“If you don’t exist in the media, you don’t exist.”
-Daniel Schorr, NPR Senior News Analyst

The structure of a letter to the editor of a newspaper is the same as that of a letter to an elected official. Refer to the steps listed in How to Write to Your Elected Official and use the tips below to target your letter to a newspaper.

1. Make it relevant
Refer to a current issue in proposed legislation, an upcoming event, or a recent article, op-ed or letter in the newspaper. If you are writing about a particular bill, write its name and number. If you are writing in response to an article, write its title, author and date.

Example: I strongly agree with (author’s name) view on foreign assistance. (“Name of Op-Ed,” date) However, there is additional support for his argument.

2. Make it concise
Letters should be approximately 250 words and should be type-written and double-spaced when possible. Try to highlight a single aspect of the issue that wasn’t emphasized previously by the newspaper. Keep in mind that your letters may be edited or shortened by the newspaper.

3. Make it credible
Many newspapers only print a letter to the editor after calling the author to verify his or her identity and address. Provide your name, address, day and evening telephone numbers. Should the letter be printed, a newspaper will usually include your name and city. Be sure to sign your letter.

Example: I was deeply disappointed to read that Congressman (name) is against the Women and Children in Armed Conflict Protection Act, # # # #. (“Title of Article,” date)

4. Make it useful
Send a copy of your letter to your elected official to let him or her or her know that you are raising awareness. Or send a copy of the letter that you wrote to your elected official to a national or local newspaper.

5. Make it visible
Send your letter to both large and small newspapers. It is also valuable to write to magazines. The more you write the more likely you will be published.