How to Write a Letter to the Editor: 10 Tips + Template

As we look to strengthen democracy in our community, one of the most accessible and effective tools at our disposal is the humble letter to the editor. Letters to the editor in our local papers reach thousands of readers, including elected officials who often track these public forums to gauge community sentiment.

Today, I'd like to share some guidance on how to write a letter to the editor—that editors will publish and readers will remember.

Just this past week, the New Hampshire Union Leader published powerful opinion pieces by two Goffstown residents that demonstrate the impact of effective advocacy through our local newspaper. I'll analyze why these letters work and how you can apply similar techniques in your own writing.

Why write letters to the editor?

Letters to the editor serve multiple purposes:

• They raise awareness about important local issues

• They correct misinformation in previous reporting or opinions

• They hold elected officials accountable

• They demonstrate community support for or opposition to policies

• They can inspire others to take action

10 tips for writing a letter to the editor

1. Be timely and relevant

Respond quickly to news stories, usually within 2-3 days of publication. Connect your letter to a recent article, upcoming vote, or current community issue. Editors prioritize letters that contribute to ongoing conversations.

2. Know the publication's guidelines

Every newspaper has specific requirements:

• Word count limits (typically 200-300 words)

• Submission methods (email, online form)

• Required contact information

• Frequency restrictions (how often you can be published)

Check the paper's website or call their office for these guidelines before submitting.

3. Get to the point quickly

Start with a clear, direct statement of your position or purpose. Newspaper readers skim, so don't bury your main point in the middle of your letter.

4. Be personal and local

Share how the issue affects you, your family, or our Goffstown community specifically. Local papers prioritize local perspectives, so emphasize your connection to the area.

5. Focus on one issue

Resist the temptation to address multiple concerns. A focused letter on a single issue makes a stronger impression and is more likely to be published.

6. Use facts and cite sources

Back up your opinions with verifiable facts. If you cite statistics or studies, name your sources. This builds credibility and makes your argument more persuasive.

7. Avoid partisan language and personal attacks

Overly partisan language can alienate readers who might otherwise be persuaded by your arguments. Focus on values and impacts rather than party talking points. And never resort to personal attacks—they undermine your credibility.

8. End with a call to action

What do you want readers to do? Contact an elected official? Attend a meeting? Vote a certain way? Make this clear at the end of your letter.

9. Edit ruthlessly

Short, concise letters have the greatest impact. After writing your first draft, challenge yourself to cut it by 25%. Remove redundant phrases, unnecessary adjectives, and any sentence that doesn't directly support your main point.

10. Include your information

Most papers require your full name, address, and phone number (though they typically only publish your name and town). Be prepared to verify that you wrote the letter if the editor calls.

Sample Letter Structure

Dear Editor,

[Opening sentence referencing a recent article or current issue]

[1-2 sentences explaining why this matters to you and the community]

[2-3 sentences providing key facts or perspective]

[1-2 sentences addressing the opposing view respectfully]

[Closing sentence with call to action]

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Goffstown

Learning from local examples

Let's examine two recent letters from the New Hampshire Union Leader that effectively advocate on important policy issues:

"DD waitlist is a budget priority and a moral one" by Marissa Berg

What makes this letter effective:

1. Clear framing of values: Marissa immediately frames the budget as not just a fiscal issue but a moral one, establishing the stakes of the discussion.

2. Specific focus: The letter addresses one specific issue—funding for the developmental disabilities waitlist—rather than criticizing the entire budget.

3. Compelling data and human stories: Marissa combines statistics (nearly 6,000 people with developmental disabilities relying on Medicaid waiver services) with personal testimonials from affected families in Brentwood, Litchfield, and Bow.

4. Local connection: As executive director of the Community Support Network, Marissa establishes credibility while maintaining her Goffstown connection.

5. Concrete call to action: The letter specifically asks the Senate to fully fund the DD waitlist, eliminate the Medicaid rate cut, and fund staffing increases.

"State budget is for paying expenses, not to make new policy" by Marie Morgan

What makes this letter effective:

1. Historical context: Marie grounds her argument in New Hampshire's constitutional history, adding weight and perspective to her position.

2. Specific legal citations: The letter references Article 18-a of the NH Constitution and specific court decisions, demonstrating thorough research.

3. Clear explanation of complex issues: Marie breaks down the constitutional question in accessible language without oversimplifying.

4. Nonpartisan appeal to shared values: By focusing on constitutional principles rather than partisan positions, the letter can persuade readers across the political spectrum.

5. Thought-provoking conclusion: The letter ends with questions that invite readers to consider the broader implications.

   
   

Both letters, despite addressing different issues, share key strengths: they're timely (responding to current legislative actions), focused on a specific issue, well-researched, connect to local concerns, and maintain a respectful tone even while advocating strongly for their positions.

Final Thoughts

Remember that letters to the editor are part of our democratic tradition of civil discourse. Even when addressing contentious issues, maintain a respectful tone. Your goal should be to persuade, not simply to vent frustration. When we communicate effectively through local media, we strengthen our democracy and build support for the changes we wish to see.

I hope these tips and examples help you craft powerful letters. If you'd like feedback on a draft before submission, feel free to reach out to me or any member of our committee.

Now, let's make our voices heard!