Tips For Writing a Letter to the Editor or an Op-Ed

If you want to call attention to a particular issue or situation, one of the best ways to do this is through writing either a letter to the editor or an op-ed.  However, it can be challenging to get these actually in print!  Here are some key suggestions to help you out in the process:

Writing a Letter to the Editor:

  1. Grab Peoples Attention – Begin with something that will make people, especially the editor, want to read the rest of the letter
  2. Keep it Brief – A letter to the editor shouldn’t exceed 200 words, and should remain focused on one issue. 
  3. Respond to Something – Whether it be a particular news story, or a local event, connect your letter to something the readers will know something about.
  4. Show You Know the Topic – Demonstrate why you are a good person to listen to on this issue by showing the research you have done, and what you know.
  5. Make it Personal – Let people know who you are, by signing your name, and possibly giving your congressional district, or church affiliation.

Writing an Op-Ed:

  1. Time it Well – Time your Op-Ed for a situation when interest in your topic will be at its peak – some local event, an anniversary of an event, a pop-culture happening, or current happenings on Capitol Hill.  Whatever it may be, make sure your Op-Ed is relevant to the current climate.
  2. Make A Local Connection – Begin by connecting the issue you are writing about to the community – through a story, or through local statistics, or in whatever way possible, let the reader know how this issue impacts them.
  3. Know Your Stuff – Even more than in a letter to the editor, this is your time to show you know what you are talking about.  Lay your research out there so people know you know the issue. 
  4. Know the Requirements – Make sure you know the different submission requirements of the paper in which you want to submit.
  5. Consider all Your Options – Sometimes a free weekly may be better than your big national paper for a particular story. Also, consider adding an influential co-signer, such as academic or religious leaders. This greatly increases your chances of getting published, and brings instant credibility.

 

For more information, see our E-Advocacy links