A “Letter to the Editor” is a written way to talk to The New York Times. You might need to write one to share your opinion. It could be about a news story or something affecting your community.
Want to write a powerful letter? We’ve got you covered. This article shares templates and examples.
These samples make writing your own letter easy. Let’s get your voice heard in The New York Times!
Sample Letter To The Editor New York Times
**Sample Letter To The Editor New York Times**
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
The Editor
The New York Times
[Address of The New York Times]
**Subject: [Specific Subject Related to the Article You’re Referencing]**
To the Editor,
I am writing in response to [Author’s Name]’s article, “[Article Title],” published on [Date of Publication].
[Clearly and concisely state your main point or argument. This should be directly related to the article you are referencing.]
[Provide specific evidence or examples to support your point. Refer to specific statements or points made in the original article.]
[Offer a different perspective or alternative solution. If you disagree with the article, explain why and offer a counter-argument. If you agree, perhaps expand on the author’s points or offer additional insights.]
[Conclude with a strong statement that summarizes your position and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How to Write Letter To The Editor New York Times
Grasping the Nitty-Gritty
- Understand the Times’ predilections. What captivates them? What irks them? Mimic the tone.
- Scrutinize recent articles. What’s buzzing? Answer directly.
- Brevity is paramount. Imagine distilling the essence of your argument into a potent elixir.
Crafting a Compelling Subject Line
- The subject line is your siren song. Entice the editor.
- Be specific, not nebulous. “Re: Climate Change Article” is pedestrian. “Re: Climate Change Article – Focus on Coastal Erosion Overlooked” is better.
- Provoke curiosity. A smidgen of controversy never hurts.
A Salutation with Gravitas
- “To the Editor” is standard. Avoid overly familiar openings.
- If responding to a specific author, allude to their piece in the opening line.
- Example: “Regarding Dr. Armitage’s cogent analysis of urban decay…”
The Body: Substance and Succinctness
- State context immediately. What article are you addressing? When was it published?
- Articulate your counterpoint or augmentation without circumlocution.
- Present evidence. Facts are your bulwark against dismissal.
- Avoid ad hominem attacks. Critique the argument, not the arguer.
Honing Your Argument
- Prioritize lucidity. Are your points readily graspable?
- Use strong verbs and active voice to imbue your writing with vitality.
- Avoid jargon. The Times caters to a broad readership, not a conclave of initiates.
- Consider the rhetorical impact of your words. Do they persuade?
The Closing: A Flourish of Finality
- Express gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the discourse.
- Reiterate your key point with a modicum of panache.
- A simple “Sincerely” or “Respectfully” suffices. Avoid excessive effusiveness.
Polishing for Perfection
- Proofread meticulously. Typos are the bane of credibility.
- Seek feedback. A fresh pair of eyes can unearth hidden flaws.
- Check the Times’ submission guidelines. Adhere to their strictures.
- Don’t be discouraged by rejection. Persist, refine, and resubmit when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions: Letters to the Editor – The New York Times
Submitting a letter to the editor of The New York Times provides a platform to engage with timely issues and contribute to public discourse. This FAQ addresses common inquiries regarding the submission process.
What is the optimal length for a letter to the editor?
Letters should ideally be no more than 200 words to ensure consideration and potential publication.
How do I submit my letter to The New York Times?
Letters can be submitted through The New York Times’ online submission form, accessible on their website.
What information should I include in my letter?
Include your full name, mailing address, email address, and phone number for verification purposes.
What makes a letter to the editor compelling?
A compelling letter is timely, concise, factually accurate, and directly responds to a specific article or editorial.
How long does it take to hear back from The New York Times?
Due to the high volume of submissions, it is generally understood that only those letters selected for publication will receive a response.