Write a Letter to the Editor

Want to shape how your community thinks about a policy issue? Letters to the Editor (LTE) are a terrific way to do that! They make your voice heard, educate your neighbors, and can drive real change in Dawson County, Atlanta, and D.C. Your words and opinions matter; folks are much more likely to listen to a community member than a talking head! Here are some tips to improve the chances of getting your LTE published and your message heard.

Letter Writing Tips

Keep it Short – Most letters should be around 150 to 350 words or less. See below for newspaper’s word limit.

Stick to One Topic — No one likes to read a laundry list of issues. Pick your issue and make the case to your readers.

Make it Personal – Personal stories can make your writing more interesting than numbers and studies.

Avoid Jargon – Avoid obscure words and try make your argument in one sentence. If your letter is difficult to understand, it is less likely to be published.

Check for Mistakes – Before submitting, proofread. Not only will your avoid embarrassment, but your letter will not be printed if it is filled with typos and other grammatical errors.

Identify Yourself – You must include your name, address, email, and a daytime telephone number for verification with your submission. Except for your name and city, this information is not published.

Submit Your Letter to the Editor