how to write an op ed thesis

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How To Write an Op-ed: A Step By Step Guide

There’s a formula that we call the “ABCs” that can be used to write compelling op-eds, columns, or blogs. The same formula can also be used to write almost any document that offers up an argument or gives advice. This is a “news flash lede,” a comment that will make sense in a  moment .

The ABC Formula

This formula for writing op-eds is based on our experience and our op-eds that appeared in the  New York Times , the  Wall Street Journal , and the  Washington Post .  I first came across a version of this formula while I was at  US News and World Report . It was called “FLUCK,” and we have tweaked it a bit since then. 

This is probably obvious, but this ABC formula is meant to guide writers rather than restrict them. In other words, these are recommendations, not a rigid set of instructions.

Better yet, think of the formula as a flexible template for making an effective argument in print—one that you personalize with your specific style, topic, and intended audience in mind.

This guide is divided into five parts.

Part I: Introduction:  In this section, we give a brief overview of the approach and discuss the importance of writing and opinion.

Part II: The ABCs:  Here we cover the important steps in writing for your audience: Attention, Billboard, and Context.

PART III: The ABCS in Example:  In this section, we give you different examples of the ABCs in action and how to effectively use them.

PART IV: Pitching:  Here we will go over how to effectively pitch ideas and submit ideas to an editor for publication.

PART V: Final tips and FAQs: Here we go over a few more key things to do and answer the most commonly asked questions.

Part I: Introduction To Op-Eds

Op-eds are one of the most powerful tools in communications today. They can make a career. They can break a career.

But there’s often lots of mystery around editorials and op-eds. I mean: What does op-ed even stand for?

Well, let’s start with editorials. Editorials are columns written by a member of a publication’s board or editors, and they are meant to represent the view of the publication. While reporting has the main purpose of informing the public, editorials can serve a large number of purposes. But typically editorials aim to persuade an audience on a controversial issue.

Op-eds, on the other hand, are “opposite the editorial” page columns. They began as a way for an author to present an opinion that opposed the one on the editorial board. Note that an op-ed is different than a letter to the editor, which is when someone writes a note to complain about an article, and that note is published. Think of a letter to the editor as an old, more stodgy form of the comments section of an article.

The New York Times  produced the first modern op-ed in 1970, and over time, op-eds became a way for people to simply express their opinions in the media. They tend to be written by experts, observers, or someone passionate about a topic, and as media in general becomes more partisan, op-eds have become more and more common.

How to start . The first step for writing an op-ed is to be sure to: Make. An. Argument.

Many op-eds fail because they just summarize key details. But, wrong or right, op-eds need to advance a strong contention. They need to assert something, and the first step is to write down your argument.

Here are some examples:

• I want to write an op-ed on the plague that are drinks that overflow with ice cubes. This op-ed would argue that restaurants serve drinks with too many ice cubes.
• Superman is clearly better than Batman. In this op-ed, I would convince readers why Superman is a better superhero than Batman.
• My op-ed is on lowering the voting age in America. An op-ed on this topic would list reasons why Congress should pass a law to allow those who are 14 years old like me to be able to vote in elections.

How to write.  So you have yourself an argument. It’s now time to write the op-ed. When it comes to writing, this guide assumes a decent command of the English language; we’re not going to cover the basics of nouns and verbs. However, keep in mind a few things:

• Blogs, op-eds, and columns are short.  Less than 1,000 words. Usually between 500 and 700 words. Many blogs are just a few hundred words, basically a few graphs and a pull quote often does the job.
• Simplicity, logic, and clarity are your best friends  when it comes to writing op-eds and blogs. In other words, write like a middle schooler. Use short sentences and clear words. Paragraphs should be less than four sentences. Please take a look at Strunk and White for more information. I used to work with John Podesta, who has written many great op-eds, and he was rumored to have given his staff a copy of Strunk and White on their first day of employment.
• Love yourself topic sentences.  The first sentence of each paragraph needs to be strong, and your topic sentences should give an overall idea of what’s to follow. In other words, a reader should be able to grasp your article’s argument by reading the first sentence of each paragraph.

How to make an argument.  This guide is not for reporters or news writers. That’s journalism. This guide is for people who make arguments. So keep in mind the following:

• Evidence . This might be obvious, but you need evidence to support your argument. This means data in the forms of published studies, government statistics, and anything that offers cold facts. Stories are good and can support your argument. But try and go beyond a good anecdote.
• Tone . Check out the bloggers and columnists that are in the publications that you’re aiming for, and try to emulate them when it comes to their  argumentative tone . Is their tone critical? Humorous? Breezy? Your tone largely hinges on what type of outlet you are writing for, which brings us to…
• Audience .  Almost everything in your article — from what type of language you use to your tone — depends on your audience. A piece for a children’s magazine is going to read differently than, say, an op-ed in the Washington Post. The best way to familiarize yourself with your audience is to read pieces that have already been published in the outlet you are writing for, or hoping to write for. Take note of how the author presents her argument and then adjust yours accordingly.

Sidebar: Advice vs Argument.  Offering advice in the form of a how-to article — like what you’re reading right now — is different than putting forth an argument in an actual op-ed piece.

That said, advice pieces, like this  one  by Lifehacker or this  one  by Hubspot, follow much of the same ABC formula. For instance, advice pieces will still often begin with an attention-grabbing opener and contextualize their subject matter.

However, instead of trying to make an argument in the body of the article, the advice pieces will typically list five to ten ways of “how to do” something. For example, “How to cook chicken quesadillas” or “How to ask someone out on a date.”

The primary purpose of an advice piece is to inform rather than to convince. In other words, advice pieces describe what you could do, while op-ed pieces show us what we should do.

Part II: Dissecting The ABC Approach

Formula.  Six steps make up the ABC method, and yes, that means it should be called the ABCDEF method. Either way, here are the steps:

Attention  (sometimes called the lede): Here’s your chance to grab the reader’s attention. The opening of an opinion piece should bring the reader into the article quickly. This is also sometimes referred to as the flash or the lede, and there are two types of flash introductions. They are: Option 1.  Narrative flash . A narrative flash is a story that brings readers into the article. It should be some sort of narrative hook that grabs attention and entices the reader to delve further into the piece. A brief and descriptive anecdote often works well as a narrative flash. It simultaneously catches the reader’s attention and hints at the weightier argument and evidence yet to come.

When I first started writing for US News, I wrote a flash lede to introduce an article about paddling school children. Here’s that text:

Ben Line didn’t think the assistant principal had the strength or the gumption. But he was wrong. The 13-year-old alleges that the educator hit him twice with a paddle in January, so hard it left scarlet lines across his buttocks. Ben’s crime? He says he talked back to a teacher in class, calling a math problem “dumb.”

