Tips for Writing a Letter to the Editor

How often have you seen an article about diabetes in a newspaper or online publication that omitted or distorted key facts?

Or you may have seen an article that did an exceptional job of showing both the personal and public burdens of diabetes.  

Anytime diabetes is in the news it presents an opportunity for you — as a Diabetes Advocate — to chime in and help spread the word about our key public policy priorities. 

A great way to do this is by writing a letter to the editor.

How to Write Letters to the Editor

Writing a letter to the editor is a quick and easy way to let people know what you think about a certain issue. Whether advocating for more funding for diabetes research or asking members of your community to fight alongside you for more access to diabetes prevention programs, writing a letter to the editor can be an effective way to get the word out.

Short, concise letters are always more likely to be published than long, meandering ones; try to keep them under 150 words.

The longer the letter, the more likely it will be edited. Keeping it short, and to the point will help ensure the message is heard.   

Follow the pointers in this tip sheet and your letter is much more likely to be published.

Use our online tool to find the newspapers in your area.