Letter to Editors

Letter to the Editors

What is a letter to the editor?

A letter to the editor is a written way of talking to a newspaper, magazine, or other regularly printed publication. Letters to the editor are generally found in the first section of the newspaper, or towards the beginning of a magazine, or in the editorial page. They can take a position for or against an issue, or simply inform, or both.

Why should you write a letter to the editor?

You can probably think of many more specific reasons why you might want to write to the editor, but here are a few general ones:

You are angry about something, and want others to know it

You think that an issue is so important that you have to speak out

Part of your group's strategy is to persuade others to take a specific action

Or you want to:

Suggest an idea to others
Influence public opinion
Educate the general public on a specific matter Influence policy-makers or elected officials directly or indirectly
Publicize the work of your group and attract volunteers or program participants

This is How do you write a letter to the editor?

Open the letter wills a simple salutation.

A simple "To the Editor of the Daily Sun," 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.

Grab the reader's attention.

Your opening sentence is very important. It should tell readers what you're writing about, and make them want to read more.

Explain what the letter is about at the start.

Throughout your letter, remember the rule:

• Be quick,

• Be concise, and then

• Be quiet.

• Tell them your key point at the beginning.

Explain why the issue is important.

Explain the issue and its importance simply. Use plain language that most people will understand Give evidence for any praise or criticism. If you are writing a letter discussing a past or pending action, be clear in showing why this will have good or bad results.

State your opinion about what should be done.

You can write a letter just to "vent," or to support or criticize a certain action or policy, but you may also have suggestions about what could be done to improve the situation.

Keep it brief

Generally, shorter letters have a better chance of being published. So go back over your letter and see if anything can be cut or condensed.

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.