Tips on Writing a Letter to the Editor & Op-Eds
A letter to the editor is a briefly stated opinion generally written in response to a current issue or a previously published article.
Tips on Content of Letter
- If a publication receives multiple letters on the same subject, the editor will choose one that says something in a new way or takes a unique angle.
- Focus your letter on one point on one subject. If you can, comment on a specific story in the paper, do so, mentioning the headline and date. Cite the specific reference and sum it up in a sentence to refresh readers’ memories. Then point out facts that were left out, or refute or support facts that were stated.
- Be clear and concise. Shorter is better. Most papers want letters of 250 words or less. Magazines such as Time want even less.
- State your point early in the letter and support your point with facts.
- Know the audience of the publication. Technical information and long, multi-syllable words are often not appropriate for a general audience.
- If appropriate, mention your motivation or expertise in writing. For example, “As a Unitarian Universalist, I believe... and therefore x,” or “I direct a social service agency. Here’s what my experience has been … That’s why I believe y.”
General Logistical Tips
- Know and follow the policies and specifications of the publication to which you are submitting your letter. Except as noted, it is OK to send the same or similar letters to more than one publication. But don't submit the same or similar letters to multiple papers in the same media market.
- Always include your name, address, and daytime telephone number. Include exactly one e-mail address in the To: field. Don't send to editors via Cc: or Bcc:. Send your letter in the body of the e-mail message, not as an attachment.
- Don't submit a letter to a paper that has already run another of your letters in the past month or two.
- Don't send specifically local letters to other localities.
- If your letter ran, get a print version of the letter with the front page banner of the paper’s name.
- Send your letter to your legislators. Keep copies for future lobbying visits.
- Send a copy of the printed letter to the group that encouraged you to write or to the group that is working on your topic so that the organization can follow the bigger picture.
"Op-ed" articles, as they are commonly referred to, are opinion articles published opposite the editorial page. They are longer and more influential than letters to the editor, and are therefore more difficult to publish.
General Tips
- Timing is key, make sure you submit an op-ed when the issue is hot.
- In general an op-ed is written in 500-800 words or less, double-spaced. Keep it short.
- Read other op-eds to get a feel for how they are constructed. Generally they are written in the 5 paragraph with three talking points format:
- The first paragraph should include a news-hook (i.e. referring to a recent event in the news), and your theses statement. Make sure your point is well stated and concise.
- The three "body" paragraphs should pinpoint the three most important parts of your argument.
- The conclusion should be captivating and brief, make the last paragraph powerful.
- It is a good idea to have the main points of your op-ed already drafted, before a news break on your issue. This way, when your issue comes up in the news, all your article needs is the news-hook in the first paragraph, and it is ready to be sent to the editor.
- The more unique and fresh your facts are, the more likely your article is to be published; however, more obscure facts need to be well documented, and names should be double checked. Use facts, reputable quotes, and examples to support your opinion.
- Avoid clichés, tangents, name-calling, and repetition.
- Make sure you have a sort of "expertise" on the subject, and include a brief (one sentence) bio-line at the end of the article.
- Do not make the article too poetic, simple short sentences are best; and steer clear of long complex words and slang.
- Check your article for grammar and fluidity, read it out loud to make sure the thoughts flow well.
- Give it a catchy title.
- Have another person read your article before sending it in to make sure your point is clearly expressed.
- Learn where to send an op-ed before a newsbreak occurs. Check out MediaCircus.org to find out how to get in touch with papers in your targeted areas.
Include a cover letter when submitting it to an editor, and assure him or her that the article has not been sent to a competing newspaper or if it was sent to them exclusively.
For more information contact uuawo @ uua.org.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