Option 2.  News flash . Some pieces — especially those tied to the news — can have a lede without a narrative start. Other pieces, including many op-eds, are simply too short to begin with a narrative flash. In either of these instances, using the news flash as your lede is likely your best bet.

If I were writing a news flash lede for the paddling piece, I might start with something as simple as: Congress again is considering legislation to outlaw paddling.

• Billboard  (also often called the nut graph): The billboard portion of the lede should do two things:

First, the “billboard” section should make an argument that elevates the stakes and begins to introduce general evidence and context for the argument. So start to introduce some general evidence to support your argument in the nut portion of the lede.

For an example of a nut graph for a longer piece on say, sibling-on-sibling rivalry, consider the following:  The Smith sisters exemplify a disturbing trend. Research indicates that violence between siblings—defined as the physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of one sibling by another, ranging from mild to highly violent—is likely more common than child abuse by parents. A new report from the University of Michigan Health System indicates the most violent members of American families are indeed the children. Data suggests that three out of 100 children are considered dangerously violent toward a brother or sister, and nine-year-old Kayla Smith is one of those victims: “My sister used to get mad and hit me every once in a while, but now it happens at least twice a week. She just goes crazy sometimes. She’s broken my nose, kicked out two teeth, and dislocated my shoulder.”

Second, the billboard should begin to lay the framework of the piece and flush out important details—with important story components like Who, What, When, Where, How, Why, etc. A good billboard graph often ends with a quote or call to action. Think of it like this: if someone reads only your “billboard” section, she should be able to grasp your argument and the basic details. If you use a narrative flash lede, then the nut paragraph often starts with something like: They are not alone. So in the padding article, for instance, the nut might have been: “Ben is not alone. In fact, 160,000 students are subject to corporal punishment in U.S. schools each year, according to a 2016 social policy report.”

For another example, here’s a history graph from a recent op-ed by John Podesta that ran in the  Washington Post :

“To give some context: On Oct. 7, 2016, WikiLeaks began leaking emails from my personal inbox that had been hacked by Russian intelligence operatives. A few days earlier, Stone — a longtime Republican operative and close confidant of then-candidate Donald Trump — had mysteriously predicted that the organization would reveal damaging information about the Clinton campaign. And weeks before that, he’d even tweeted: ‘Trust me, it will soon [be] Podesta’s time in the barrel.’”

If you’re writing an advice piece, then similar advice applies. A how-to guide for Photoshop, for example, might include recent changes to the program and information on the many ways that Photoshop can be used to edit pictures.

• Demonstrate:  In this section, you must offer specific details to support your argument. If writing an op-ed, this section can be three or four paragraphs long. If writing a column, this section can be six or ten paragraphs long. Either way, the section should outline the most compelling evidence to support your thesis. For my paddling article, for instance, I offered this argument paragraph:  The problem with corporal punishment, Straus stresses, is that it has lasting effects that include increased aggression and social difficulties. Specifically, Straus studied more than 800 mothers over a period from 1988 to 1992 and found that children who were spanked were more rebellious after four years, even after controlling for their initial behaviors. Groups that advocate for children, like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Education Association, oppose the practice in schools for those reasons.

While narrative can be vital when capturing a reader’s attention, it’s equally important to offer hard facts in the evidence section. When demonstrating the details of your argument, be sure to present accurate facts from reputable sources. Studies published in established journals are a good source of evidence, for instance, but blogs with unverified claims are not.

Also, when providing supporting details, you should think about using what the Ancient Greeks called ethos, pathos, and logos. To explain, ethos refers to appeals based on your credibility, that you’re someone worth listening to. For example, if you are arguing why steroids should be banned in baseball, you might talk about how you once used steroids and their terrible impact on your health.

Pathos refers to using evidence that plays to the emotions. For example, if you are trying to show why people should evacuate during hurricanes, you might describe a family who lost their seven-year-old child during a hurricane.

Logos refers to logical statements, typically based on facts and statistics. For example, if you are trying to convince the audience why they should join the military when they are young, provide statistics on their income when they retire and the benefits they receive while in the military.

• Equivocate : You should strengthen your argument by including at least one graph that briefly describes—and then discounts—the strongest counterargument to your point. This is often called the “to be sure” paragraph, and it hedges your bets about the clarity of your piece with phrases such as “to be sure” or “in other words.”Here’s an  example  from a recent op-ed in Bloomberg:  Of course, that doesn’t mean that Hispanics simply change while other Americans stay the same. In  his 2017 book  “The Other Side of Assimilation: How Immigrants Are Changing American Life,” Jimenez recounts how more established American groups change their culture and broaden their horizons based on their personal relationships with more recently arrived immigrant groups. Assimilation isn’t slavish conformity to white norms, but a two-way process where the U.S. is changed by each new group that arrives.
• Forward : This is where you wrap up your piece. It carries greater impact, though, if you can write an ending that has some oomph to it and really looks forward. So try to provide some parting thoughts and, when appropriate to the topic, draw your readers to look toward the future. If you began with a narrative flash lede, it’s optimal whenever possible to find a way to tie back into that introductory story. It allows you to simultaneously finalize the premise of your argument and neatly conclude your article. In an  op-ed  about gun violence that ran last year, minister Jeff Blattner looks toward the future and seamlessly ties the end of his piece back to his lede with this simple but effective kicker:  If we don’t commit ourselves to solving them together—to seeing one another as part of a bigger “us”—we may reap a whirlwind of ever-widening division. Let Pittsburgh, in its grief, show us the way.

An op-ed needs to advance a strong contention. It needs to assert something, and and the first step is write down your argument.

Part III: The ABCs In Example

Now that we have gone over the basic ABC formula, let’s examine a recent blog item and identify the six ABC steps.

Written by E.A. Crunden, the piece appeared in  ThinkProgress  and is titled, “ Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is embroiled in more than one scandal .”

• Attention :  “A controversial contract benefiting a small company based in his hometown is only the latest possible corruption scandal linked to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke…” This opening sentence introduces the most recent news on Zinke while also signaling that other scandals might be discussed in the article.
• Billboard :  “On Monday, nonprofit watchdog group the Campaign Legal Center (CLC) accused Zinke’s dormant congressional campaign of dodging rules prohibiting individuals from converting political donations into individual revenue.” The second paragraph adds more information about Zinke’s alleged missteps.
• Context :  “Zinke’s other ethical close-calls, as the CLC noted, are plentiful.”  This provides some background to the main argument and lets the reader know that Zinke has a long history of questionable ethics, which the author expands upon in the following paragraphs.
• Demonstrate :  “As a Montana congressman, Zinke took thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from oil and gas companies, many of whom drill on the same public lands he now oversees…”  Here the author gives specific evidence of Zinke’s actions that some believe to be unethical. This fortifies the argument. The following few paragraphs continue in this vein.
• Equivocate :  “I had absolutely nothing to do with Whitefish Energy receiving a contract in Puerto Rico,” the interior secretary wrote in a statement on Friday.”  In this case, the equivocation appears in the form of a counterargument. The writer goes on to dismiss it by presenting additional clarifying evidence to support his point.
• Forward:   “Monday’s complaint comes amid a Special Counsel investigation into Zinke’s spending habits, as well as a separate investigation opened by the Interior Department’s inspector general. Audits into Puerto Rico’s canceled contract with Whitefish Energy Holdings are also ongoing.”  These final two sentences “zoom out” from the specifics of the article, showing that the main news item (i.e., Zinke’s poor ethics) will continue to be relevant in the future. These forward-looking sentences also circle back neatly to the point of the flash news lede by reiterating that “Monday’s complaint” is yet another in a growing list against Zinke.

