Most local newspapers accept a letter to the editor template and you can find the guidelines for submitting this letter on the newspaper’s website or a separate column in the print version. The letter should only be approximately 250 to 300 words and it should reference a column or a story that appeared in the newspaper you’re writing to.
Letter To The Editor Templates
What is a letter to the editor?
A letter to the editor template is a letter you write about an article from a certain publication. The purpose of this letter is to eventually get published in the newspaper or magazine.
As you might have noticed, there is usually a section specially dedicated to these letters. In the past, these letters were hand-written then send through mail. Today, almost all of these letters go to editors through email.
Letter To The Editor Examples
When do you need this letter?
There are several reasons why one would write a letter to the editor template. Here are some of them:
- If the article in question is an opinion piece, readers often write to express their opinions regarding the topic or issue. In many cases, the reader wants to share information that either supports the author’s opinion or not. In general, publications choose two letters to the editor that have contrasting opinions to share the views of all their readers,
- There are letter senders who want to share how a certain article has affected them.
- Then there are people who write the letter to give suggestions from layout suggestions to content recommendations.
What is in a letter to the editor?
A letter to editor come at any time and from anyone who wants to influence public opinion, tell other people how they feel or just to inform other people about certain issues.
Writing to a publication editor is an excellent way to improve awareness of certain issues that you and your organization work for or as a way to advocate your cause. When creating a letter to the editor template, include the following:
- A simple salutation.
- An opening statement that grabs the reader’s attention.
- An explanation of what your letter is all about.
- An explanation of why you think the issue holds significance.
- Any evidence for criticism or praise.
- Your opinion about what the editor can do.
- Your signature
You have to consider the length of your letter if you want it to et published. Generally, short letters have better chances of making it on the publication. Review your letter to see if you can further cut or condense it.
If you find it too difficult to shorten your letter because you have plenty to say, you may get in touch with the editor to find out if you can write a long guest column or an opinion feature.
Letter To The Editor Formats
How do I write a letter to the editor?
People today have become more involved in staying engaged with issues that matter to them the most. With the increasing number of public forums currently on hold, it has become even more important to depend on digital tools for communication to get your opinions out there. One such tool is a letter to the editor example.
You would write letter to the editor format samples in response to an article that has been officially published by a certain media outlet. Although this is just a brief piece, it can be a strong proactive statement opposed to or in support of a certain issue that might affect you and the other readers of the publication.
The letter to the editor template is a great way to reach a wide range of audiences and stay publicly engaged even if you don’t have to leave your home. Here are a few pointers to consider when writing this letter:
- Customize your letter
When newspaper editors make selections on which letters to publish, they choose those that are both customized and authentic. You should not hesitate to use your voice and open up when drafting this letter.
Opening up with personal statements may help establish your credibility as a person who has first-hand knowledge of the issue at hand. This will grab the attention of the editor. You should make it clear beforehand if you have written the letter in response to a published article.
If so, the first sentence must reference the article directly. Doing this helps you establish a counterpoint or point narrative for the letter where you respond to particular statements from the article with your perspective.
Use data that will support your arguments. This move also demonstrates that you are completely open to engaging other points of view on the topic – a very important basis for any type of persuasive writing.
- Stick with factual information and use an authoritative tone
You can state your case in a more convincing way by avoiding opining. Better still if you talk about your expertise and knowledge where applicable. For instance, you can write from the perspective of your own job, your experiences with a specific topic or as a member of your community.
You can even use materials from the organizations you’re affiliated with to write your letter, as long as you don’t just copy and paste your points. This way, your letter remains authentic.
- Include a call-to-action
Always remember that your letter should be no longer than 250 to 300 words. When you have completed this word count, conclude the letter with a line that lets the readers know how to learn more or get involved. Lastly, end your letter with a memorable final statement in the form of a call-to-action.
- Submit your letter
There is no time to feel shy when you have completed your letter. After proofreading, it’s time to send it. To do this, you must first create a list of local newspapers in your locality then search online for the instructions of each publication on how to send letters to their editors.
You have to make sure that each letter you send to different editors is both unique and personalized. It is not recommended to submit the same piece to several editors. Instead, choose one newspaper first and if your letter doesn’t get accepted, you can move on to the next publication on your list. The virtue here is persistence. Eventually, one of them will publish your letter.