Everyday Opinions, Broad Reach: Submitting a Letter to The Age
Readers who want to share opinions, experiences, or reactions to current events can reach a wide audience by submitting a letter to The Age. The process is straightforward, but a few guidelines help your letter stand out and resonate with readers. Here’s a practical guide to crafting a compelling submission that aligns with The Age’s rules and editorial standards.
What The Age Looks For in Letters
Letters to the editor are most effective when they are concise, timely, and clearly written. The Age typically looks for relevance to recent news, public policy, or social issues that affect its audience. Personal anecdotes that illustrate a point can be powerful, but overall, letters should present a clear argument or perspective.
Key qualities include:
- Clarity: A single, well-structured point is easier to publish and share.
- Relevance: Tie your letter to current events or ongoing public discussions in Australia.
- Conciseness: Most publications favor brief letters that can be read quickly.
- Evidence or examples: Brief references to facts or experiences strengthen your case.
How to Prepare Your Submission
Before you send your letter, gather your thoughts into a short, well-organized piece. The Age asks contributors to include a few essential details:
- Your home address and a daytime telephone number for verification.
- Your letter should be placed in the body of the email; attachments are not accepted.
- Keep the letter focused on one issue and present a clear viewpoint.
Tip: Read recent letters published by The Age to gauge style, tone, and what kinds of letters they tend to publish. This can help you tailor your submission without compromising your own voice.
Writing Craft: Structure Your Letter
A strong letter typically follows a simple structure:
- State the issue and your main point in one or two sentences (the hook).
- Support your point with a brief example or personal experience.
- Explain why the issue matters to readers and what you want changed.
- End with a concise closing thought or a call to action.
Avoid overly technical jargon and keep sentences readable. A well-told anecdote can be memorable, but ensure it directly supports your argument.
Submission Details and Etiquette
To submit to The Age:
- Email your letter to letters@theage.com.au
- Include your home address and a daytime phone number in addition to the letter content
- Paste the letter into the body of the email; do not attach files
- Adhere to any word limits or editorial guidelines provided on The Age’s submission page
Be mindful of tone and civility. Letters that are respectful, well-reasoned, and free of defamatory statements have a higher chance of publication.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Going off-topic or addressing multiple issues in one letter
- Providing misleading claims or unsupported statistics
- Overusing exclamation points or inflammatory language
- neglecting to include required contact information
A Note on Creative and Opinion Diversity
Letters contribute to a robust public conversation. They let readers hear diverse perspectives on politics, society, and culture. Whether you’re reacting to government policy, a community issue, or a local event, a well-argued letter that respects others can add valuable viewpoints to The Age’s public forum.
Next Steps
If you’ve drafted a letter you’re proud of, double-check that it clearly communicates your point and includes your contact information. Then, paste it into the body of an email to the specified address and send it. Editorial staff will review submissions for publication, though not every letter can be published due to space and editorial considerations.
Submitting a letter is a small but meaningful way to participate in public discourse. With a clear message, credible support, and a respectful tone, your voice can reach readers across Australia and beyond.