Part IV: Pitching

When it comes to op-eds, most outlets want to review a finished article. In other words, you write the op-ed and then shop it around to different editors. In some cases, the outlet might want a pitch — or brief summary— of the op-ed before you write it.

Either way, you’ll need a short summary, even just a few sentences that describe your argument. Here is an example of the pitch that I wrote that landed me on the front page of the Washington Post’s Outlook section. Note that this pitch is long, but I was aiming for a more feature-like op-ed.

I wanted to pitch a first-person piece looking at Neurocore, the questionable brain-training program that’s funded by Betsy DeVos.  

DeVos just got confirmed as Secretary of Education, and for years, she’s been one of the major investors in Neurocore. Located in Michigan and Florida, the company makes some outlandish promises about brain-based training. The firm has argued, for instance, that its neuro-feedback programs can increase a person’s IQ by up to 12 points.

I was going to take Neurocore’s diagnostic program to get a better sense of the company’s claims. As part of the story, I was also going to discuss the research on neuro-feedback, which is pretty weak. Insurance companies are also skeptical, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan recently refused to reimburse for Neurocore’s treatments. I’d also discuss some of my research in this area and talk about some of the dangers of spreading myths about learning.

There’s been some recent coverage of Neurocore. But the articles have typically focused on the conflict of interest posed by the company since DeVos herself has refused to disinvest. What’s more, no one appears to have written a first-person piece describing the experience of attending one of their brain training diagnostic sessions.

A few bits of advice:

• Newsy.  Whenever possible, build off the news. A good way to drum up interest in your piece is to connect it to current events. People naturally are interested in reading op-eds that are linked to recent news pieces — so, an op-ed on Electoral College reform will be more relevant around election season, for instance. It’s often effective to pitch your piece following a major news event. Even better if you can pitch your op-ed in advance; for example, a piece on voter suppression in the United States might be pitched in advance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Here’s an  article  from McGill University that has some advice on this idea.
• Tailor.  Again, in this step of the process, it’s worth considering the audience of the publication. For example, if you’re writing in the business section of a newspaper, you’ll want to frame the article around business. If you are writing for a sports magazine, you’ll want to write about topics like “Who is the greatest golfer of all time, Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus?”

Also, websites sometimes have information on pitching their editors. Be sure to follow whatever specific advice they give — this will improve your chances of catching an editor’s eye.

Advice pieces describe what you could do, while op-ed pieces show us what we should do.

Part V: FAQs And Tips

I have lots to say. Can I write a 3,000-word op-ed?

Not really. Most blog articles, op-eds, and columns are short. What’s more, your idea is more likely to gain traction if it’s clear and simple. Take the Bible. It can be broken down to a simple idea: Love one another as you love yourself. Or take the Bill of Rights. It can be shortened to: Individuals have protections.

I want to tell a story. Can I do that?

Maybe. If you do, keep it short and reference the story at the top and maybe again at the bottom. But again, the key to an op-ed is that it makes an argument.

What should do before I hit submit?

We could suggest two things:

• Make sure you cite all your sources. Avoid plagiarism of any kind. If you’re in doubt, provide a citation via a link or include endnotes citing your sources.
• Check your facts. The  New York Times  op-ed columnist Bret Stephens says it this way: “Sweat the small stuff. Read over each sentence—read it aloud—and ask yourself: Is this true? Can I defend every single word of it? Did I get the facts, quotes, dates, and spellings exactly right? Yes, sometimes those spellings are hard: the president of Turkmenistan is Gurbanguly Malikguliyevich Berdymukhammedov. But, believe me, nothing’s worse than having to run a correction.” For more guidance, see Stephen’s  list of tips for aspiring op-ed writers .
• Read it out loud. Before I submit something, I’ll read it out loud. It helps me catch typos and other errors. For more on talking out loud as a tool, see this  article  that I pulled together some time ago.

What’s the difference between a blog article and an op-ed?

A blog article can be about anything such as “What I had for lunch today” or “Why I love Disney World.” An op-ed typically revolves around something in the news and is meant to be persuasive. It typically runs in a news outlet of some kind.

What if no one takes my op-ed?

Be patient. You might need to offer your op-ed to multiple outlets before someone decides to publish it, and you can always tweak the op-ed to make it more news-y, tying the article to something that happened in the news that day or week.

Also, look for ways to improve the op-ed. You might, for instance, focus on changing the “attention” section to make it more creative and interesting or try to improve the context section.

What is the best way to start writing an op-ed?

Before writing, make sure to create an outline. I will often write out my topic sentences and make sure that I’m making a strong, evidence-based argument. Then I’ll focus on a creative way to open my op-ed.

Don’t worry if you get writer’s block while writing the “attention” step. You can always come back and make it more interesting. Really, the most important step is having an outline.

Should I hyperlink?

Yes, include hyperlinks in your articles to provide your readers with easy access to additional information.

–Ulrich Boser

15 thoughts on “How To Write an Op-ed: A Step By Step Guide”

Thanks for this excellent refresher!

I am writing this with the hope that the leasing of the port of Haifa will not come to fruition,It will give the Chinese a strong foothold in the middle east. No longer will the United States 6th fleet have a home away from home..May i remind those who are in command that NO OTHER COUNTRY in the world has helped Israel more than the US.and it would be a slap in the face of our best friend and cause many , many consequences in the future for the state of Israel. I pray to G-D that those in charge will come to their senses and hopefully cancel the agreement. M A, Modiin

Excellent piece of writing ideas, Thanks a lot for sharing these amazing tricks.

INTERESABTE TODA LA INFORMACION

Gracias, Julio!

Good information

So glad you enjoyed it!

Glad it was helpful. Did I miss something in your comment?

Well done, But it’s needs practice!! Hands on!

Write with is one of the most critical steps of the writing process and is probably relevant to the first point. If you want to get your blood pumping and give it your best, you might want to write with passion, and give it all you got. How do you do this? Make sure that you have the right mindset whenever you are writing.

Create a five-paragraph editorial about a topic that matters to you.

