Write a Letter to the Editor
Voice your opinion! Letters to the Editor are an efficient way to make a difference. As one of the most widely read sections of any newspaper, Letters to the Editor offer an unmatched opportunity for community members to weigh in on the issues or call others to action.
Not sure what to write? The following guidelines will help you develop a solid letter and get it printed.
- Keep it short. An effective letter can be written in 250 words or less (some newspapers limit letters to 150 words)
- Select a topic you feel passionate about.
- Relate the topic to an issue recently discussed in the publication to which you are writing.
- If you are writing in response to a specific article, be sure to include the article title in your first paragraph.
- If possible, include facts and try to focus your writing on unique aspects of the issue.
- Connect your letter to the local community by explaining how the issue affects you and people you know.
- Make sure your most important message appears in the first paragraph.
- Limit your letter to two or three important points related to the central issue.
- Don’t forget to include your contact information.
- Publications rarely edit letters. For this reason your letter should be well-written and grammatically correct.
Since submission guidelines vary by newspaper, we suggest using the links below to review the requirements for writing and submitting your Letter to the Editor. Most newspapers accept letters submitted via e-mail, mail and fax; however, e-mail is often the preferred method.
Newspapers
Star Tribune submission guidelines
Pioneer Press submission guidelines
Other Minnesota Newspapers
