Writing a Letter to the Editor

The Dos and Don’ts of Speaking Out

The Situation

Newspapers and magazines are likely to print pieces about time-relevant issues like upcoming judicial elections or a controversial decision by a court. Too often, politicians use these articles as a venue for aligning a court’s decision with political beliefs. If you witness this trend, share your voice with your community by writing a letter to the editor of your local publication. Let them know that courts are responsible only to federal and state constitutions and other laws — and that fair courts must remain free from political interference. The tips below can help you create the best letter possible.

DO

Follow the rules

Newspapers and magazines often print guidelines in the Letters to the Editor section of the publication or on their website. Be sure you follow their guidelines, including those on length and proper submission.

Keep it short and simple

Editors of newspapers, magazines and journals have limited space to print readers’ letters. Keep a firm grasp on the issue you are talking about and try to grab the reader’s attention with a strong first sentence that states your point clearly.

Make it interesting

Remember your audience and use your writing to show them why your issue is so important. If you feel personally connected to the issue, don’t be afraid to use an anecdote to convey what you’re feeling. Engage your readers so that they relate to your response and listen to what you have to say.

Be considerate

Keep in mind that other readers may not feel the same way as you do. If you speak too harshly, they may stop listening. In issues involving judicial decisions and candidates, it’s advantageous to remind your audience that keeping courts free of political and other outside influences is in everyone’s best interest.

Use our resources

Lambda Legal’s Fair Courts Project provides you with understandable information that can form the basis for some of points you may want to make in your letter.

Proofread!

What you have to say is very important — that’s why you want to say it right. Proofread your letter multiple times before submitting it or give it a friend to make sure your message is error-free.

Make it Relevant

Letters to the Editor should be in reaction to an article that appeared in that particular newspaper or magazine or a topic that was widely covered by that publication.

DON’T

Stray from the facts

You want to be a trustworthy advocate for fair courts — changing the facts around to suit your viewpoint only demeans the validity of what you have to say. If you offer your genuine reaction to the situation, the sincerity of your voice will provide stronger support than any fact or statistic.

Use complicated terminology or jargon

While you may be familiar with words that are closely associated with LGBT rights or the judicial process, remember that not everybody else is. Make sure to use words and terms that everyone will know so that you don’t alienate any of your readers.

Get over-emotional

A letter to the editor is not your time to vent. While some emotion is appropriate and often serves to make your point even stronger, too much can cause your audience to think you’re irrational.

Get discouraged

If your letter doesn’t get published, it doesn’t mean you did a poor job. Keep writing. Remember that your voice is important and your community deserves to learn from what you have to say.

Report Back:

Did your letter about fair courts get published? Let us know! Contact or send a copy to Hilary Meyer at Hmeyer@lambdalegal.org.

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