Reading this I realized I should get some more information on this subject. I feel like there’s a gap in my knowledge. Anyway, thanks.

Thank you very much for your really helpful tips. I’m currently writing a lesson plan to help students write better opinion pieces and your hands-on approach, if a bit too detailed for my needs, is truly valuable. I hope my students will see it the same way 😉

Thank you for sharing your expertise. Your advice on incorporating storytelling, providing evidence, and addressing counterarguments is invaluable for ensuring the effectiveness and persuasiveness of op-eds.

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Writing Studio

How to write an op-ed.

These tips are based on an “ On Writing ” panel hosted by the Writing Studio and the Russell G. Hamilton Graduate Leadership Institute on November 20, 2019 that included Professor of Communications Bonnie Dow, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Strategic Communications Ian Morrison, Professor of History Moses Ochonu, and Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Science Jonathan Gilligan.

Why Write an Op-Ed in Graduate School?

As our panelists pointed out, writing op-eds can be a useful exercise, even an important piece of academic training.

It can be a way for you to take your research, your expertise, and communicate to the public and make an engagement with people who aren’t in the academic world, regardless of where the op-ed is placed.

Writing an op-ed, in other words, is a way of practicing, or putting your effort into saying, “My work matters.”

Know Your Audience

“Really take the time to think about, where am I trying to place this? Who are their readers? How do they want to hear this? What is going to grab their attention?” – Ian Morrison

As an op-ed writer your audience is twofold: you need to think about both the publisher’s attention—for which you will be competing with thousands of other submissions—as well as the reader’s. For this reason, an attention-grabbing first paragraph, if not first sentence, is paramount.

It also helps to think about the role of opinion pages: as a forum for opinion, they create conversations that live beyond the pages of the publication in which they originally appear. In other words, op-eds seek to amplify the discussion.

Really take the time to think about where you are trying to place the op-ed, who the readers are, what and how do they want to hear this, and what is going to grab their attention. At the same time, aim to be interesting and relevant. You need to address issues in the public conversation.

Organization and Style

“Examples and anecdotes engage readers. Opening with an example, an anecdote, or with a startling statistic works really well at the top of an op-ed.” – Bonnie Dow

Short paragraphs—two to three sentences, maybe four—are a must. If you submit traditional academic paragraphs, you risk having them shortened by the publisher in ways you don’t like. You might end up with something that doesn’t make sense to you. So keep your paragraphs short.

Use structure to build to your point. In other words, make the paragraphs do the work of transitions and previews for you. Instead of saying “first,” “second,” or “third” in op-eds, start a new paragraph when you want to say something.

Use short, punchy, declarative sentences. This will help you stick to the word limit and avoid a situation in which the publisher chops up the piece for you. You absolutely want to maintain control of your own message. Be wary of semicolons or colons; if you need the latter, your sentences are probably too long. Use active rather than passive writing.

Content and Accuracy

“If you’re looking for places to have an impact, look at all the media that you can engage with. The op-ed is one specific thing, and it is one specific writing style, and one specific medium.” –Jonathan Gilligan

Think about your goals and your narrative. Ask yourself, does it fit with other op-eds I’ve read? Can I accomplish my goals using this structure of writing? Remember: don’t under-qualify things. Factual accuracy is incredibly important. If you write an op-ed and you oversimplify, your words are out there permanently.

Avoid giving the wrong impression of too much certainty that comes from blunting nuance or veering close to misrepresentation (even if there is wiggle-room for justification). That’s part of the struggle: strive for simplicity, be punchy, but make sure that you are willing to stand behind exactly what you said the way you said it with your reputation as a scholar.

And remember: Always proofread, proofread, proofread!

Instructions for Writing an Op-Ed

Learning objectives.

Students will write an Op-Ed.

Instructional Plan

Writing an Op-Ed

Writing an op-ed (short for opposite the editorial page) can be a powerful way to express your thoughts, opinions, and insights on a particular issue. Whether it's a local, national, or global issue, your voice matters, and an op-ed is an excellent platform to share your ideas.

Relevant Topic: Select a topic that you are passionate about and that is relevant to your audience. Consider issues impacting your school, community, or the world. Make sure your topic is current and significant to capture readers' attention.

Research: Conduct thorough research on your chosen topic. Collect facts, statistics, and expert opinions to support your argument. Understand different perspectives on the issue to strengthen your position and anticipate counterarguments.

Take a Clear Stance: Craft a concise thesis statement that clearly expresses your main argument or perspective. Your thesis should be specific, debatable, and focused on the main point you want to convey in your op-ed.

Plan: Have a point. Organize your op-ed in such a way that it supports that point. See below for an example of one outline you could use, and look at examples on the web and in publications that you read.

Submit Your Op-Ed: Choose your target publication well: large ones have more reach, but also get more submissions; a small town or neighborhood newspaper may be more likely to publish your op-ed. Follow the submission guidelines of the target publication. Include a compelling headline, a brief bio, and contact information. Be patient and persistent; op-eds may take time to get published. Remember, your op-ed is a platform for your voice, so make it impactful, well-researched, and thought-provoking.

Remember, the goal of your op-ed is to share your perspective effectively, so stay focused, be persuasive, and make a lasting impact on your readers.

• Opinion | How to write an op-ed for The Washington Post
• New York Times Opinion Guest Essays

Recommended Structure for an Op-Ed

• "It's Time to Rethink [Topic]"
• "[Topic]: The Urgent Issue We Can't Ignore"
• "Why [Your Position] Matters to [Audience]"
• Hook the reader with a compelling anecdote, fact,or a thought-provoking question to capture attention
• Establish your credibility and connection to the topic.
• Clearly state the purpose of your op-ed.
• Keep it concise!
• Present your main points in a logical, persuasive manner.
• Support each point with evidence.
• Anticipate counterarguments and refute them with strong evidence.

Call to Action:

• End with a clear call to action, urging readers to take specific steps.
• Offer ways for readers to get involved or learn more.
• Leave a lasting impression with a strong closing statement.

Additional Tips:

• Tailor your op-ed to the specific publication you're targeting.
• Follow the publication's submission guidelines carefully.
• Proofread meticulously for errors in grammar, spelling, and style.
• Get feedback from others before submitting your op-ed.

Example Op-Ed

Washington Post Opinion  This one goes out to every whiny brat restaurant customer

By Daphne Crawford - November 16, 2021 at 12:26 p.m. EST

Daphne Crawford is a senior at North Oconee High School in Bogart, Ga.

You know how, as a kid, if you were behaving like a whiny brat, your parents would say they hope you have children one day so you’ll find out what it’s like? Spoiler alert: No need to wait until parenthood. Just take a job in an American service industry.

When I hear about the “Great Resignation” and the government report last week that a record 4.4 million workers quit their jobs in September, nearly a million of them in the hospitality business (The Post recently reported on “the fast-food workers’ season of rebellion”), I just feel jealous.

