A letter to the editor is a short piece you write for your local newspaper that shares your view on a specific issue. Often letters are a response to a news item or an opinion editorial (op-ed) that has already been published in the paper, but sometimes they stand on their own. Writing a letter to the editor is a powerful way to advocate for or against an issue that concerns you, and it is a form of public service that has been around for decades.
Begin your letter with a strong opening statement that grabs the reader’s attention. This can be done through a startling fact, a visceral description, or a personal story that illustrates your point. Keep in mind that you are not just writing for the sake of being heard, but rather trying to change public perception and opinion on an issue. This is why it is important to remain authentic in your writing and avoid simply copying and pasting talking points from other sources or organizations.
Refute and Advocate
Most letters follow a standard format, beginning with refuting the claim in the original piece that prompted your letter. Then use the rest of the letter to argue why your perspective is more valid and to make a call to action. You can also close by making some recommendations for how the problem should be solved, if appropriate. Finally, end with your contact information so that the editors can contact you if necessary and to verify that you are the author of the letter should it be published.