A letter to editor is a written statement sent to a publication about an issue of concern to the reader. The statement can take a position for or against an issue, using emotion and facts, or both. Letters are often printed in newspapers and news magazines, but may also be published in entertainment and technical magazines and academic journals. They can be sent by conventional mail or electronic mail and are usually published in the editorial section.

Some writers write letters to editors for the purpose of swaying public opinion on particular issues, including political matters, community problems and larger societal concerns. Others use the letter to editor as a way of providing information and education about specialized topics for which they have expertise.

Letters to the editor are a great tool for educating the public and influencing the policies of elected officials. The more letters a newspaper receives on a given topic, the more likely it is to devote time in both its editorial and news sections to that subject. To have your letter published, it is important to select a timely topic (nothing says “old news” like old news), keep the letter locally relevant, and target in-state and local community newspapers. Also remember that a well-written and clearly articulated letter will be much more effective than a rambling, off-the-cuff, incensed screed. Ideally, the letter will contain a call to action. Writers should also make sure their letter is accurate and free of libel, inaccuracies or misrepresentations.