Letters to the editor are written by the public and published in
newspapers. They are often opinion pieces that cover a current issue to
provide perspective outside the newsroom. Letters to the editor are
persuasive and informative in the same way as a standard essay, to
provide others an insight into the issues or challenges discussed.
Messaging Best Practices
- Use your own words. If you have a personal experience or anecdote, include that in your letter.
- Ask for action on the issue and be clear about the action suggested.
- Keep the letter concise and reference just one issue. Most newspapers have word limits for letters to the editor.
- Mention a specific topic or story that was recently published. Letters are more likely to be published when they reference something recently published in the newspaper.
- Include your contact information. Most newspapers will only print letters if they can verify the contact information for the author.
- Help supply facts that may have been overlooked or ommitted by the newspaper. Use resources to state facts:
To submit a letter to the editor, find your local newspaper, their word count limit, and a direct link to submit your letter below. If your letter to the editor is accepted and published, please share it with AHCAPressOffice@ahca.org.