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Home > Action Center > Rapid Response Media Network > Media Advocacy Tools > Letters to the editor and op-eds: How to get published

Letters to the editor and op-eds: How to get published

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The editorial pages of the newspaper are consistently read by decisionmakers; they provide a pulse on the public's stance on key issues of concern. This makes them a key venue for advocates working to reach policymakers and the public. Here are our suggestions for successful letters to the editor and op-eds:
  • Share your unique angle
  • Be authentic
  • Respond quickly, and be brief
  • If you don't succeed, try again
Share your unique angle

Letters and op-eds are much more likely to be published if they provide a unique perspective on the topic at hand. And it's important to speak from your own perspective - authenticity should come through. Don't be afraid to be controversial. Editorials that sound generic or common are unlikely to be published.

Respond quickly, and be brief

Letters should be ideally submitted the same day the article they respond to is published; no later than the following day. There are some exceptions to the 1-day rule. Responses to articles in publications with longer cycles - like a weekend magazine or the Sunday Times - have a longer shelf life.

The more concise, the better. Be sure to edit down your letter after you draft it; ideally you want to make one point, and no more. Each publication has its own word limit, typically no more than 150-250 works; for letters and 650-700 words for op-eds. That is why it is important to make every single word count.

Finally, if you don't get published the first time, try, try again. Practice really does make perfect when it comes to honing your writing skills.