Most papers limit the length of LTEs to 150-250 words. You can usually find the guidelines and a submission portal or email address on the Opinion page of your local paper’s website. If you are feeling very motivated and have a lot to say, consider extending your letter into an op-ed, which has a more generous 600-700 word limit.
Common elements of successful LTEs:
- Facts to build an argument
- An emotional hook to pull the reader in
- A call to action to those in power & our fellow citizens
Letter to the Editor links for Texas dailies:
Austin American-Statesman
https://www.statesman.com/opinion/letters/form
Edited letters typically address a single idea and do not exceed 150 words.
San Antonio Express-News
No hard word limit, but “shorter is better.” More details here:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/article/Sharing-your-views-with-the-San-Antonio-6744466.php
Houston Chronicle
viewpoints@chron.com
Max. 250 words.
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/submit/
Dallas Morning News
https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2018/12/02/submit-a-letter-to-the-editor/
Max. 200 words
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
https://www.star-telegram.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/submit-letter/
Max. 200 words
El Paso Times
http://static.elpasotimes.com/lettertoeditor/
Max. 225 words
McAllen Monitor
https://www.themonitor.com/site/forms/online_services/letter/
Max. 300 words (very generous!)
Corpus Christi Caller-Times
http://static.caller.com/submit-letter/
No word limit stated
Waco Tribune-Herald
https://www.wacotrib.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/submit/
Max. 300 words
Lubbock Avalanche Journal
http://www.lubbockonline.com/opinion/20180731/write-stuff-how-to-submit-letter-to-editor
Max. 250-300 words