Search the Web for information about the writer/journalist. Search an article database to see what other articles they’ve written. Many newspapers and magazines have writers/journalists who regularly write on a particular topic (for example, reporters who cover the energy industry) and thus become expert reporters in that area. Keep in mind that magazines and newspapers also print letters to the editor. If the letter is written by someone with expertise, they will often include their affiliation in the signature. For example, a letter to the editor about the death penalty may be considered more expert if it comes from someone who works for the ACLU or the prison system.