How to Write a Letter to the Editor

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Why letters to the editor (LTEs) are important

  • They are an important way for the public, policymakers, and the press to get a better informed understanding of an issue and how the public views it.
  • LTEs are especially effective for campaigns related to politics and legislation, because congressional/legislative staff closely monitor the opinion pages of newspapers in their districts and/or watch for letters published by constituents.
  • LTEs are an excellent media tactic for “rapid-response” situations and campaigns where we need to demonstrate public support/opposition/pressure to a decision-maker.
  • Because many people read letters-to-the-editor (LTEs), they are a quick, effective and continuing means of communicating your campaign message to a wide audience.
  • Even in the age of social media, there are tens of thousands of people reading your letter both in print and online. And it’s free. You’re not going to have a viral Facebook post necessarily.
  • They can be used to correct and clarify facts in a news story, editorial or op-ed piece, oppose or support actions of an official agency, direct attention to a problem, spur news editors to cover an issue that is being overlooked, and urge readers to support your cause.

How to write your letter

Just Write — As soon as you feel inspired to write, sit down and do it. Do not wait, do not look up data, do not get distracted. Just write. Get your initial thoughts out. Add data, correct and edit later. Once you are ready for feedback send your letter to rio-writers@lists.sierraclub.org. Or just submit it to the paper as soon as possible. If you wait too long, it will no longer be timely.

Pick a Timely Topic — Newspapers rarely publish letters about topics that are not being covered in the news. Referring to a previously published article or column will increase your letter’s chances of being published. Look at each paper to see how they like to reference the article in LTEs they publish. A specific reference is not always necessary and you shouldn’t let not having a reference keep you from submitting.

Research the Guidelines — Most papers’ length limit on LTEs is around 250 words. Stick to this so that an editor does not cut out the important points of your letter. O

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