Writing and Publishing an Op-Ed or Letter to the Editor
Writing an op-ed or letter to the editor is a great way to get your message out. The trick, of course, is to get it published. The following rules of thumb will improve your odds.
The difference between an op-ed and a letter to the editor.
- An op-ed is a longer piece that addresses a current issue.
- A letter to the editor is a short reaction to a recent op-ed or article.
Make it timely.
One key to getting your piece published is to tie it to a hot-button issue that's currently in the news. Be sure to strike while the iron is hot. If you know that a hearing, vote, report, or other newsworthy event is approaching, you should submit your piece well in advance. In the case of most op-eds, the editor may want 7-10 days to consider whether or not to publish your submission. Note also that most newspapers will insist on exclusive use of your work and right of first refusal.
Keep it brief.
The maximum length for most op-eds is 700-750 words. Editors will have little time to spend tweaking what you've written, so your piece must be tight and concise. There is usually no room for negotiation on length unless you are invited to submit an article.
Stick to a single point.
Decide on the point you want to make and stick to it. Generally, you should make one clear argument in support of one clear point. Being effective within the word limit set by the paper requires focus. You are unlikley to be persuasive if you attempt to cover too much ground.
Get to the point early and close with a call to action.
Make your point in the first paragraph—preferably in the first couple of sentences. An editorial page editor can receive hundreds of submissions on a given day. Tell her right away why your issue is important, and make it clear what you want to convey. After you have made your point and explained your position, summarize your opinion with a strong closing statement or a call to action.
Remember your audience.
Actually, you have two audiences: the editors and the readers. Keep in mind the general philosophy of the publication—or more precisely, of its editorial page. Sometimes the paper itself leans left, while the editorial page is more conservative. Other times it may be the opposite. Also keep the readership in mind. What aspect of the issue is important to their businesses, pocketbooks, or core values?
Style counts.
Avoid complex legal, regulatory, or economic jargon. Remember that newspapers have a general readership, so speak plainly and be direct. Address the audience in terms they can relate to. Wit is good, but only if it's truly witty. Be sure to consult the AP Stylebook, as it will increase the chances of your piece being published.
Where do I submit it?
We would all like to see our thoughts grace the op-ed page of the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, or the New York Times, but frankly the odds are against it. These "national" newspapers receive hundreds of submissions each day. And needless to say, space is at a premium. Unless you are broadly recognized as a leading subject-matter expert, you will improve your odds of getting published by avoiding the top tier. There are many city and regional newspapers in the US that reach large audiences.
How do I submit it?
Once your final draft is complete, submit it in the text field of an email. Attachments often go unopened by busy newspaper editors. Include a short synopsis, a word count, and a one-sentence description of yourself that indicates why you are credible as a commentator on your chosen issue. Make sure the topic is appropriate for the publication. Keep in mind that a local paper may not cover events in a neighboring town, for instance.
For more detailed information, please refer to our listing of the "Top 100 US Papers Op-Ed and Letter to the Editor Guidelines." As the title suggests, this document includes word count and other guidelines for submitting op-eds and letters to the editor for the top 100 papers in the US.
