Letters To The Editor: Having Your Say
Writing a letter to your newspaper’s editor is a privilege that Americans have exercised since the early days of journalism. You need not be an expert about the topic at hand, but by adding your voice to the discussion you can help shape people’s opinions positively and constructively. Here a few things to keep in mind to give you a better chance at getting your letter published.
Keep it short and sweet. In general, there is a limit to the number of words per article that appears in a newspaper or e-zine. The limit is usually 200 words or less, but there are also those that have 300 words for a limit. You might want to sent an op-ed piece to the editor if you find this limit confining.
Be sure you don’t make things up. You can criticize someone personally, but you may not libel them. Don’t think that your letter will be published if you slander or libel anyone. Free speech does have its limits.
You should not plagiarize. Sharp editorial staffs will recognize plagiarism in a moment. Try to use your own words when you write your letter, and don’t quote anyone unless you have to.
Show good taste. This isn’t that easy to do. Your words may have one effect on one person and another for others. Remember: you want to get the letter published, so curb your language accordingly.
It’s not required that you agree with the newspaper or e-zine’s rules when it comes to letters to the editor. But you should definitely consider the guidelines if you want your letter published.
You should also submit your name, address, and contact information. There are editors that will require your name to be shown when they publish your letter. So, think carefully about what you want to have printed as misused verbiage can come back to haunt you later on.
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