How to Write a Letter to the Editor

The letter to the editor (LTE) section is one of the most widely read parts of a newspaper. These letters can influence our community by:

• Raising awareness. An LTE is a great way to raise the profile of an issue or a candidate in your local community.
• Responding rapidly. Many publications print LTEs within a day or two of receiving them, making them one of the most effective actions when trying to respond quickly to new developments or announcements.
• Energizing supporters. Published letters fire up local supporters and show lawmakers that their constituents have their backs when they lead on important issues.
• Persuading. LTEs can show how an issue or a candidate affects residents in a way that is sympathetic with those on the fence, including lawmakers.

Do’s and Don’ts

People read LTEs to find out:

• How people think or feel about an issue or a candidate.
• How an issue or a candidate can affect their community.
• The major impacts of an action.
• LTEs should be short and personal, demonstrating the relationship to an issue or a candidate and the views of community members. You don’t have to be an expert to share your personal story. 
• Many papers will not print letters that are too long or too broad.

Planning Your Letter To the Editor

• Research the issue through a website, social media, and the literature that has been published. Have conversations with people about the issue.  This will give you good background information. 
• Know the rules for LTE submission: Publications usually have tight rules for publishing, including length and contact information. They will reject a letter if it departs from the rules, so know the rules for submission and make sure your letter conforms. Check the publication’s schedule and submission deadlines.

The Union Democrat’s rules: Maximum 300 words, sign your name, email to: letters@uniondemocrat.com, or send to 84 S. Washington St., Sonora, CA  95370. You can submit a letter every two weeks.

Writing Your Letter

• Keep it short. Stay within the publication’s rules—likely no longer than 300 words. Shorter letters are the most effective. Get to the point.
• Tell your story. Why does this matter to you?
• Know your audience. What type of publication are you writing for, and who is reading it? Use a story with which the audience can connect.
• DON’T delve into policy. Avoid using a long string of dull facts – 300 words is insufficient to make a nuanced policy argument, and your passion is more powerful.
• Use powerful language. Let your feelings show. Use powerful verbs and descriptive nouns. Write short, punchy sentences. Vary sentence length. This will help your letter stand out and make it more likely to be published.
• Make a call to action. End your letter with a specific call to action to your local lawmakers or community members. Your LTE will only be effective if it gets others to take action!
• Check for proper grammar and spelling. Ask a friend to take a look at your letter before you submit it. Letters with errors will likely not be published, or they might be published with your errors. 

Sample Template

Dear Editor:

• Why are you writing… “I’m writing because…” or another kind of hook to interest the reader…
• Example: Recently, I met _______ and discovered…
• Why is this candidate or issue important to you or the community?
• Touch on the values you share.
• Encourage readers to take a call to action: vote, write, research, meet a candidate, or talk to a local expert on the issue.
• End on a positive note.

Sincerely,

Your name
Address
Telephone number

Submit by email (preferably) or regular mail.

Getting Published

After you send your LTE, keep an eye out! If you are published – Success! Congratulations! Your message is being heard. Make sure to re-share the message on social media outlets. Use the sharing feature on the website to send it to family, friends, and neighbors.