I live in Georgia and work at a chain restaurant, where my weekly paycheck depends on the $7.25 minimum-wage-plus-tip-share combo. With taxes and other fees taking out a depressing amount, and inflation hitting 6 percent last month, the 40-hour workweek and the stress it brings make the job seem hardly worth it.

From customers berating me and my co-workers because we’re out of ranch dressing for their takeout order (we all know you have some at home) to being yelled at for things I can’t control (I didn’t overcook your steak; I’ve never cooked a steak, period), to closing up after a double shift at 11 p.m. and getting less in tips than you’d see in a street player’s guitar case on a Tuesday afternoon, I’m quickly running out of patience and the willingness to work.

On top of this, I’m a high school senior taking four Advanced Placement classes, dual enrolling at my local university, submitting college applications and trying to do enough extracurriculars to convince admissions officers that I’m the next Mother Teresa or Elon Musk.

Some friends tell me I should “just not work.” Really? In this economy? My social-worker mother and construction-manager father simply don’t make enough to pay — along with supporting my siblings and taking care of all their other financial responsibilities — for what might be tens of thousands of dollars in tuition. My average $350 weekly income is my measly attempt to make up the difference that federal student aid, scholarships, tuition assistance and student loans won’t cover.

My deteriorating state of mind struggles to accommodate the degree of suffering inflicted on grown adults by the unavailability of ranch dressing.

I have six co-workers in the restaurant’s to-go department. Several of them are working second and even third jobs. I’m the youngest; the oldest has two school-age children. I think it’s fair to say we’re all tired, overworked and (mentally) beaten down.

We serve all kinds of people. Some of them I go to school with; some are stressed parents; some are kind and some are awful; some are retirees; some don’t know how many are in a dozen. From the restaurant worker’s side, the impact of each interaction with customers rests on two things: the tip amount and how the customer behaves.

We’ve received $5 tips on $180 orders, and we still remember the customer’s name. We’ve had a woman scream at us in a crowded parking lot during a Saturday night rush, and we still remember which car she was driving.

Don’t get me wrong. We have lots of good tips and see lots of good people, too. But these negative interactions are by far the most memorable — and they’re the ones that make us want to walk out midshift. They are the ones that make me go cry in the freezer, the ones that make me wonder whether my dream of going to a good college, even if expensive, is worth it.

So, a word to all those spoiled, apathetic Americans collecting their restaurant orders during the pandemic (or, if pandemic rules allow, sitting in restaurant booths and mistreating the wait staff): Try sympathizing with a 17-year-old trying her best at a job that generates 100-plus orders on weekend nights and might require preparing $3,500 catering orders even though it makes zero difference to her paycheck.

Sorry if this seems angry or spiteful, or just a way to yell back at every nasty customer. Maybe it’s a way of telling my managers how done I am. Or maybe it’s just a message to the industry generally, because I’m so done with how unfair and degrading it is to the workers who make it run.

Rice Speechwriting

Write an op-ed like a pro: expert tips and tricks, why the world needs your idea.

The business of the government did not stop during COVID. School boards still met. City councils and state legislatures still met. Congress sometimes met. Elected and appointed decisionmakers got up each day and still made decisions on your behalf. Did you have a voice?

It may seem worrisome that we as a society have lost sight of the necessity of argument, science, and evidence, but if you turn to the op-ed pages of publications you’ll find plenty of people making their voice heard.

Op-eds are a powerful way to share your thoughts and opinions on subject matter that is important to you. Whether it’s politics, social issues, or current events, op-eds provide a platform for individuals to voice their perspectives and ideas. To write an effective op-ed, it’s important to have a clear argument or thesis statement, support your claims with evidence and examples, and engage the reader with strong writing and a compelling narrative. By sharing your unique perspective on subject matter that matters to you, you can make a difference in shaping public discourse and promoting change.

Op-eds are an effective way of expressing opinions and sparking discussions on important topics. They provide a platform for writers to share their thoughts and ideas with a wider audience, while also encouraging critical thinking and debate. Writing an op-ed requires careful planning and research, as well as the ability to present arguments in a clear and concise manner. A successful piece of writing should be thought-provoking, engaging, and well-supported by evidence. Whether writing for oneself or on behalf of someone else, the key is to focus on the issues that matter most and present them in a persuasive and compelling way to media outlets.

Op-eds are an important way to share your opinion on a particular topic. When writing an op-ed, it is important to keep in mind that opinion editors are looking for articles that provide a fresh perspective on the issue at hand. While it is essential to back up your opinion with credible sources and well-organized information, editors also appreciate a touch of humor and fun. A good op-ed should present a valid argument that challenges conventional wisdom and offers new information and insights into the topic. So, take your time, do your research, and craft an opinion piece that will make a lasting impact on your readers.

An op-ed is a powerful tool for expressing one’s views and influencing public opinion. However, writing an effective op-ed requires more than just having a strong opinion. To help ensure your piece is well-received and impactful, it’s important to follow a checklist of key elements. This checklist might include having a clear thesis statement, providing evidence to support your argument, acknowledging counterarguments, and using persuasive language. By following these guidelines, you can increase the chances that your op-ed will resonate with readers and have a meaningful impact on the issues you care about.

Why write an Op-Ed?

COVID cut down the number of in-person events where we could debate ideas. Videoconferences are poor substitutes for the moments when we could teach, debate, and learn, from one another. Social media posts only travel so far as the self-curated-echo-chamber algorithms allow them to. However, a well-thought-out op-ed will endure beyond a screen full of half-muted conversations and fleeting attention spans.

An op-ed can…

• Introduce ideas to readers who had not previously considered your perspective
• Increase your credibility and authority
• Spread your message across the platforms of publications with far greater reach than your social media feed or email list
• Bring more followers to your cause
• Raise awareness for your mission, your nonprofit, your company, or your candidacy
• Start a conversation in your community with like-minded people and decisionmakers
• Influence the decisions affecting your life and that of your family and friends

What is an op-ed vs. an opinion piece or letter to the editor? (the actual meaning of op-ed)

The principles in this guide are applicable to any of the above types of opinion pieces. Op-eds are traditionally found in newspapers — the term is a holdover from when print newspapers would print opinions “opposing the editorial page.” But online media has changed what a newspaper or magazine can be, so for the purposes of this guide, I’ll use “op-ed” and “opinion piece” interchangeably throughout. Other synonyms you may run into with any publication include “guest view,” “guest voices,” “guest opinions,” you get the idea.

Letters to the editor are typically much shorter than any op-ed or opinion piece (usually 50 or 100 words) and often run in newspapers. Follow the same guidelines here but condense them down. You get to make one point and the more emphatic you can be the better.

