A letter to the editor is a type of short communication written and published in a newspaper, magazine or other regularly printed publication. They can be for or against an issue and they can use emotions, facts or both to convince readers. Letters can be written in response to a news item, an opinion editorial (op-ed) or to a previous letter to the editor. Letters to the editor are a very effective way for organizations and individuals to shape public opinion and inform the public about their work.
Writers of letters to the editor often use their name, address, title and designation if any. They should also give the subject of their letter, which must be recognizable to the reader. They should conclude their letter with a complimentary closing and the writer’s signature.
The letter-to-the-editor section of a newspaper is generally found at the beginning or towards the end of the paper, but it can also appear in the middle. It is a forum for the public to express their opinions and views on various issues of national, state or local concern.
Writers are encouraged to submit as many letters as they wish to the editor, but it is important that they focus their message and abide by the word count limits. If a letter gets too long, it may be trimmed by the editor or it may not make it into the newspaper at all. It is recommended that writers target a specific newspaper for submission, unless there is an agreement to share the letter with all of the local newspapers in the region.