t appear within a few days.
  • E-mail your letter in the body of the email (never send unsolicited attachments) and put “Letter re: your topic or article name” in the subject line. If you wish to copy others or submit to more than one publication, do so in a separate email. Include your address and phone for verification.
  • Pay attention to letters and comments by others. Note effective and ineffective approaches (especially letters that argue a position you oppose), style, length, etc.
  • Don’t limit yourself to critiquing articles. A story that reports favorably on your group or issue presents a great opportunity to repeat a key point while adding one of your own. This also helps build the perception of being a positively-focused group.
  • If your target publication includes links in letters published online, seize the opportunity to expose readers to preferred sources or your organization.
  • Use quotation marks to indicate the title of an article. Most newspapers don’t use italics or bold in the body (and never all caps).
  • Have someone proofread your letter before submitting it— ideally before reading the original article. Why? Many readers won’t recall the original or never read it, so your letter should stand on its own.
  • Magazines: Acceptable lengths for letters in magazines vary widely, so look for guidelines and observe the magazine’s range and style. Many magazines tend to be read by like-minded people, rather than the broader cross-sections of newspaper readers. Consider the typical reader and keep her in mind.
  • Use active, concise language. Strong writing uses descriptive nouns and active, informative verbs. Activating language eliminates almost every instance of “to be” (has, have, is, was, be, been, were) Each time you find one of these words in your draft, reword your sentence with active verbs. Similarly, the word “that” is rarely necessary. The Elements of Style is an excellent guide to clear, concise writing.
  • Include a title of 3-8 words. Editors will rarely use your exact wording, but your suggestion makes it more likely they’ll choose a framing you like.

Avoid:

  • Don’t overstate/exaggerate your points. One overstatement makes every following point suspect.
  • Don’t name-call or insult your opponents.
  • Avoid jargon or acronyms (spell out any name the first time you use it, followed by the acronym in parentheses).

Don’t consider your effort a failure if your letter to the editor isn’t used in large publications, even the best letters face long odds. Each LTE is read and plays a role in molding the thinking and selection of the editors.

Other Resources

The creator of this primer, Jeff Milchen, previously directed Reclaim Democracy!