The principles in this guide can help you whether it’s for an op-ed in your local newspaper or national publication; an opinion piece for a solely-online publication or blog; a quick letter to the editor…

But who am I to suggest my op-ed for submission?

Who are you not to write one?

Op-eds are not relegated to the multi-degreed professors, authors, and “important idea people.”

Any of the following qualify you to write an op-ed:

• You have a lived experience whose voice is missing from a current debate or question
• You have discovered something interesting about how the world works
• You have your own take on a solution to a common debate or problem in the world
• You have an opinion or idea contrary to what most think is the right course

Ultimately, timing matters: Your experience, discovery, or opinion, must be timely and tie into a current issue covered by the publication to which you are submitting

How do you write an opinion piece with a strong thesis? Why this guide and what will you get out of it?

By the end of this guide, you will have all the tools necessary to pitch an op-ed, write it well, and get it published.

You will learn:

• How to pitch your piece and how to stay in bounds for what the editors of a publication expect
• A straightforward approach to writing and organizing your piece: Hook, Teach, Ask
• How to deconstruct great op-eds and model them for your piece
• Step-by-step instructions from brainstorming to writing to editing to publishing
• How to troubleshoot common mistakes that prevent publication
• What to do with your opinion piece after it’s been published

How this guide is different from others out there:

There are some incredible pieces of advice if you just google “how to write an op-ed” but this guide is going to stick closely to what we can learn from the examples of op-eds and opinion pieces already published. You’ll discover that there are seldom strict rules and instead guidelines to follow. Each publication will have its own rules for what it accepts but beyond those, it’s about following principles rather than rigid rules.

A bit about me — Eddie Rice: I am a freelance ghostwriter who loves to help leaders tell better stories through speeches, op-eds, guest posts, podcasts, and media appearances. I have worked with business leaders, nonprofit executives, political candidates, and association presidents.

Objective 1: Learn what the best op-eds do and how to reverse engineer paragraphs in great op eds to get inspired for topic ideas and structure

Overview: what do the best op-eds do.

The best op-eds and opinion pieces teach . Sure, some argue, some demand, but if you approach your piece as an opportunity to teach you will have a better chance of changing minds and effecting change.

You can teach through history, through anecdotes, through personal testimony, through well-chosen statistics, through research, through envisioning likely implications, through showing the shortcomings of an argument, through any method that helps the reader better understand your perspective.

In today’s world, jargon is everywhere. It’s used in industries from tech to finance and can be intimidating for those who aren’t familiar with it. However, when writing an op-ed, it’s important to avoid jargon as much as possible. Using plain language allows readers to better understand your argument and engage with your ideas. While jargon may serve a purpose in certain contexts, it can often obfuscate or cloud your message instead of clarifying it. So let’s keep it simple and speak to our readers in clear, concise terms that everyone can understand.

Alternatively, the best op-eds are not infomercials for the organization, company, book, or candidacy, you represent. Sure, you can draw attention indirectly to what you are doing in your work but the end goal of your opinion piece is to teach the reader something new about a current issue.

The OpEd project is an initiative that aims to increase the voices of underrepresented groups in op-ed writing. It seeks to address the lack of diversity in opinion pieces published in mainstream media by providing training, resources, and support to individuals from marginalized communities. The project recognizes the power of op-eds to shape public discourse and influence policy decisions. By amplifying diverse perspectives, the OpEd project helps ensure that important issues are not overlooked or misrepresented. As a society, we need to value and prioritize diverse voices in op-ed writing, and initiatives like the OpEd project play a crucial role in achieving this goal.

How to use the op-ed examples: Reverse engineer great writing

This guide contains numerous examples to not only help make the points necessary but to give you a starting point for several approaches to op-eds and opinion piece writing .

As you read these and those of the publication where you will submit your piece, ask the following questions to figure out how the author put their piece together:

• What was the author’s overall main point or “ask” of the reader?
• What type of evidence did the author use? Rather than focus specifically on what was said, how did the author make their case? Imagine they were a lawyer or investigative journalist, how did they put together their case? Was it mostly an emotional appeal, a logical fact-based one, or some mix?
• What made you want to keep reading? What happened in the first paragraph that made you say, “This is worth my time to keep reading?”
• In the middle, what did the author do to convince you they were right? How much time did they spend on their opinion? Did they ever address opposing viewpoints? Some op-eds and opinion pieces don’t (which is OK depending on the subject).
• How did the author close? Was your mind changed in the end? Was that the author’s objective? Did you gain a new perspective? Did you already agree with the author and have your views confirmed? Did you want to find out more about the author and their cause?
• Why do you think the op-ed/opinion piece was published at that moment? What was going on in the world at the time to make the piece timely? Reading past op-eds can give us a sense of what issues mattered at that moment to that publication’s readers.

Objective 2: Learn the Hook, Teach, Ask Method, see how it applies to three effective op eds, and start brainstorming ideas for your piece.

Op-ed format: hook, teach, ask — the method explained.

One method that helps with organizing an op-ed is “Hook, Teach, Ask.” This method will help you organize your thoughts and the eventual piece itself. We’ll get into the specifics of each portion later on in the guide when you’re ready to write the piece.

Hook: Begin in a way that grabs the reader and makes them want to read more. This is also your opportunity to layout the main themes and question you’ll be exploring. Some ways to hook your reader: Declarative sentences, hypothetical situations, surprising statements and quotations, stories and vignettes, recreated conversations — anything that will make a reader stop scrolling and say, “This sounds interesting, I want to find out more.”

Teach: The main body of your op-ed should be devoted to teaching your point of view. Use historical examples, vignettes, personal testimony, statistics, research findings; you can also take this opportunity to explain your background and why you’re writing this piece.

Ask: Have a clear ask ready at the end. It could be as general as advocating for something like registering to vote or eating less meat; it could be as specific as urging the passage or defeat of specific legislation.

The final paragraph of an op-ed is crucial in leaving a lasting impression on the reader. It should effectively summarize your argument and reiterate your stance on the issue. Additionally, it can serve as a call to action, encouraging others to take steps towards making a positive change. By crafting a strong final paragraph, you have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on your readers and inspire them to take action. So, be sure to give it the attention it deserves!

3 Op-Ed Articles to Learn From:

A few op-eds that follow this model with the parts outlined (click each one to read in full):

A Murder Case Tests Alexa’s Devotion to Your Privacy by Gerald Sauer

“Think of the assistants like really smart dogs. They’re always ready to react to specific commands. Also like a really smart dog, they can remember those commands forever. And this concept of an always-on, always-connected, always-remembering listening device is where it gets intriguing.”

What I love about it:

• The author builds his case through historical examples, legal examples, and current news.
• It takes one issue — the use of voice data collected by law enforcement via the Echo — and raises a larger one, “but the company has failed to address the real problem: Why is all that data just sitting in Amazon’s servers in the first place?”
• The author uses realistic hypothetical examples to demonstrate that the problems raised are plausible — how often do we hear people bring up improbable implications instead?

