Reader Letters and Viewpoints
By Helen Edwards
Since the summer I have had two reader letters and three viewpoints published in different magazines. This does not make me an expert by any means, but I would like to share what I have learnt with you so far.
*Research is crucial*
You need to know about the typical readership of a magazine, the types of articles published and advertisements used. Try and get a sense of the style and tone in the letters and viewpoints. Such information will help you to know which magazine to target a particular piece of your work at.
Here are some tips:
Reader letters
The majority of reader letters respond to an article in a previous edition of the magazine. If you have an opinion on a particular article, it’s important that you send your letter off quickly. If too much time lapses, the magazine is unlikely to print a letter about an article it published weeks ago.
Letters praising the magazine often get published.
You do not need to give your letters’ titles. Even if you do, the relevant Editor is likely to change it.
Count the number of words in letters in an old copy of the magazine you’re targeting, so that you know the average length. You can then edit your letter accordingly.
Viewpoints
***UPDATE - October 2009 - The Lady has temporarily suspended its short story slot. It has also scrapped the viewpoint. The viewpoint column has been replaced by a new one, entitled 'The Lady and I'. It will feature contributions on how The Lady has changed its readers lives in some way. Entries should be around 350 words, and emailed to the following address: letters@lady.co.uk ****
And finally…
Use double line spacing for the piece you’re going to submit.
Keep trying - don’t give up.
Good luck!
Helen Edwards
5th November 2007
Magazine List
You can view our ever expanding list of Magazines that take articles, letters and viewpoints by clicking here