Writing a letter to the editor
An opinion piece is an easy way to influence matters in your municipality, school or neighbourhood. A short, well-argued and factual text is the most likely to be published and read.
You will need
- A topic that matters to you
- Facts and sources for your claims
- The paper’s guidelines for opinion pieces
- Your name and contact details for the editors
Steps
Check the paper’s guidelines
Check the paper’s website for the maximum length of opinion pieces and how to submit them. Many papers only publish texts under the writer’s own name, or at least require the editors to know your name.
Focus on one issue
Write a punchy opening
Back it up with facts
Propose a solution
Stay factual
Trim it and add a headline
Send it and follow up
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