Free Stuff — Tips for Writing a Letter to the Editor

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Tip 1: Always sign letters

Always sign your letter and, to ensure accuracy, print your full name—never just initials—and include your address and daytime and evening telephone numbers for verification and questions. Newspapers generally print only the name and hometown of the letter writer. But the full address and phone number are needed so the editor can verify that the person whose signature is at the bottom of the letter did indeed write the letter. Letters that cannot be verified will not be published. Anonymous letters will not be published.

Tip 2: Type your letters

Typed letters are best. Send the typed letter by mail (with the envelope addressed by hand), email or fax. Again, always sign the letter and include address and phone numbers for verification. Sometimes letters sent by email will be published more quickly.

Tip 3: Keep it short

The length limits vary by newspaper, but most limit letters to 250 words. Shorter letters are given preference, too, so it’s best to keep the letter short and to the point. Shorter letters are more likely to be read and less likely to be subject to heavy editing. Some newspapers limit letters to 350 or even 500 words, but the bulk of newspapers prefer letters of less than 250 words. One newspaper suggested a 300-word letter would be about a single typewritten page, double-spaced. Another newspaper, which accepts thank-you and election letters, limits those contributions to 150 words. If you must write a longer piece, check with the newspaper to see if it allows guest columns or longer reader commentaries.

Tip 4: Anticipate editing

Letters to the Editor become the property of the newspaper. They can be edited for length, clarity, accuracy, spelling, grammar, taste and libel. Shorter letters are less likely to be edited extensively. All letters are subject to editing, so don’t take it personally. Publication of letters is completely at the discretion of the newspaper’s editor.

Tip 5: Pick one topic per month

Most newspapers limit the number of letters from a contributor to one letter per month, or every 30 days, so decide whether the topic you hope to address will be the ONE letter you want to contribute that month. Some newspapers allow letters from the same writer to be published every two weeks, while a weekly newspaper limits contributions to two letters per calendar quarter.

Tip 6: Make it interesting and relevant

Make certain the topic you hope to address is timely, relevant and interesting. Respond quickly to something you’ve read or an issue that’s surfaced. If you have a connection to the letter topic, identify it—don’t hide it. For example, if you’re a board member discussing a community agency, state that affiliation openly. Address the letter directly to the editor and the newspaper’s readers. You can be critical, but always be civil and courteous in voicing that criticism. Avoid personal attacks and libelous statements if you want the letter published.

Tip 7: It may take time

Newspapers often receive more letters than they can publish. Sometimes it can take several weeks for your letter to appear in the paper. Sometimes it won’t be published at all. Don’t hesitate to ask an editor why it hasn’t appeared. But again, be courteous.

Tip 8: Deadlines

Check with each newspaper to determine deadlines for submitting letters to the editor.

Understanding Rejection

Letters may be rejected for the following reasons:

• Poetry: Most newspapers will not publish poetry.

• Timing: Newspapers are unlikely to publish a letter raising new issues about an election candidate if there’s inadequate time for the candidate to respond.

• Thank you: Some newspapers refuse to publish letters thanking people in the community, but others have a policy allowing such letters or a separate Thanks to You spot for publication of such letters. Check with the newspaper before spending the time writing such a letter.

• Businesses: Some newspapers refuse to publish letters critical of private individuals or complaints against businesses. Libel is a consideration in this.

• Copies: Most newspapers will not publish copies of letters sent to other people or copies of letters published in other newspapers.

• Topic: At least one newspaper refuses to publish letters on abortion or other divisive topics unless they deal specifically with a news event or add new information to the debate.

• Scripture: Some newspapers refuse to publish any letter containing biblical verses or quotations.

• Length: Sometimes, rather than spending a lot of time condensing a long letter, the editor will simply discard it.

• Verification: Letters that don’t contain full names or contact information so that the letter writer can be verified will not be published.

• Offensive: Most newspapers will not publish letters containing offensive or tasteless information.

• Business advertisements: Newspapers will not publish letters from people soliciting clients for their businesses.

• Accuracy and libel: Newspapers will not publish letters containing unsubstantiated claims or potentially libelous material.

• Promotion and fund-raising: Some newspapers refuse to publish letters that promote events or seek to raise money or recruit volunteers.

• Political candidates: Some newspapers refuse to publish letters from political candidates, their immediate family members or campaign organizers. Others refuse to publish letters endorsing political candidates, but will print those addressing specific issues or election stances.

• Form letters: Often, newspapers will discern a letter-writing campaign has been launched and refuse to publish additional letters if they appear to be following the same format.

• Local: Some newspapers refuse to publish letters written by people outside the newspaper’s circulation area. An exception may be letters from people outside the area who speak to issues in the newspaper’s circulation area.

• Religion: Some newspapers refuse to publish any letter that promotes or disparages a particular religion.

In general, if your letter doesn’t appear in print, don’t give up. Check with the editor. Send another letter on a different topic. Keep writing. Keep voicing your opinion. You will be heard.

Also, if you have a topic you feel can’t be addressed in 250 words, call the newspaper to see if it offers space for guest opinion pieces or reader commentaries. These columns, generally are 600 to 800 words, should be thoughtful, well-written perspective pieces of interest to the newspaper’s readers. It helps if the person writing is a recognized authority on the issue addressed. Again, they must be signed and contain a full name and contact information for verification.

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