Letters to the Editor

Letters to the editor are a good way to get some press attention to your issue—and they happen to be one of the most well-read pages in your local newspaper.

Plan your letter

• Find out the newspaper’s requirements or preferences for submitting a letter. Instructions can usually be found at the bottom of the page where they are printed or on the newspaper’s website. For Texas newspaper websites, visit the Texas page on Refdesk.

• Newspapers are more likely to print a letter if it is in response to a timely event, so watch for a good opportunity to tie your letter to something in the pages of the paper.

Write your letter

• If you can comment on a specific story in the paper, do so, mentioning the article’s headline and date.
• Each letter should address only one issue and take a strong position.
• Shorter is better. Most papers want letters of 250 words or less, but contact the newspaper if you can’t find their specific requirements on their website.
• Use the elevator speech format to construct the body of the letter.
• When emailing a letter, send it in the body of the email message, not as an attachment.
• Include your contact information, such as your name, address, daytime and home phone numbers, etc., in case the paper needs this to verify authorship.
• Be patient. Some newspapers receive hundreds of letters each week. Don’t give up if your first letter doesn’t appear in print—just keep trying.

After publication

• Send published copies of your letter to public officials you wish to influence. Do not assume that lawmakers will see your piece in print. Be sure to send them copies of your printed piece as soon as possible. You may also be able to include a link to the letter (or simply the text) on your organization's website.

For more on getting your issue covered in the media, get the Texans Care for Children Advocacy Manual, or attend one of our community advocacy trainings.