Send a letter to the Editor
A letter to the editor is a short letter sent to a publication about an issue of concern to its readers printed in the newspaper's opinion section. Insightful letters from local citizens are a great tool for promoting awareness and improving dialogue about important community issues. Letters should be precise, factual and fewer than 150 words.
Here are a few important points to remember when writing a letter to the editor:
- Make your letter clear, concise and to the point.
- Be positive-remember that your letter is representative of both you and the your community.
- Provide your name, telephone number, e-mail address and any other information required by the newspaper for submission.
- Expect a call or e-mail from a newspaper employee. Editors or staff will typically follow up within a few days of receiving your letter to verify your submission if it is going to be published.
- If you do not receive confirmation that your letter was received within one week of your submission, feel free to contact the appropriate editor.
- Please remember that all letters received by a publication are not able to be published, but well written letters about important, timely issues are likely to gain an editor's attention. Editors are also more likely to take notice if they receive several letters on the same topic.
The Washington Post
Letters to the Editor
1150 15th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20071
The Washington Times
3600 New York Ave. NE
Washington, D.C. 20002