Writing Words that Inspire: How to Craft and Publish Compelling Letters to the Editor

Letters in your local newspapers or in magazines are prime forums for getting your message to a wide audience and are widely read by legislators and government officials. These tips will help increase the likelihood of your letters to the editor (LTEs) published and maximize their impact.

Preparation

  • Pay attention to letters and comments by others. Note effective and ineffective approaches (including letters arguing a position you oppose), style, length, etc.

  • Identify opportunities. Don’t limit yourself to critiquing articles you disagree with. A story that reports favorably on a group or work you’re part of presents an opportunity to repeat a key point while adding one of your own and (if you’re writing for an organization) helps build the perception of being a positively-focused group.

  • Most papers want letters of 150 - 250 words, but check for guidelines of your local paper and follow them! The briefer your letter, the more people will read it all.

Writing

  • Begin with your goal in mind. Do you aim to: correct or counter a report or column you disagree with? Shift thinking about an issue? Inspire an action by the reader?...

  • For larger publications, respond directly to a recently published article or commentary (smaller local papers may let you raise an issue without responding to an article). A typical format is: Re “Talking With the Taxman,” (news, Jan. 13). Your report neglected one key fact…

  • Focus on one key point and don’t address multiple issues in one letter. Be sure to follow the publication’s guidelines and word count limit.

  • Maximize your chance of being published by removing every non-essential word. This also minimizes the chance of editors changing the letter in a way you don’t like.

  • Use verified facts. Take the time to check original sources rather than repeating a “fact” cited in another media outlet.

  • Create immediacy by indicating how readers will be impacted.

  • Balance criticism with a positive call to action. This includes your elected representatives — by including their names in the letter and asking for action, you can get their attention. Mention a way folks can engage when applicable.

  • If your target publication includes links in letters published online, seize the opportunity to expose readers to preferred sources or your organization.

  • If you’re writing as a UU, consider connecting your point to one of the 7 UU principles. Mentioning UU’s inclusionary values can attract curious people to learn more.

  • Use active, concise language. Strong writing uses descriptive nouns and active, informative verbs, eliminating almost every instance of “to be” (has, have, is, was, be, been, were). Each time you find one of these words in your draft, reword your sentence with active verbs. Similarly, the word “that” is usually unnecessary. The Elements of Style is a fine guide to clear, concise writing (also in book form).

Cautions

  • Don’t overstate/exaggerate your points. One overstatement makes every following point suspect.

  • Don’t name-call or insult your opponents.

  • Avoid jargon or acronyms (spell out any name the first time you use it, followed by the acronym in parentheses).

  • Many UUs are highly educated and use words not familiar to many people. Use high school-level vocabulary for your local newspaper and match your language to the publication’s readers elsewhere.

Submitting Your Letter

  • Have someone proofread your letter before submitting it— ideally before reading the original article (many readers won’t recall the original or never read it).

  • Include a title of 8 words or less. Editors will rarely use your exact wording, but your framing makes it more likely they’ll choose a title you like.

  • Unless your local paper prefers you use an online submission form, e-mail your letter in the body of the email (never send unsolicited attachments). Put “Letter re: topic or article name” in the subject line and include your address and phone for verification.

  • If you seek to have an organization identified, place a byline below your letter. E.g. LastName chairs the Justice Committee at the Ourtown Unitarian Universalist Church 

  • If you are submitting a letter as a congregation or group, be sure you have one point person designated to submit your letter and follow up.

After Sending

  • When writing to your local newspaper in smaller towns or cities, follow up with a polite phone inquiry about its status if it doesn’t appear within a few days. Don’t consider your effort a failure if your letter to the editor isn’t used in larger outlets, where even the best letters face long odds. Each LTE is read and helps shape the thinking and selections of the editors.

  • If published, share the url widely and encourage online comments / follow-up LTEs.

  • Consider sending us a copy! (In a separate email, don’t cc)  love@uua.org

Acceptable lengths for letters in magazines vary widely, so look for guidelines and observe the range and style. Many magazines tend to be read by like-minded people, rather than the broader cross-sections of society who read most newspapers. 

Make letter writing a monthly habit! With practice, you’ll be able to craft them easily and get published consistently. Consider partnering with a friend, committing to regular writing, and helping improve each other’s work.

Other recommended resources:
Writing Concisely and Concise Writing are two useful articles that walk the talk. Grammarly, Pro Writing Aid and many other apps and browser extensions can help you learn good grammar and active writing -- just be sure to learn why something should be rewoirded, rather than mindlessly accepting recommendations.

If you’re ready to move on to writing longer commentaries, see our companion piece to this primer: How and Why to Write Effective Guest Commentaries for Your Local Media

UUA Justice Communications Associate Jeff Michen has written commentaries for the Washington Post, Washington Times, Chicago Tribune, Newsday, Christian Science Monitor, Inc. Magazine, UU World, La Opinion, The Ecologist, Adbusters, La Prensa, and many more outlets. 

Last updated February 19, 2022