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.

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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.