Writing an Op-Ed Article

An ÒOp-Ed,Ó or "opposite the editorial page" is a piece in a newspaper in which readersÕ and public figures can express viewpoints and/or respond to particular news events. An Op-Ed is generally a short (600 Ñ 800 words) article expressing an opinion or viewpoint on a recent news topic. Check your paper's guidelines for an op-ed before submitting.

• Your issue should be timely and relevant. Discuss a recent public or legislative event that might have affected the community. Or relate it to recent news pieces, upcoming holidays or anniversaries.
• Stick to one issue. You only have 750 to 800 words. Make one point clearly and persuasively.
• Humanize your article. Illustrations, anecdotes and personal stories help explain and bring complicated issues to life. But make sure to write in a succinct manner, avoid excess emotional references. Keep your writing professional.
• Write in a friendly tone, avoid jargon and acronyms.
• End with a bang. Your final paragraph is as important as your opening paragraph. Be sure to summarize your argument in one strong final paragraph.
• Include your contact information, word count, and a short biographical statement about yourself, including where you live and any relevant experience you have. Follow up. Most op-ed editors will respond to you within a week. If you havenÕt heard in that time frame or if your piece is particularly time sensitive, you can make one follow-up phone call to be sure it was received and ask about its status.

Most of this advice has been collected from a variety of sources across the internet. More advice can be found here and here.