How to Write an Open Letter

What is an open letter?

An open letter is written communication intended for public reading rather than private correspondence. Unlike a standard letter sent to one recipient, an open letter reaches a wider audience through newspapers, websites, or social media.

Sharing content publicly lets the writer spotlight an issue, share a viewpoint with many readers, or apply pressure on the person or organisation being addressed.

Open letters generally fall into two categories:

• Letters without a specific addressee, written for a general audience. These include a company writing to customers about a service change, or an organisation updating members on policy.
• Letters addressed to a named individual or organisation but published publicly. These are common in journalism and activism, where someone writes to a politician or public figure while ensuring the wider public can read it too.

The second type tends to attract more attention because of public accountability: readers can observe whether and how the recipient responds.

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When an open letter might be appropriate

Common reasons for writing an open letter include:

• Raising awareness about an issue affecting many people
• Calling on a public figure or organisation to take action
• Responding publicly to a decision or statement that has attracted attention
• Communicating with a large group such as employees, members, or customers
• Adding your voice to a public debate in a structured way

Open letters are often used by campaign groups, trade unions, professional associations, and individuals who feel private correspondence has not produced results.

However, open letters are not always the best approach. If you have a genuine complaint about a company or public body, you may need to follow a formal complaints process first. For issues with government services or decisions, GOV.UK has guidance on how to complain or appeal. If internal processes do not resolve your issue, you may be able to escalate to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

There are also potential drawbacks. The recipient may ignore your letter, or public response may be smaller than hoped. Sometimes an open letter can harden positions rather than encourage dialogue. Think honestly about whether this format will help your cause.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Planning and writing your open letter

Because readers will have no background knowledge of your situation, you need to be clear and thorough. Before writing, consider:

• What is your main point? Express it in a single sentence.
• Who is your primary audience? Even if addressed to one person, think about who else will read it.
• What outcome do you want: a specific action, raised awareness, or contribution to public discussion?
• Do you have evidence or facts to support your position?

Think about timing. If your letter relates to a current event, publishing promptly makes it more relevant. Consider moments when your letter might gain traction: during a relevant news cycle, ahead of a significant decision, or on an anniversary connected to your topic.

If you want others to sign your letter, plan this from the start. Letters with multiple signatories can carry more weight, but coordinating takes time. You will need to draft, circulate, allow time for agreement, and verify consent for each name.

Start by stating who you are and why you are writing. The opening paragraph should establish the subject quickly. The body should present arguments logically, with each paragraph covering a distinct point. Use facts and check sources carefully: errors undermine credibility.

Keep language measured and professional. Open letters relying on aggressive language or personal attacks tend to alienate sympathetic readers. State your case firmly but fairly. End by summarising your main point and, if appropriate, stating what response you hope to see.

Before publishing, be aware of UK defamation law. If your letter makes statements about identifiable individuals or organisations that could damage their reputation, you may be liable unless you can prove those statements are true or they fall within certain legal defences. If uncertain, seek legal advice or remove problematic content.

Publishing and distribution

Where you publish affects who reads your letter. Options include:

• Newspapers and magazines: many accept reader letters, though space is limited and editors select what to print. Opinion sections may suit longer letters better than letters pages.
• Your own website or blog, where you control the content.
• Social media platforms, where letters can spread if they resonate. UK forums such as Mumsnet or The Student Room can reach specific audiences.
• Community newsletters or local publications for issues affecting a particular area.
• Professional or trade publications for industry-specific matters.

If submitting to a newspaper, check their guidelines. Most have word limits and may edit for length or clarity. National newspapers receive many letters daily and publish only a small selection.

Be prepared for responses. Publishing an open letter invites public reaction, and some readers may disagree strongly. Consider in advance how you will handle criticism or requests for further comment.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Open Letter Generator lets you create a public statement to a person or organisation. Takes 2 minutes. Try it now →