Quick tips for writing a “Letter to the Editor”

Letters to the Editor are great tools to share your opinion with a variety of people that you normally might not reach. Your objective is to swing the opinion of the reader towards your view point. This requires ideas to be persuasively and eloquently crafted. Facts are crucial to the content of your letter, but a listing of bullet points does little to connect with some. A passionate plea without any foundation will disappear like vapor.  However, when both are balanced they are dynamic and impactful.

Be specific in your thoughts.

When responding to someone else’s thoughts, select specific ideas that warrant a response.  Generalized ideas can get lost, when something specific is pointed out it can then be poignant. Quoting another’s words is also effective, but ensure they are not taken out of context. Then craft your words carefully to make them count. Be forceful in your thoughts, clear in your desired outcome, and resolved in your stance.

Add relevant, personal experiences.

Everything in your life has led you up to this point, and your perspective on the subject. If something specific in your life inspires you to write this letter, then let others know about it.  These thoughts need to be succinct and generally kept to a couple of sentences. 

Form is important.

Letters that are jumbled in their construction are difficult to follow and do little to further your cause.  Here is a suggested outline to follow:

• Your introduction should be a single sentence stating your position on the issue.
• The content of your letter is where you state your case and support your position. One to two  paragraphs is ideal. 
• A simple conclusion either offers a call to action, elicits a response from the original writer, or simply restates your position in a decisive manner. 

It is also important to keep your letter short, limiting it to 300-400 words. You can also create a headline for your letter that sums up your content with verbs.