Editorial Writing

Letters to the editor and or op-ed pieces are the most frequently read section of the newspaper. The primary difference between a letter to the editor and an op-ed piece is length. A letter to the editor is usually between 250 and 500 words, while an op-ed piece is between 750 and 1000 words. Editorials are platforms to express public opinions on a variety of issues and it is free.

How to Write an Editorial

• Find out the newspaper's policy for letters to the editor. Call the newspaper, tell them you would like to write a letter and would like to know whom you should address the letter, in what form they would like it, and what length restrictions, if any, they have.
• Be neat and have your spelling and grammar correct.
• Be timely. Newspapers will rarely print letters about subjects that are not in the news.
• Do not assume readers will know what you are talking about. If you are writing about pending legislation, explain what that legislation is, what its effects will be and when it will be decided. If you are writing a response to an article or editorial, start your letter by saying which article you are responding to and when it appeared.
• Concentrate on the angle. Newspapers are community-based organs. The Letter to the Editor column is where they interact with the community most explicitly.
• Have someone read over your letter before mailing it.

How to Write an Op-ed Piece

• Follow all of the above rules.
• Send your op-ed piece to the editorial page editor with a cover letter introducing the piece, explaining who you are and your reasons for writing.
• Read what others have written. Read what writers have send in to the paper to get an idea of style, grammar, tense, etc.
• A newspaper determines what is timely and local, and newspaper editors and reporters can be quite arrogant about it.

Note: It is more effective to have an editorial or op-ed piece written or co-written by an Allied Voice. It shows the depth and different perspective on your issue.

A sample of an op-ed piece can be found in Appendix vi and a sample of a letter-to-the-editor can be found in Appendix vii.