Hey there, aspiring news-shaker! Ever read the Los Angeles Times and thought, "Wait a sec, I've got a better take on this!"? Well, you're in the right place, because we're about to turn you into a bona fide opinion ninja. Getting your thoughts into the L.A. Times is like hitting the jackpot of grown-up credibility. Forget trying to get your dog to pose for an Instagram pic—this is the real challenge! So grab your imaginary quill, put on your thinking cap (maybe one with a propeller), and let's dive into the hilarious and surprisingly simple world of Letters to the Editor! ✍️
Step 1: Choosing Your Vibe: What's the Beef?
Before you start slamming keys like a caffeinated squirrel, you gotta figure out what you're writing about. The Letter to the Editor section is all about responding to stuff they've already published. Think of it as joining an ongoing, super-intellectual chat!
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| How To Write A Letter To The Editor Of The Los Angeles Times |
1.1 Pick a Recent Article (Like, Super Recent)
You can’t write about an article from last year about, like, pogs (ask your parents). The L.A. Times wants to know your hot take on a news story, editorial, or column they ran in the last few days. If it's old news, they’ll be like, "Aww, bless your heart, but nah." Find something that really grinds your gears or makes you wanna do a happy dance. Maybe it was about the totally bonkers traffic or a local sports team's latest epic fail.
1.2 Figure Out Your Angle: Are You the Hero or the Villain?
You need to decide if you're going to agree (the "You nailed it!" angle), disagree (the "Hold up, fam, you're wrong!" angle), or maybe just add a spicy little detail (the "Well, actually..." angle). Don't just re-state the article. Tell them why you feel that way. Use your own experiences! If the article was about a new city park, and you've been secretly sneaking your pet iguana in there, that's your angle! Just maybe leave out the iguana part... unless it's relevant.
Step 2: Keep it Snappy: The Word Count Hustle
This isn't your 10,000-word fan fiction. Editors are busy. They get more letters than a mall Santa gets wishes. Your letter needs to be short, sweet, and to the point.
Tip: Summarize each section in your own words.
2.1 The Magic Number: 150
Most newspapers, including the L.A. Times, have a strict word limit, and for a Letter to the Editor, it's usually around 150 words or less. That's like, one good paragraph. Seriously. You need to be able to drop your mic after just a few sentences. Pretend you're sending a text message but your phone only has 150 characters. Every single word has to slap. Cut out all the fluff! "In my humble opinion" is out. "I think the new bus schedule is totally bonkers" is in.
2.2 Open Strong, Close Strong
Your first sentence should immediately reference the article you’re talking about, like, "I was so pumped to read the Sept. 29 article 'Why Tacos are the Best Food.'" The next few sentences deliver your main point. And your last sentence? It should be your powerful, memorable closing argument. Make 'em think. Don't just fade out like a bad radio signal.
Step 3: The "Don't Be a Ghost" Requirement
The L.A. Times isn't going to publish a letter from "SuperFan47." They need to know you’re a real person who lives in the real world. This is super important!
3.1 Spill the Deets: Your Identity Check
Your letter must include your full, actual name, your city of residence, and your daytime phone number. Deep breaths, it's okay! They won't publish your phone number, but they will call you to make sure you're legit and that you actually wrote the letter. This is just their way of keeping things on the up and up. If you give a fake name, they'll just toss your letter like yesterday's lunch. Be honest!
3.2 The Email Scramble
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.
You gotta send it to the right place! For the L.A. Times, you'll generally email your letter to their specific Opinion or Letters email address. A quick Google search for "LA Times letters to the editor email" will hook you up. Put something clear in the subject line, like "Letter to the Editor: Response to Traffic Story." Don't send it to the guy who writes the weather report; he's too busy tracking those wild California clouds!
Step 4: Wait for the Fame (or the Silence)
Once you hit send, your job is done. Now you play the waiting game!
4.1 Patience is Key (You'll Need a Lot)
Editors are like judges on a cooking show; they're tasting a gazillion dishes (letters), and only a few make it to the main stage (the paper). They might get hundreds of letters a day! Your letter might get picked in a few days, a few weeks, or never. Don't be sad if it doesn't run. It just means you gotta try again with an even spicier take on the next big story!
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4.2 The Phone Call of Destiny
If they do want to run your letter, you’ll get a call from an editor. Don't panic! They just want to confirm you wrote it and maybe check a quick fact. Be polite, be yourself, and try not to scream, "I'm going to be famous!" (Though you can totally do a victory dance after you hang up).
Pro Tip: Read the letters they do publish. See how they start, what kind of language they use, and how they end. That's your cheat sheet, your secret sauce to becoming an L.A. Times legend! You got this, champ!
How to find the most recent article to respond to?
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
Just check the Opinion section of the L.A. Times website for anything published in the last few days.
How to format the letter for email submission?
Type your letter directly into the email body; don't use a fancy attachment, and keep it one paragraph.
How to make my letter stand out to the editor?
Start with a strong, surprising, or funny first sentence that clearly states your main point.
How to include my personal contact information safely?
Put your full name, city of residence, and phone number after your brief letter text.
How to know the exact word count limit?
Aim for 150 words or less; it’s a safe bet for major newspapers like the L.A. Times.
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
How to check if my letter was published?
Keep checking the "Letters to the Editor" section of the print paper or the website daily.
How to write a good closing sentence?
End with a concise, punchy sentence that summarizes your ultimate takeaway for the reader.
How to avoid being too negative or ranting?
Always back up your opinion with a brief, clear reason, and keep the tone respectful, even when disagreeing.
How to address the editor in the letter?
You don't need a formal salutation; just start with your first sentence after referencing the article.
How to send a letter on a topic that wasn't in the paper?
The Letter to the Editor section is specifically for responses; to comment on a new topic, you'd need to write an Op-Ed, which is a whole other adventure!
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