What is a letter to the editor?
A letter to the editor is a written way of talking to a newspaper,
magazine, or other regularly printed publication. Letters to the
editor are generally found in the first section of the newspaper, or
towards the beginning of a magazine, or in the editorial page. They
can take a position for or against an issue, or simply inform, or
both. They can convince readers by using emotions, or facts, or
emotions and facts combined. Letters to the editor follow the rules
for a formal letter and are usually short and tight, rarely longer
than 300 words.
Why write a letter to the editor?
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Suggest an idea to other people: Let people know what you
thing about an issue your feel strongly about.
Make an impact: Influence people to take some action on an
issue you believe is important.
Educate the general public: Reach a larger audience than your
friends, family and school. Letters to the editor can be an
effective way to get the word out.
How to write a letter to the editor?
To write a letter to the editor, choose a topic and publication, start
with a proper heading, and keep the letter short and focused.
Proofread your letter, and submit it via email.
There should be 4 main points to your letter:
1. headline and simple greeting
2. the topic and your position (your interest in the issue)
3. evidence about what you think should be done
4. closing of the letter
Tips for writing a letter to the editor:
 Choose one issue about which you wish to write the letter.
Ensure that there is a title about what you are writing.
 Begin by writing your interest in the issue as an individual or
as an organization (if you are representing an organization).
This states the purpose of letter in short.
 Write 2 - 3 sentences about giving some examples to validate
your interest/reason for writing the letter. These may be
facts and data collected by you that highlight the intensity of
a specific situation or other similar things.
 Give some of your personal opinions.
 In one or two sentences, provide motivation or encourage
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readers to champion the cause or issue that you are trying to
highlight through your letter.
Proofread the letter. Ensure all paragraphs are properly
assembled. Most letters to the editor are only two to three
paragraphs long. The first paragraph includes an
introduction, objection and main problem. The second
paragraph discusses the writer’s (your) view. If there is a
third paragraph, it concludes the main points of the letter.
Check out local newspapers address, emails ids and send your
letter. Research the proper way of sending the letter. Some
newspapers accept attachments while some prefer full text in
the body.