How to Write a Powerful Letter to the Editor or Op-Ed on Book Bans
Learn how to write impactful letters and op-eds that fight book bans, amplify your voice, and protect students’ access to diverse, inclusive literature.
In a time when book bans are rising at an alarming rate across the United States, it's more important than ever to use your voice. Writing a letter to the editor or an op-ed is one of the most effective ways to speak out, raise awareness, and influence public discourse. Whether you're a parent, educator, librarian, student, or concerned citizen, you can take action—and it starts with your words.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a compelling letter to the editor (LTE) or op-ed based on current data, including the troubling PEN America report showing more than 8,000 book bans in just two states during the 2023–2024 school year.
Why Your Voice Matters
Book bans are not isolated events. They are part of a broader, coordinated effort to restrict access to information—especially stories about race, gender, and LGBTQ+ identities. Data shows that:
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Florida and Iowa alone accounted for over 8,200 book bans in the 2023–2024 school year.
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Nearly 50% of Florida districts and 40% of Iowa districts participated in book removals, primarily due to chilling new legislation like Florida’s HB 1069 and Iowa’s SF 496.
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Bans occurred in 29 states and 220 school districts, impacting access to a deep variety of literature across the nation.
By writing to your local paper or national outlet, you can help educate the public, humanize the issue, and push back against the suppression of ideas.
Letters to the Editor: Small But Mighty
What is it?
An LTE is a short response (typically 150–250 words) to a recent news article or event, designed to express your opinion and inform readers.
Tips for Success:
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Start Strong
Reference the article or event that prompted your letter, including the title and date if possible. For example:
"In response to your April 10 article, ‘Florida leads nation in school book bans,’ I was shocked—but not surprised."
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Get to the Point
Space is tight. State your position clearly and quickly. If you're against a book ban, say so within the first sentence or two.
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Make It Personal
Share your perspective as a parent, student, or educator. Authentic voices are powerful.
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Include One Key Fact or Stat
Anchor your argument with a verified data point, like:
“Florida alone saw over 4,500 book bans last year, many tied directly to HB 1069.”
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End with a Call to Action
Urge readers to contact school boards, attend public meetings, or support the Freedom to Read Project.
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Submit Promptly
Letters are more likely to be accepted when they respond quickly to recent news—ideally within 48 hours of publication.
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Share Beyond the Paywall
Once published, spread your letter on social media, email newsletters, and community forums to reach a wider audience.
Op-Eds: Dive Deeper
What is it?
An op-ed is a longer piece (500–750 words) that allows you to build a more detailed argument, offer analysis, and present solutions.
Steps to Craft a Compelling Op-Ed:
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Know Your Audience
Choose an outlet that reaches the community you want to influence—local newspapers, statewide publications, or national platforms. Read past op-eds to understand their tone and format.
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Lead with Your Message
The first paragraph (lede) should summarize your key point. Assume some readers won’t make it to the end.
Example:
“When Iowa passed SF 496 last summer, I feared the impact it would have on our schools. What I didn’t expect was seeing over 3,600 books vanish from shelves in less than a year.”
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Cite Relevant Articles and Events
Referencing recent coverage gives your piece credibility and context. Mention statistics from reputable sources, for example Florida Freedom to Read Project data or local reporting.
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Tell a Story
Use narrative to engage readers. Describe a specific book that was banned and how it affected your child, students, or community.
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Broaden the Lens
Explain how this is part of a larger movement to control curriculum and silence marginalized voices. Connect it to constitutional rights, freedom of speech, and democratic values.
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Offer a Solution
Don’t just raise concerns—offer ways forward. Encourage civic participation, recommend policy changes, or highlight successful resistance efforts.
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Get Feedback Before Submitting
Ask 2–3 people unfamiliar with the topic to read your draft. Can they understand your argument? Are they moved to act? Revise based on their reactions.
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Follow Submission Guidelines
Each publication has specific instructions. Follow them carefully, including word count, format, and contact info. Submit only to one outlet at a time unless otherwise stated.
Here are some example op-eds: Are we banning books or empathy? Banned books are worth reading
Example Letter to the Editor (under 200 words)
To the Editor,
I was alarmed to read your recent article on Florida’s surge in school book bans. With over 4,500 titles removed in one year, and nearly half of school districts participating, we are witnessing a systemic attack on students’ right to read. These bans are not spontaneous—they are driven by HB 1069, which mandates the removal of any book challenged for “sexual conduct” during review. The result? Books featuring LGBTQ+ characters, survivors’ stories, and historical truths are disappearing from shelves.
As a parent, I want my child to read widely, think critically, and grow up in a country that values free expression. We must push back against this censorship and demand that our schools protect—not erase—diverse voices.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Final Thought: Your Voice Can Break the Silence
The most powerful resistance to censorship is community engagement. Whether you write a 150-word letter or a 750-word op-ed, your voice can inform your neighbors, challenge local decision-makers, and inspire others to speak up.
Let’s write our way toward justice—and protect every reader’s right to choose.
CLICK HERE to get a free resource on creating a persuasive messaging plan on censorship.