Letters to the editor

Writing a letter to the editor is a great way to share your opinion, educate the public about the issue, applaud someone for doing the right thing, or criticize policy. A well written, well-timed letter to the editor can shift public opinion and influence policy.

A few simple rules for writing to editors

• Keep it short. The average letter is 250 to 300 words but check with the paper as to its word limit and follow any additional guidelines for submission.
• Editors prefer to publish timely, concise letters that respond to a news issue, article, editorial, or another letter that appeared in the newspaper.
• Write and submit your letter as quickly as possible, preferably the same day that the article runs or the issue is raised in public.
• Remember that not all readers will have seen the original story. Your letter will need to stand on it’s own, as it will be published as such.
• Open your letter with a strong statement that comments on a news issue, article, editorial, or another letter that appeared in the newspaper.
• You must include your name, street address and phone number. Editors are on guard about fake identities and will often contact you to verify that you wrote your letter. It is unlikely that they will run anonymous letters.