Hook: Sauer starts off with a declarative sentence, “THE AMAZON ECHO can seem like your best friend — until it betrays you.” In one sentence, you have the opinion piece summed up with the major themes. If you can’t think of such a sentence immediately, write your entire piece and then figure out what the opening sentence should be based on the rest of the piece.

Teach: Sauer uses history, legal examples, descriptions of current digital assistants beyond the Echo, analogous cases with smartphones and other listening devices, and reasonable hypothetical examples — all to teach us of the dangers of these wonderful assistants

Ask: Rather than a specific call-to-action such as “go vote,” it’s more of a consumer beware, “Millions of people are putting digital assistants in their lives with no clue about the potential havoc this Trojan horse could bring. Based on what Amazon and Google say about their devices, everyone needs to recognize the unresolved legal issues involving this new technology. Beware of who, or what, is listening.”

Questions to think about:

• Can you take one issue a current news story presents and demonstrate that it raises a larger one?
• What other technologies in our lives do we take for granted where we are trading privacy (or safety or some other value) for convenience?
• If you are arguing that a course of action should not be adopted (such as the passage of a law) can you create believable hypothetical scenarios that show those effects?

It’s Time to Talk About Death by Sunita Puri, M.D.

“Americans are not good at talking about death. But we need to be prepared for when, not if, illness will strike. The coronavirus is accelerating this need.”

• The author sets the scene as if you were there — you can experience what she has experienced in end-of-life discussions
• The Ask at the end is incredibly detailed and specific — a reader can walk away knowing what to do and say in these situations
• It’s a great example of the right profession, the current issue (COVID), and larger issues (end of life, limited healthcare resources) all coming together in one piece. Timing is crucial with many op-eds and this one demonstrates how all three parts come together for a piece published in the NY Times
• You get an insight into the author’s own discussions with her parents on the issue of end-of-life decisions

Hook: Dr. Puri opens with a scene where she brings the reader into one of the discussions she had with numerous patients — replete with dialogue and description — as if we were reading a novel.

Teach: The author gives us her own advice on end-of-life discussions and then relates a personal story of having those same discussions with her parents.

Ask: This ask, as opposed to the one in the Wired piece, is a series of questions that provide a guide for the type of questions a person should be asking their parents and loved ones about end-of-life decisions. Relevant 3rd party resources are also given.

• Is there a way to demonstrate that your perspective, a current issue, and a larger “life” issue, can all come together for the piece you’re writing? Are you someone earning a minimum wage and there’s an issue on the ballot to raise it? Can you also discuss what it means to be able to have a comfortable life?
• If you’re an author, can the work you’ve done for a book be repurposed into an op-ed such as done here? Do you have something that directly bears on a current situation or issue?
• Can you share a piece of your own life as relevant to the issue? Can you recreate those scenes as if we were reading a scene from your autobiography?
• In offering your own advice, are there 3rd party organizations and sources that you could amplify as well?

I’m a Developer. I Won’t Teach My Kids to Code, and Neither Should You. by Joe Morgan

“There are no books that teach you how to solve a problem no one has seen before. This is why I don’t want my kids to learn syntax. I want them to learn to solve problems, to dive deep into an issue, to be creative. So how do we teach that?”

• It combines the author’s own experience with parenting, his career, and argues against a current trend (teaching kids to code)
• It’s nuanced — it’s not necessarily against coding but showing that learning syntax is not the same as the overall skill of computer programming
• He addresses the argument for teaching kids to code but shows its limitations by demonstrating that knowledge of Java or C++ isn’t the same as understanding the overall philosophy of coding
• The author uses a mix of stories from his own life (servers crashing) but also of problem-solving with his son (fixing a wobbly chair, making sugar cookies) to make his case that learning syntax is not the same as problem-solving
• The author focuses on the question, “Should we teach all kids to code?” but then raises it to the larger issue about fostering creativity.

Hook: The hook is the subject of the op-ed itself — why would a coder not want to teach his kids to code? The opening paragraph sets the stage for a current debate: Why is it assumed that we should be teaching young kids the syntax of programming languages?

Teach: The author uses stories from his own life as a developer where he demonstrates that simply knowing the syntax of code isn’t enough — you need to have problem-solving skills, too. He then demonstrates that in action as he relates stories of teaching problem-solving and applying algorithms to fixing wobbly chairs and baking sugar cookies with his kid.

Ask: He heightens the debate to the larger issue of teaching kids creativity and implies that’s what we should be doing instead of just teaching the syntax of programming languages.

“But you’re not only teaching them that. You’re teaching them the world is full of interesting things to discover. You’re showing them how to be passionate and look for that ephemeral sense of quality in everything they do. The best part is that even if they don’t become coders — most shouldn’t and won’t — the same skills can be used in nearly any career, in every hobby, in every life. When we force kids to learn syntax, we reinforce the idea that if something is not a blatantly employable skill, it’s not valuable. Adults can learn syntax. Only kids can learn to embrace curiosity.”

Questions to ask yourself:

• Can your perspective as a parent (or not a parent) give a perspective to an ongoing debate?
• Can you take a contrary view towards what people might expect of you because of your profession, group identity, or way of life?
• Does a current debate rest on a faulty assumption? Can you demonstrate that through evidence or your own experience?
• Are there stories from your own life that directly and indirectly prove your point that you could tell?
• What larger issue is a current question or debate getting at? How do you add to that conversation?

This next part of the guide will guide you through the initial ideas and pitch to draft to publication. Have a doc open where you can start generating notes and ideas for your piece.

Do now: Based on the lessons above, what are some of your initial ideas for your piece? How will you make your case?

Objective 3: Determine your topic, target publication, and the initial pitch

Where to start: the pitch, the publication, and the angle.

Before you write, you want to have a clear idea of your topic, your main point, and where you want to see your piece published. Getting this all straightened out ahead of time will give you the parameters in which to write. Publications have different word limits, different tones, and styles, and cover some topics more than others — knowing this information now will prevent the need to massively rewrite portions later on. Additionally, it’s important to consider your audience, as the average reader is not going to be an expert. It’s up to you to capture their attention with a strong, well-written piece.

When it comes to writing an op-ed, the best way to effectively convey your message is through a clear and concise argument. Start by stating your main point in the opening paragraph and then provide evidence to support your claim. Use real-life examples and facts to back up your argument and make it relatable to your readers. Remember that you are trying to persuade others to see things from your point of view, so be respectful and avoid making personal attacks. Finally, end with a strong conclusion that summarizes your argument and leaves a lasting impression on the reader and includes your byline.

Topic and angle first or publication first? A debate

You can read this section in the following way: Figure out your topic and angle and then find the best publication for it.

