What makes a good letter to the editor?

Newspapers love to hear from readers who want to share their opinions. It helps communities know what is happening, raises awareness of issues, and your local legislator often reads the paper.

Strategy

  • The most effective letters have writers speaking from their personal story - relate a story of why Amtrak coming to Crestline is important to you. How would you use it? Do you have friend or family that might take a train to work?

  • Take a look at our website. Some of the benefits of passenger rail we mention might be important to you.

  • Remember, a letter to the editor can be a powerful way to share your opinion and influence public opinion on important issues. By following this stratgey, you can increase your chances of having your letter published and making an impact.

Logistics

  • Check with your local paper for any rules and when and how to send a letter to the editor.

  • Typically, letters should be brief, up to 250 words. 

  • Address them: To the editor: or use the links below

  • Include the writer's name, address, occupation and telephone numbers (work and home). 

  • Keep it short and focused: A good letter to the editor is usually around 200-300 words, so keep your message concise and focused. Stick to one main point or argument and support it with specific examples or evidence.

  • Be persuasive: Use persuasive language and appeal to the emotions of your readers. Use personal anecdotes, statistics, or quotes to make your point and convince readers to see your perspective.

Local Papers

Akron Beacon Journal Send letter to vop@thebeaconjournal.com
Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum Fill out this form
Canton Repository Send letter to letters@cantonrep.com
Cincinnati Enquirer Fill out this form
Cleveland Plain Dealer Fill out this form
Columbus Dispatch Fill out this form
Dayton Daily News Fill out this form
Delaware Gazette  Fill out this form
Sandusky Register Fill Out this form
The New Washington Herald nwherald@theheraldinc.com
Crestline Advocate crestlineadvocate@yahoo.com
Galion Inquirer McKnight@aimmediamidwest.com
CCN kjenney@wbcowqel.com
WQEL kjenney@wbcowqel.com
The Columbus Dispatch hbemiller@dispatch.com
The Delaware Gazette McKnight@aimmediamidwest.com
Fox 28 Columbus news@wsyx6.com (rwhite@sbgtv.com)
Mansfield TV station kelbyk@wvno.com kelbyk@wvno.com
Columbus Channel 4 https://www.nbc4i.com/
Columbus Channel 10 https://www.10tv.com/sendusnews
Cleveland Fox Station tips@fox8.com
Cleveland CBS Station 19tips@woio.com
Cleveland NBC Station https://www.wkyc.com/contact-us
Sandusky Newspaper Fill out this form