How to Write a Letter to the Editor: A Quick Guide

Letters to the editor are a powerful way to voice your opinion, respond to news articles, or raise awareness about important issues in your community. Here’s how to write an effective one:

Choose the Right Publication

• Select a publication whose readership would be interested in your letter. Smaller outlets tend to favor responses from local residents to existing articles.
• Check their guidelines for letter submissions (word count, format, etc.)
• Find the correct email address or submission form for letter.

Structure Your Letter

• Opening
• Start with “To the Editor:” or “Dear Editor:”
• Immediately reference the article or issue you’re addressing
• State your main point clearly in the first paragraph
• Body
• Keep it brief (typically 150-300 words)
• Focus on one main issue or argument
• Include supporting facts, statistics, or personal experience
• Use clear, concise language without jargon
• Closing
• Restate your main point or call to action
• Sign with your full name
• Include your contact information and credentials (if relevant)

Writing Tips

• Be timely – respond to recent articles or current events
• Be respectful, even when disagreeing
• Avoid personal attacks or overly emotional language
• Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling errors
• Follow submission guidelines exactly
• Get help drafting with generative AI, but avoid overuse as editors will not publish your letter if they believe it has been written by AI

 After Submission

• Be prepared for edits – publications often edit letters for length or clarity
• Don’t be discouraged if your letter isn’t published; try again with a different angle
• If published, share it with your network to amplify your message

Sample Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor:

I am writing in response to the alarming trend of meat industry deregulation that threatens both animal welfare and public health. The USDA’s recent approval of increased slaughter line speeds—allowing processing of up to 175 birds per minute—makes humane handling virtually impossible and puts workers at risk.

This deregulation replaces qualified federal inspectors with slaughterhouse employees who face pressure to prioritize production over welfare concerns. The inherent conflict of interest in allowing the industry to “self-inspect” cannot be overlooked. When companies regulate themselves, profit inevitably trumps protection.

Most concerning is the reduced accountability this creates. With less transparency and fewer consequences for violations, both animals and consumers suffer. The current system already fails to adequately protect animals from suffering—weakening it further is unconscionable.

I urge readers to join me in demanding the USDA strengthen federal meat industry standards rather than continuing down this dangerous path of deregulation. We need enhanced oversight and stricter enforcement of humane handling regulations, not industry self-policing.

Our food system should prioritize safety, transparency, and the humane treatment of animals. Anything less is a betrayal of public trust and an ethical failure we cannot afford.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your City, State] [Your Phone/Email for verification]