A letter to the editor is an article written by a member of the public and sent to a newspaper. Once it’s published, it becomes part of the newspaper’s editorial section, and usually addresses an issue or event that has recently been in the news.
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What is a letter to the editor?
→ A letter to
the editor is a written way of talking to a newspaper, magazine, or other
regularly printed publication. It is generally found in the first section of
the newspaper, or towards the beginning of a magazine, or in the editorial
section.
When you feel
strongly about an issue, and you want to let people know what you think.
Letters to the editor (LTE) can be an effective way to get the word out.
The LTE can
take a position for or against an issue, or simply inform, or both. It can
convince readers by using emotions, or facts, or emotions and facts combined.
It is usually short and tight.
Why should you write a letter to the editor?
Letters to the
editor are among the most widely read features in any newspaper or magazine.
They allow you to reach a large audience. You can probably think of many more
specific reasons why you might want to write to the editor, but here are a few
general ones:
• You are angry about something, and
want others to know it.
• You think that an issue is so
important that you have to speak out.
• Part of your group's strategy is to
persuade others to take a specific action.
Or you want to:
• Suggest an idea to others.
• Influence public opinion.
• Educate the general public on a
specific matter.
• Influence policy-makers or elected
officials directly or indirectly.
• Publicize the work of your group and
attract volunteers or program participants.
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How to write a letter to the editor?
a) Begin your letter
with a sender address/your address,
Sender’s address: Pokhara, Kaski
Then write the date,
4th
July, 2021
b) Next write the inside address,
Inside address: The Editor,
The Kathmandu Post,
Tinkune, Kathmandu.
c) After that open the
letter with a salutation,
Salutation: Dear sir/Madam
d) Now begin your
letter with a good introductory line that grabs the reader's attention.
Your opening
sentence is very important. It should tell readers what you’re writing about,
and make them want to read more.
Explain what
the letter is about at the start.
e) Throughout your
letter, remember the rule:
• Be quick,
• Be concise, and then
• Be quiet.
Don't make the
editor or the general public wait to find out what you want to say. Tell them
your key point at the beginning.
f) Explain why the
issue is important.
If you are
motivated enough to write a letter to a newspaper or magazine, the importance
of your topic may seem clear to you. Remember, it should not share your
background or the interest. Explain the issue and its importance simply. Use
plain language that most people will understand.
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g) Give evidence for
any praise or criticism.
If you are
writing a letter discussing a past or pending action, be clear in showing why
this will have good or bad results.
h) State your opinion
about what should be done.
You can write
a letter just to ''vent," or to support or criticize a certain action or
policy, but you may also have suggestions about what could be done to improve
the situation. If so, be sure to add these as well. Be specific. And the more
good reasons you can give to back up your suggestions, the better.
i) Keep it brief.
Generally,
shorter letters have a better chance of being published. So go back over your
letter and see if anything can be cut or condensed. If you have a lot to say
and it can't be easily made short, you may want to check with the editor to see
if you could write a longer opinion feature or guest column.
j) Sign the letter.
Be sure to
write your full name (and title, if relevant) and to include your address,
phone number, and e- mail address. Newspapers won't print anonymous letters,
though in some cases they may withhold your name on request. They may also call
you to confirm that you wrote the letter before they publish it.
k) Check your letter to
make sure it's clear and to the point.
A newspaper may not print every letter it receives, but clear, well-written letters are likely to be given more serious consideration.
Sample for writing letter to the editor
