A letter to the editor (or op-ed) is an opinion piece sent to the editors of a publication, such as a newspaper or magazine. It is a way of expressing an opinion on public issues and drawing the attention of the public to certain matters. Letters to the editor are often used in politics and can have a great influence on public opinion.
Whether or not your letter will be published depends on many factors. For example, the New York Times receives hundreds of letters a day and can print only ten or so. In general, however, newspapers are more likely to publish letters that make a point and draw attention to the subject matter.
Write your letter in a clear and concise manner and address it to the editor of the particular publication. If possible, refer to a recent event in your community or to a recently printed article. It is important to keep your letter under 300 words. Also, be sure to include your name and phone number. If you have a title, such as program director or professor, be sure to include that too. This can add credibility to your letter.
Keep in mind that if your letter includes a claim that is false and could be damaging to someone’s reputation, you may be guilty of libel. This can be a serious offense and you could be fined or even jailed. For this reason, it is best not to publish anything that might hurt a person’s feelings or damage their reputation.
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