In a world that often seems like a room full of people all talking over each other, it can sometimes feel difficult to have your voice heard. Attempting to scream over the crowd can be exhausting, but sharing your opinion with others doesn’t have to be. One of the most efficient ways to raise awareness is to write a letter to the editor (LTE) or submit op-ed pieces to media outlets.
An LTE is usually written in direct response to a previously published article to express the concerns of a reader. These pieces are typically only around 300 words. An op-ed, short for “opposite the editorial page,” is an opinion piece that often addresses a newsworthy issue or event. Op-ed pieces typically range from 600 to 800 words. Though it can be challenging to have one of these published, here are a few best practices that will increase your chances of success.
LTE and op-ed word length is short, so get your message across concisely
One of the most critical parts of writing an LTE or op-ed is knowing your point and sticking to it. It may be tempting to divulge everything on your mind, but clarity is key. Be sure to maintain a focus on the who, what, where, when, and why of the topic. One of the best ways to support your point is to include data and statistics from reputable sources. This strategy is simple but can reinforce your main ideas and offer credibility to your opinion. A concise piece with a clear stance has a much better chance of being published than a seemingly aimless rant. Be crisp on what you hope to achieve with your piece, and keep that goal in mind throughout the writing process.
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Know your newspaper or media outlet’s audience
When writing an LTE or op-ed, it is important to be mindful of the audience of the news outlet to which you choose to submit your work. When writing for a local paper, a focus on state or community-specific issues may be most appropriate, whereas a piece that you write for a national paper may have a broader focus. Making yourself aware of what most interests readers will allow you to better tailor your message to engage those individuals. A higher likelihood of having a piece published exists if it hones in on a newsworthy issue, such as an upcoming event or meeting.
Make your letter or op-ed personal
Most newspaper editors likely receive an overwhelming number of letters on a daily basis, especially during times of heightened controversy. It is crucial to make your piece stand out against a pile of others. In order to do so, be sure to explain why the piece’s topic matters to you personally. If you have expertise in the field you are writing about, mention your relevant experiences and qualifications. Briefly share personal anecdotes, explain your passion for the topic, and describe how the issue impacts you. Developing a connection with readers is instrumental in creating a piece that is interesting and engaging enough for publication.
Proof and proof again
Even if you are a professional writer, being so close to the piece can cause any writer to make spelling or grammar errors you might not notice or inadvertently result in a tone of voice that won’t land well. Both can make your piece lose credibility, and a tone that’s easy to misread can set your LTE or op-ed up for failure from the start. Always have at least one other person proof your piece for spelling, grammar and tone, preferably someone who can take a neutral viewpoint on the topic. Ask for -and be open to – their complete and objective criticisms. Even if the feedback is hard to swallow, working out any issues before you submit the piece will result in a much better outcome.
Follow the LTE or op-ed process set by the publication to a T
When submitting an LTE or op-ed, be sure to carefully follow the directions of the media outlet that you are hoping will publish your piece. If responding to a specific story, try to have your work submitted within 48 hours of the original publication. Always include your name, daytime phone number, and email address so you can be contacted before your piece is published.
If at first you do not succeed, try and try again. Many editors receive dozens of LTE and op-ed submissions each day, but they can publish only a handful. Do not be discouraged if your work is not published right away. One of the best ways to achieve success is to continue reading the work of others and noting strategies that may improve your chances of being published on your next try. Regardless of whether or not your work is published, continue to speak out and advocate for the causes that are most important to you. Passion and persistence can pave the way for many exciting opportunities.
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