| | | |

How to write a letter to the editor

ByGVI Writers Team

Guidelines for writing a Letter to the Editor

A ‘Letter to the Editor’ (sometimes abbreviated as LTTE) is a way of writing to a newspaper, magazine, or other regularly printed publication. It is a means for informing or persuading the public regarding an issue, using a combination of facts and emotions to convey your message.

Letters to the editor are among the most widely read features in any newspaper or magazine, and can help you to reach a large audience. The purpose of this document is to offer guidelines for members of Genesee Valley Indivisible (GVI) who are interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor for publication. We hope these tips will help you write a letter that will be effective and influential.

1. Choose your topic

In many cases, choosing the topic for your LTTE will not be difficult: Some of the best situations are when you feel the topic chose you instead of the other way around. If you can combine passion for an issue with some expertise or personal experience involving the topic as well, that usually is a recipe for an effective, persuasive letter.

Some reasons for writing an LTTE include:

  • You think that an issue is so important that you have to speak out
  • You want to Influence public opinion about an issue
  • Wanting to educate the general public on a specific matter
  • Influencing policy-makers or elected officials directly or indirectly
  • Publicizing the work of your group and attracting others to join your cause

2. Gather data and facts to support your viewpoint

Letters to the editor are opinions, and yours gains credibility when you clearly state data, facts (and sources) that support your point. The ‘gold standard’ is to strive for 3 independent sources when validating a fact. Also, make sure to use reliable sources: avoid relying on social media data as most platforms lack fact-checking and content moderation.

Try to consult reputable, independent news/journalism outlets such as NPR, NBC News, The Guardian, or The Associated Press.

Also, the Research group in GVI can be an excellent resource to use.

3. Write a draft copy of your letter

Once you’ve collected your thoughts and any research needed, start putting your ideas into words. Keep the following in mind as you write/type:

  • Open the letter with a simple salutation: Don’t worry if you don’t know the editor’s name. A simple “To the Editor of the Livingston County News,” or just “To the Editor:” is sufficient. If you have the editor’s name, however, you should use it to increase the possibilities of your letter being read.
  • Start strong: Compelling letters usually pull in the reader with a startling fact, a visceral description, or a strong statement.
  • Keep it brief: Most newspapers have restrictions on length, and under 250 words is usually best for keeping a reader’s attention. Go back over your letter and see if anything can be cut or condensed. Brevity is a powerful tool!
  • Use your own voice: It can be helpful to use other sources, templates, or talking points as resources for your letter, but don’t simply repeat what others have said or written. Use your own voice.
  • Sign the letter: Be sure to write your full name (and title, if relevant) and to include your address, phone number, and e-mail address. Newspapers won’t print anonymous letters, though in some cases they may withhold your name on request. They may also call you to confirm that you wrote the letter before they publish it.

4. Review your final copy before submitting

Re-read your letter to check for grammar errors, and to see if you are satisfied with it. It can be helpful to have someone else review your letter: a spouse, friend, or someone in the GVI Writers’ group.

5. Submit your letter to the GVI web site

Submit your letter to the GVI website or other media outlet.