How to Get a "Letter to the Editor" Published

Tips from a Successful Writer, by Cathy Mangarelli, Member of WOW Dems Legislative Committee

If any of your letters get published, let us know so we can share it as a website article here and post it on our Facebook page.

The Dallas Morning News regularly publishes Cathy Mangarelli’s letters to the editor. We asked her to "share her secrets" with WOWDems members and Democrats across the county, and below is the response.

A Letter to the Editor (LTE) can reach an audience broader than your family and [social media] friends. I believe that more folks should be writing these letters! It's another way in which your voice can be heard.

I don't have all the answers to how or why or when to write an LTE, but I have been published often (even in other states where I've lived)! In fact, in the last 6 months, my letters to the Dallas Morning News (DMN) have been published about once a month! I'd like to share some of my insights with those of you who are interested.

• PASSION: I've had a passion for civic issues most of my adult life. In my mind I've been successful because of this passion. I'm also willing to massage my message to remove any vitriol and keep the letter compact and factually accurate.

• CLARITY: Whatever issue you choose to write about, make it clear from the start what the problem is and where you believe it's off the mark. Articulate your point of view clearly and concisely. After writing your letter put it aside for a couple of hours. Then revisit it with fresh eyes and a calmer demeanor.

• LENGTH: Keep it short and sweet. The DMN requires letters to be 200 words or fewer; however, 100 words or less is even better. See other DMN tips here: https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/opinion/2016/12/20/tips-letters-editor-op-ed- submissions/.
  

Once you're comfortable with your letter do the following:

• To submit a letter to the DMN editor, go here: https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/letters- to-the-editor/2017/02/09/submit-letter-editor/.

• Scroll down that page to 'Submission Form', fill it out, submit it, and wait for your letter to be published!
  

I've usually gotten my letters published within one week. After two weeks without publication, the likelihood is that it won't be. For the record, I also write to my government representatives to let them know my thoughts on issues important to me. It is especially important here in Texas because the loudest noise seems to come from the political right.