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Guidance for submitting letters to the editor


A letter to the editor should be very short and to the point. Each newspaper will have its own rules about the length of letters but a general guideline is between 200 and 250 words. Before you write, you might want to call the editorial department and ask about this. You also can ask if they would prefer the letter to be sent by e-mail, regular mail, or fax.

Other helpful suggestions:

  • Whenever possible, the letter should refer to a specific article recently published by that paper or magazine. Use the style as shown in the sample letter.

  • Newspapers often have a time limit for letters that respond to a given article; for example, within seven days after publication. In any case, the sooner you respond to a specific article, the more likely is that your letter will be published.

  • Many newspapers ask for a daytime phone number (not for publication) so they can call you with questions or for confirmation. If you are not sure, put your daytime number at the bottom of your letter anyway.

  • You should not submit the same letter to more than one publication at the same time. If you respond to more than one paper’s article, be sure to rewrite the message.
     

Sample letter to editor

October 11, 2005

Dear Editor,

I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Senate has voted overwhelmingly to prohibit cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment of detainees under U.S. custody or control and to set uniform standards for interrogation methods. (“Headline from your hometown newspaper, if appropriate,” Oct. 6, page 1).

At the same time, I was deeply disturbed to learn that the White House may veto the entire Defense Appropriations Bill if it includes these safeguards against abuse that already are embodied in national and international laws and treaties. I am amazed to think that in a time of war, the president would even suggest vetoing the defense spending bill because it prohibits the use of torture. Such an attitude is abhorrent to our national values and puts our own soldiers more at risk if they should become prisoners. U.S.-sponsored torture clearly encourages reciprocal treatment against our own troops and spreads hatred against American citizens.

The overwhelming demonstration of bipartisan support expressed by the Senate -- the vote was 90-9 -- shows that it is possible for elected policymakers to put aside political differences on one of the great moral issues facing our country. Now it’s time for the House and President Bush to do the same.

Sincerely,

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