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Photo courtesy John Niedermeyer, Flickr
How to Write an Op-Ed/Letter to
the EditorShare Your Preservation Story in a Timely,
Effective Way
The Op-Ed and Letters to the Editor (LTE)
sections are among the most widely read
sections of a newspaper. Publication of an op-
ed or LTE will ensure your message reaches a
large number of people. An op-ed is generally
an article (600-750 words) that gives detailed
understanding of both sides of an issue and
explains why the author has chosen one side of
the argument. A LTE is an even shorter
response (150-200 words) that often addresses
a recent article in that newspaper.
1. Decide which form fits
your message.
Photo courtesy spelio, Flickr
It is important to write about the
preservation topics that interest
and/or concern you. When pitching
stories, make sure to read other
articles from your target publication
to get a sense of their content, and
also become well-versed and
articulate about your issue area.
2. Select a topic and do
your research.
Photo courtesy National Trust for Historic Preservation
Readership will vary across publications, depending on the
outlet’s focus and geographic reach. Identify whether your
message would resonate more with a local, regional/state, or
national audience. Then narrow down which publications can
best reach your target reader.
3. Consider your audience.
Photo courtesy National Trust for Historic Preservation
Most readers will likely not have the background knowledge on the
subject matter at hand, so remember to be thorough and provide
details in a clear and concise way.
4. Think like a reader.
Photo courtesy National Trust for Historic Preservation
If your LTE is in response to a
previous article, or about a particular
project or issue, make sure it refers
back to those items so readers have
a full scope of what is going on (in
case they didn’t read the original
pieces).
5. Include references in
LTEs.
Photo courtesy National Trust for Historic Preservation
While you don’t want your piece to be laden with numbers, you do want to use facts to strengthen your letter or op-ed. Pertinent info might include how many buildings in your state have been nominated to the National Register, how much it costs to replace the windows in a historic house, and so on.
6. Use statistics to make your point.
Photo courtesy SalFalko, flickr
If you’re putting together an op-ed about why going green in your
historic home is more cost-effective, do not simply state it, but
provide concrete reasoning as to why. Keep your copy concise and
your points compelling.
7. Provide evidence for your argument.
Photo courtesy National Trust for Historic Preservation
If your op-ed/LTE is encouraging the
reader to join the cause, let them
know how they can become part of
your project (or the movement
overall). Provide the name of an
organization they may join, a
petition to sign, a link to donate, etc.
8. Encourage readers to
take action.
Photo courtesy stepol, Flickr
Today, many publications accept op-eds and
LTEs via email. Because op-ed or LTE tend to
be timely, it is important to submit your article or
letter quickly while the issue at hand is still
relevant.
9. Submit your piece.
Photo courtesy meetrajesh, Flickr
After submitting your op-ed/LTE, wait
a week before following up with the
editor. Newsrooms are fast-paced,
and often op-eds/LTEs can get lost in
the shuffle. A quick call or email to
determine the status of your
submission is always a good idea.
Following up will allow you to also
answer any additional questions that
the editor might have.
10. Follow up on your
submission.
Photo courtesy cogdogblog, Flickr
Ten on Tuesday features ten preservation
tips each week. For more tips, visit
blog.PreservationNation.org.