Write Your Newspaper

There are two effective ways to write your newspaper. You can write a "Letter to the Editor" or you can write an "Op-Ed."

"Letters to the Editor" is one of the most widely read sections in a newspaper. This is a good way to express your thoughts about the benefits of Florida’s tourism industry by responding to a recent editorial or article. Some tips include:

Link to current news. Editors are interested in printing feedback from stories recently published in their papers.


Make one clear argument. The piece should be in favor of or critical of a particular position taken by a paper or described in an article.


Be specific. The letter should focus on a specific issue that was raised in an article or opinion piece.


Cite the article. Be sure to mention the title and date of the article you are responding to in one of your first two sentences. For example, "Dear Editor, Your recent coverage of the state of Florida's tourism industry was a timely piece..."


Stay calm. One exclamation point per letter. Don't attack anyone personally. Stick to the facts, and keep the letter respectful.


Be brief. Generally, four-to-six paragraphs are ideal. If you can't contain the piece to that length, consider writing an op-ed instead.


Follow-up. If you have sent your letter to the editor and have not heard anything within a week, make a follow-up call to check on its status. Be aware that editors receive hundreds of letters and may not immediately respond to you.

Remember, you must include your name, address and daytime phone number in your letter. Instructions for submitting a letter to the editor are usually at the bottom of the page where they appear or on the paper's web site. Find out from your local paper the best way to send a letter. Some papers like them mailed; others prefer faxes, while others favor e-mails.

The "Op-Ed" section of a newspaper allows readers to share their opinions. If you have direct experience with or knowledge of the tourism industry (for example, if you are a restaurant or hotel owner), and you have insights to share on this topic, you should consider writing an op-ed. Some pointers are:

Have a news hook. Tying your piece to an event, new research study findings or a legislative debate will increase your chance of becoming published.


Keep it brief. Newspapers have limited space, and editors do not have the time to cut your piece down to size. In general, 750 to 800 words are appropriate.


Make a single point. You only have 750-800 words. Make one point clearly and persuasively.


Avoid jargon. Simple language ensures that all readers, even non-experts, can understand your point. For example, don't use acronyms or technical language.


Use examples. Illustrations, anecdotes and personal stories are persuasive tools. They help explain and bring to life complicated issues.


Make a specific recommendation. This is an opinion piece. State your opinion on how to improve matters.


Draw the reader in. Your first paragraph should draw in the reader by using a dramatic vignette or a well-stated argument.


End with a bang. Your final paragraph is as important as your opening paragraph. Be sure to summarize your argument in one strong final paragraph.


Follow-up. Most op-ed editors will respond to you within a week. If you have not heard in that time frame or if your piece is particularly time sensitive, you can make one follow-up phone call to be sure it was received.

Make sure your article is double-spaced with wide margins. List your name, address, phone, fax and e-mail contact information at the top of the opinion piece. Find out from your local paper the best way to send an op-ed. Instructions for submitting an op-ed are usually at the bottom of the page where they appear or on the paper's Web site. Some papers like them mailed; others prefer faxes, while others favor e-mails.