Writing a letter to the editor is a great way to let people in your community know how you feel about issues or programs that are important to you. You can also be sure that policymakers and elected officials regularly scan the letters section of their local paper to find out what their constituents are feeling.

Address Your Letter Properly. Many editors like to call and confirm that a letter to be published is written by the person whose name is attached. Be sure to include your name, address, and daytime phone number.

Make Your Point Immediately. Express your most important point in your first paragraph. Be factual. Remember to write as if the readers know nothing about your topic.

Be Brief. Your letter should be between 100 and 250 words long. Limit the number of points you make and stay on the same subject. Taking a moment to contact the publication to inquire about their word length can save you time over the long-run. Your letter could be turned down due to length, so make sure to follow their guidelines.

Time Your Letter Appropriately. Your topic should be relevant to current events and issues. A paper is more likely to print your letter if you are responding to a recent article or if you are writing about a timely issue.

Don’t Be Disappointed. Not all letters received can be published. Many newspapers are reluctant to print letters by someone who writes too frequently. If you have recently had a letter published but have another issue or article to address, ask a friend to write one.


Tennessee Publications

We've listed a few publications to consider for submission options. Click on the link to find additional information, such as submission guidelines:

East Tennessee
The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville, Tenn.)
Metro Pulse (Knoxville, Tenn.)
Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga, Tenn.)
Johnson City Press (Johnson City, Tenn.)

Middle Tennessee
The Tennessean (Nashville, Tenn.)
The Shelbyville Times Gazette (Shelbyville, Tenn.)
Herald Citizen (Cookeville, Tenn.)

West Tennessee
Memphis Flyer (Memphis, Tenn.)
Memphis Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tenn.)
The Jackson Sun (Jackson, Tenn.)