Write a Letter to the Editor

The breadth and scope of the dietetics profession offers countless opportunities for each ADA member to gain attention to the Association and the profession from many different, influential people and groups: business and community leaders; state and federal legislators and policy makers; employers; other health professionals and their associations; educators; the general public; and the news media.

The American Dietetic Association strongly urges you to play an active role in this important effort. Here are general guidelines for writing a letter to the editor.

Address the letter "To the Editor." Letters should be exclusive to the publication, timely, no longer than 150 words and must include the writer's address and phone numbers. For most publications, you may send the letter by e-mail, fax or regular mail.

Publications will not return or acknowledge unpublished letters and if your letter is selected for publication, you will be notified within a week. Publications will also reserve the right to shorten a letter for space requirements.

Many worthy letters never see print, and those that do cannot reflect all the topics of interest to readers. Farther reaching publications such as the New York Times receive at least 1,000 submissions a day or more. Most publications print an average of 10 letters a day. That means the competition is intense. So, when conveying your message to the editor, make it clear, current, concise and compelling.

   Print Version