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Letters to the editor are usually responses to an article, editorial, column, Op-Ed, or another letter that has appeared in a newspaper or magazine. A letter, however, can also introduce a new topic or issue.
Selecting an Outlet
Ready to Write?
Getting the Attention of Policymakers
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Key Messages
Sample AGS Letters to the Editor
Geriatric Health Professions
Title VII Funding Letter Samples
Useful Resources
Submit Your Published Letters to Us
Let us know if your letter is published
by sending it to Erin Weller at
eweller@americangeriatrics.org. Please
include the publication name
and date of publication.
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Regional Publications are Good Bets
Though national publications like The New York Times reach millions of readers daily, it's harder to get a letter published in high-circulation, national papers and magazines than in smaller publications. Consider writing letters to state and local papers and magazines, as well as national ones.
Letters Commenting on Recent Articles/Editorials are More Likely to Get Published
Recognize that letters to the editor that respond to an article, editorial, column, Op-Ed that has appeared in your targeted publication are more likely to get published. Editorial page guidelines for Letters are a good place to determine whether your publication accepts Letters to the Editor that introduce new topics. Be sure to set aside a few minutes each day to scan headlines for topics that are important to you as a geriatrics care provider to which you can respond.
Be Timely!
Whether writing a letter in response to a recent article/column or introducing a new topic, remember that timing is everything. Plan to submit responsive letters within 1-2 days of the original article. Letters introducing a new topic should mention a related current event, a newly released paper or study, pending legislation, or an upcoming anniversary e.g, the 60th anniversary of the start of the Baby Boom (1946).
Know the Letter to the Editor Guidelines
Before you write, check the publication's Opinion pages or Web site for its letters policies. These often cover:
Length: Some publications allow you no more than 150 words, and will trim your letter if you exceed the limit
Timeliness: Publications may require that your letter refer to an article, editorial, Op-Ed, or letter that appeared within a specified number of days or weeks. (The New York Times, for instance, won't publish letters that refer to stories or columns printed more than seven days prior.)
Exclusivity: Some publications will run your letter only if you send it to them, exclusively. (If the publication declines to publish your letter, though, you're free to send it elsewhere.)
How to send: Certain publications prefer that you email your letter; others let you decide whether to send electronically or via fax or regular mail
Notification: Daily papers often let you know within a week of receiving your letter whether they plan to publish it. Not hearing after the specified time period usually means they've decided not to.
Know the Letter to the Editor Page Style
Every letters page has a style. For example, The New York Times tends to publish letters that are witty, to the point, and responsive to articles/columns that they publish. With the advent of electronic submission, the Times also tends to publish letters received within 24 hours of publication of the piece a writer is responding to. Spend time reading the Letter to the Editor page of your targeted publication so that you are familiar with its approach to Letters to the Editor.
Keep it Short
Letters are short - rarely longer than 250 words. Because they're short, publications print considerably more letters than Op-Eds, so you're more likely to get a letter, than an Op-Ed, published.
Make your main point in the first paragraph of your letter. An anecdote, particularly one based on your own experience, can make a highly effective introduction, as long as it's to the point and brief. Within the first two or three paragraphs, you should also make it clear why readers should care about the issue. E.g., If you're explaining that Medicare and other policies are contributing to a near-critical shortage of geriatricians, you should briefly explain why we need geriatricians (i.e., because they're the experts on caring for older adults, especially those with multiple health problems.) In the next paragraph, provide facts, and, if relevant, statistics, to support your point. Conclude with your recommendations for addressing the issue at hand.
Get a Second Opinion
Even the best writers need editing. Have someone read and edit your letter. Ask him or her to explain what your message is. That'll give you a good sense of whether you've been sufficiently clear.
Don't Give Up!
Your letters are an important means of bringing issues related to caring of older adults to the attention of the media and the public. Even if your letter is not published, it may spark an idea for an editorial, Op-Ed, or article to be published at a later date. Keep writing about issues that you think are important.
Getting the Attention of Policymakers
When relevant, mentioning key policymakers (e.g, your Governor, state representative, or US senators) is an effective way to get his/her attention.
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