How to Write Letters to the Editor

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

See examples.

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

letters@express-news.net

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