How to Write an Op-Ed or Letter to the Editor

These two formats serve different purposes and have different requirements. Understanding the distinction will help you choose the right approach:

• Letters to the editor (LTEs) are short responses — typically 150 to 300 words — to something the newspaper has already published. They react to a recent article, editorial, or event. Most newspapers publish several letters per day or per issue, so competition is moderate and turnaround can be quick.
• Op-eds (short for "opposite the editorial page") are longer opinion pieces, usually 600 to 800 words. They present an original argument on a timely topic and don't need to respond to a specific article. Op-eds are more competitive — papers publish fewer of them, and editors look for a clear point of view, strong writing, and relevant expertise or experience.

If you're new to opinion writing, a letter to the editor is a great place to start. It's shorter, has a faster publication cycle, and gives you experience crafting a concise public argument.

Whether you're writing an LTE or an op-ed, a clear structure makes your piece more persuasive and easier to read.

For a letter to the editor:

• Reference the article or event you're responding to by title and date.
• State your point clearly in the first sentence or two.
• Provide one or two supporting facts, examples, or personal experiences.
• End with a call to action or a clear takeaway for readers.

For an op-ed:

• The hook: Open with a compelling anecdote, surprising fact, or timely reference that draws readers in.
• The thesis: State your argument clearly within the first few paragraphs. Readers should know exactly what you're arguing and why.
• The evidence: Use facts, data, and real-world examples to support your argument. Cite credible sources.
• The counterargument: Acknowledge the strongest opposing view and explain why your position is still correct. This builds credibility.
• The conclusion: End with a specific call to action — what should readers, officials, or institutions do next?

Editors review many submissions. Here's how to make yours stand out:

• Be timely: Tie your piece to something in the news. An LTE responding to an article published that week is far more likely to run than one reacting to something from last month.
• Write in your own voice: Editors value authentic perspectives. If you're a parent, nurse, small business owner, or veteran, let that experience come through.
• Be specific: Replace vague claims with concrete details. Instead of "many people are affected," describe what you've seen in your own community.
• Keep it focused: Make one argument well rather than trying to cover multiple issues. Resist the urge to include everything you know about a topic.
• Respect the word count: Check the publication's submission guidelines and stay within the stated limits. Submissions that exceed the word count are often rejected without being read.
• Edit ruthlessly: Read your piece aloud. Cut any sentence that doesn't advance your argument. Ask a trusted friend to review it before you submit.

The submission process differs for LTEs and op-eds:

Letters to the editor:

• Most newspapers have a dedicated email address for letters (often listed on their opinion page or website). Some accept submissions through an online form.
• Include your full name, address, and phone number. Papers verify your identity before publishing but typically only print your name and city.
• Submit to only one publication at a time. Most papers will not publish a letter that has appeared elsewhere.

Op-eds:

• Check the publication's opinion page for submission guidelines. Many major papers list their op-ed editor's email and specific formatting requirements.
• For op-eds, you may want to send a short pitch email first — two to three sentences describing your argument, why it's timely, and why you're the right person to write it.
• Include a brief author bio (one to two sentences) noting your relevant experience or credentials.
• Op-eds are typically exclusive — do not submit the same piece to multiple publications simultaneously unless the publication's guidelines say otherwise.

Start local. Community newspapers, weekly papers, and regional online outlets are often eager for local voices and have less competition than major metro dailies.

Getting published is just the beginning. Maximize the impact of your piece:

• Share it widely: Post the published piece on social media, send it to community groups, and email it to your personal network. The more people who read it, the more influence it has.
• Send it to your officials: Email or mail a copy to your elected officials with a brief cover note. Legislators and their staff monitor local media, but a direct share ensures they see it. Use our guide to writing effective letters to Congress for tips on that follow-up.
• Engage with responses: If readers comment or write their own letters in response, engage constructively. This extends the conversation and keeps the issue in the public eye.
• Build on the momentum: A published opinion piece gives you credibility and visibility. Use it as a springboard for other advocacy — speaking at public meetings, organizing community events, or telling your story in other contexts.