Tips for Writing Letters to the Editor and Op-Eds
Writing a letter to the editor or an opinion column for your local newspaper, magazine, or other publication can help introduce important animal welfare issues to a wider audience, including policymakers and other important decision-makers.
Keep reading for tips for writing compelling commentary, whether as a letter to the editor or an op-ed.
Letters to the Editor (LTEs)
LTEs are brief letters submitted to a publication responding to recent coverage of an issue of concern, whether positive or negative. LTEs are typically between 150 and 200 words, and can often be submitted online, either through a web form or by email.
- Before drafting your LTE, check the publication’s website for any instructions and letter requirements, such as word limits.
- In the first sentence of your letter, reference the title and publication date of the article to which you are responding.
- Write clearly and concisely, focusing on one or two main ideas and avoiding technical jargon. Explain why the issue matters to your community, back up your claims, and propose a solution. Refrain from criticizing an individual writer or publication. If applicable, include a personal anecdote.
- If you are responding to a legislative development in your community, mention relevant elected officials by name.
- Submit your letter to one publication at a time, as many publications only publish exclusive content. Be sure to include your contact information: LTEs cannot be anonymous. The smaller the publication, the more likely your LTE will be published. If you have not heard back from the publication within three business days, try submitting your letter to another outlet in your town, city, or state. The publication, not AWI, will contact you if your letter has been selected.
Op-Eds
Op-eds are longer articles (500 to 800 words) that often respond to a recent government action, illuminate new research, or give a more comprehensive backstory on an animal welfare issue trending in your community. There is strong competition for op-ed space, and publications will often favor writers who have special expertise or a unique perspective on a given topic. When writing an op-ed:
- Write an attention-grabbing headline to make your submission stand out (no more than 100 characters). Just know that the publication might change it.
- Focus on no more than three main persuasive arguments, including real-world examples and statistics to reinforce your points. Cite reputable sources (links are helpful) and avoid clichés and exaggerations.
- Address and refute opposing arguments.
- Conclude with a call to action.
Familiarize yourself with the publication’s specific op-ed guidelines and email your submission directly to the opinion editor (contact information is typically found on the outlet’s website). In general, it is appropriate to include “op-ed submission” and the title of your piece in the subject line. As with LTEs, submit your op-ed to one publication at a time.
If your LTE or op-ed is published, please share it on social media and send a link to media@awionline.org. Thank you for lending your voice to help protect animals. Happy writing!