Letters to the editor
Letters to the editor are a good way to reach a large audience, counter media bias, and present information and perspectives that may otherwise be left out of reporting. Published letters also convey that the writer’s views are widespread.
How to write a letter to the editor
Make it timely. A letter is more likely to be published if it is in response to a recently published article or current event than if it is a general opinion piece. (Some publications do accept and publish op-eds, but it’s usually a different submission process than a letter to the editor.)
Keep the letter short and limit it to one topic. Reference any article to which you are referring with its title and date.
Proofread your letter before submitting it. If possible, ask someone else to check it for typos and grammatical errors.
Include your contact information so the paper can reach you before publishing the letter.
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Examples of opening sentences:
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“Your coverage of the recent ‘Women’s March’ (article name, date) neglected to mention the fact that the event was protested by several pro-life women.”
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“I was disappointed to see that (author name) only included pro-death viewpoints in his article on assisted suicide (article name, date.)”
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“After reading yet another puff piece about Planned Parenthood (article name, date), I am wondering why you never cover the life-saving and life-changing work of the local Life Options Center, which helps mothers welcome their children rather than kill them.”
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“Your profile of John Smith’s assembly campaign (article name, date) stated that he is “moderate,” but his support of taxpayer-funded abortion through all nine months of pregnancy is anything but moderate.”
