Write/Submit
Op-Eds
For those who have basic writing skills, writing op-eds for newspapers can be an exceptional way to promote party platforms, candidates and get out memorable messages. But there are "rules", if you will, for writing op-eds that are not just effective, but can actually get published. Newspapers are swamped with op-ed submissions, and they can typically only publish a few in each edition. To increase your chances of being published, consider the following time-tested suggestions.
Most periodicals and newspapers have word limits, generally 500-750. So you need to be concise.
TRACK THE NEWS. Newspaper publishers are more likely to publish a piece that addresses a topic that is currently in the news. After all, that is the point of NEWSpapers. As an alternative you can write a piece that connects to an upcoming event, so the publisher can schedule it at the right time. The more current the issue, the better your chance of getting published, so keep up with the news. And if it is a local paper, tying your op-ed to a local news item is almost a guarantee of being published, as long as your piece is well written and is designed to capture reader's interest. The cardinal rule to understand - newspapers must publish what readers want to read.
MAKE A SINGLE POINT. Determine the most important message you wish to get out, then sdtart by trying to frame it in one or two sentences, then fill your piece out, make it compelling. If you attempt to make more than one point, it will end up being unnecessarily convoluted and you will lose the reader's attention, defeating the purpose of writing an op-ed.
Understand that you will only have a matter of seconds to capture a reader's interest, so your first one or two sentences must be compelling enough for them to want more. Get right to the point, up front, and give the reader a reason to want to keep reading by making it worth his time to do so. Keep sentences and paragraphs short, or you risk losing the reader. Avoid using "big" words - you do not want to talk over the reader's head - keep it clear and simple.
Make the reader care. What is in it for him or her? How does it benefit them? Will it make their life better? If so, how? Remember that your op-ed is supposed to get the reader to consider what you are offering. Your piece should be centered around improving a situation, or the readers life.
If possible, make it personal by covering a topic that is personal to readers. And lately, politics is as personal as it gets. If you can get the reader to see your main point through your eyes, your piece will be successful.
Let the reader know your opinion, and why you feel that way. Why, exactly, you support the candidate, or how, exactly, that a platform issue will benefit people. People do not buy features - they buy benefits.
The best op-eds have a well-defined call to action - what do you want the reader to do, think or feel? Remember what we pointed out in the article on messaging - we humans remember colorful details, and/or humorous points better than dry facts, so look for ways to bring your point to life.
Do not be passive - say things straight out in first person. Instead of " It is hoped this will...", say "I hope this will..." If you are wishy-washy, the reader will see that and not trust your opinion.
Be balanced - opinions that acknowledge how an opponent is right about something will make you appear more fair and balanced, and you will appear more credible.
Summarize your argument in a strong final paragraph - many readers scan a headline then go to the ending to get the end point, saving them time. If your end point is well written, it may get them to go back and read the entire piece, to see how you arrived at that assessment.
Check for the guidelines posted by the publication to see how, what and where they prefer submissions. Some will accept from email, while others may require snail mail. The guidelines will lay out other important requirements, like word count, your name and address etc. Adhere to the guidelines.
Good luck!