Or, you know you want to submit to a particular publication (or they’ve asked you to) — both ways can work.

If it’s the latter, read the most recent 10 opinion pieces of the publication to get a feel for the topics and angles their authors covered and ask yourself how your piece will fit in with them (or stick out well).

Deciding your topic and angle:

The very first question any editor is going to ask is “Is your issue timely?”

Most opinion pieces that rise to the top tie into a timely news issue. They connect the author’s experience or argument into an issue of concern for that publication.

Ask yourself, “Would my topic be likely printed tomorrow if I submitted it today?” Look for the stories that the publication is currently covering and ask yourself how your view ties in with them.

Timeliness includes any connection to the following:

• A current issue in the news
• A holiday, a commemorative anniversary, the birth or passing of a notable figure, an industry day/month (e.g. National Solar Power month)
• An event getting attention — e.g. a presidential debate, the release of a controversial movie, a sports championship, a conflict breaking out
• An offensive remark made by someone notable

Another note on timeliness:

Take note of important dates in the calendar such as when budgets are passed, key votes are taken, upcoming elections, product announcements, important events. You may be able to prepare a draft of your piece way in advance and fill in the relevant details as the event draws near. You might not know the exact date something will happen (like a product announcement) but you can do the majority of the work and then add in the details once it happens.

Sometimes you may not know the outcome of an event but you want to be ready to submit your piece to a publication for immediate publication such as in the case of an election. Write a piece for each outcome and tweak as necessary if new details emerge.

One method to decide what to write about is to answer the following questions ( Go ahead and answer them in your open doc ):

• Why this topic?
• What can you add?

A second method is called the Headline or Title Method. Look at other op-eds and follow their angle as a model.

The publication may end up choosing the title for your piece but you can give it a title ahead of time as a way to help figure out what angle you want to take on your given topic. Examples are easier. Submitting your own headline with the op-ed can increase the chances of it being used and should hook readers right away as they scan the newspaper. The following is a list of op-eds and the type of angle that their author took on the topic.

As you read through each title and its angle, brainstorm possible titles for the angle you want to take for your piece. These are not hard and fast rules but it seems as though these angles appear in pieces across multiple publications.

Angle 1: I participated in a significant event and here’s what I learned about this key issue.

A man I found guilty of dealing drugs died in prison. I wish I could take that verdict back.

Angle 2: As part of a profession, I witness the following in my job and it tells us about a key issue by…

What’s the last song you want to hear before you die?

Angle 3: I am a part of <insert group of people> and I believe differently than the majority or stereotyped picture painted by the media.

Why I’m OK with my kids “falling behind” in school during the pandemic

Angle 4: How I changed my mind about…

How I changed my mind on ‘Medicare For All’

Angle 5: I discovered something interesting and here’s what it means for this key issue

A Blackjack Pro Explains How Ignoring the Odds Cost the Falcons the Super Bowl

Angle 6: Celebrating this holiday means for me or a cause/group I represent…

“ My Mexican American family never celebrated Día de Muertos. Then Abuela died. ”

Angle 7: I am a (local example) of a (national/international issue)

Cameron Kasky, Parkland student: My generation won’t stand for this

Angle 8: This event happening right now is a model for…

Opinion: You Can Learn Something From The People Of Wuhan

Angle 9: This new technology/new law/new idea will have serious repercussions for this key issue

How Tinder wrecked my mental health

Angle 10: If this course of action is taken, it will positively/negatively affect…

Can Boston be the hub of the start-up universe?

Angle 11: A current law or practice isn’t working or is flat out wrong:

The Qualifications Of Black Life: Why It’s Necessary To Do Away With Qualified Immunity

Angle 12: Condemning or praising a person/group/organization in the spotlight

Working At The Amazon Warehouse Was Always Painful. Now It’s Terrifying.

Angle 13: What you think about this current issue isn’t true (or worse than you thought)

Don’t defend the cowards who abuse the Second Amendment

Angle 14: This person’s life can teach us about…this key issue

Jonathan Wackrow, former Secret Service agent: Barbara Bush’s code name was absolutely perfect

Angle 15: This part of history can help us understand this key issue in the present

The disappearing story of the black homesteaders who pioneered the West

Angle 16: Something happened, why is it being ignored?

“ Please, President Trump, shed light on my fiance’s disappearance ”

Angle 17: Here’s what your offensive statement means…

How not to talk to someone with depression

Angle 18: Rehabilitating your reputation

“ The president attacked my reputation. It’s time to set the record straight. ”

Angle 19: Advocating for change or a particular course of action

“ Drivers, help us cyclists get home alive ”

Angle 20: This holiday means…

A math problem for Pi Day

Angle 21: I can no longer support this person, group, or company, because…

“ I can no longer justify being a part of Trump’s ‘Complacent State.’ So I’m resigning. ”

There are many more ways to phrase ways to give your opinion but in the examples above, you can see a few patterns forming:

• The author is offering a lived perspective on a key issue
• The author is warning of the dangers of new technology, law, course of action, or current view.
• The author is pushing back against the common view of an issue or how they themselves are viewed by the media
• The author is using their voice to raise awareness for a person, group, problem, or perspective, overlooked in the current conversation

A few more brainstorming ideas if you’re having trouble coming up with an idea or angle:

• Take a recent speech , social media post, newsletter, or any other piece you’ve created, and repurpose it as an op-ed.
• Talk it out with someone or alone with a recording app on your phone — just start coming up with various ideas and see where your voice leads you.

Do Now: Use one of the angles above or one from an op-ed that you want to model and give your op-ed a title as a way to brainstorm your topic and angle. Try different angles to see if they also spark ways in which you can write your piece.

Before you start writing, determine the publication where you want to pitch your piece.

Pitching: The explicit and implicit expectations of publications and editors

When the word “op-ed” is used, most of us immediately think of our local newspaper or one of the major publications with a national readership (NY Times, the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal). Those are all fantastic starting places if you have an issue of regional or national importance.

However, many blogs and online-only magazines have space for guest views. Trade publications in your industry along with those of professional and civic groups often have room for guest views, too. Editors are hungry for content as long as it fits within their publication’s guidelines.

When determining where to pitch, ask the following:

• How many of my ideal readers will read my piece in this publication?
• Do my topic and angle fit within the ideas typically covered by this publication?

It may turn out that a niche publication might be a better place than one with a wide readership.

If you’re having trouble finding an ideal piece, try googling some form of “Your general topic” followed by “guest post,” “submit an opinion,” “guest view,” etc.

Food allergies guest post

Education submit opinion

Free-range parenting guest view

One caveat in doing this: If a publication has already covered that topic it may be some time before they cover it again unless you can give a different take.

So why worry about pitching before writing?

Well, publications have explicit and implicit requirements for the pieces they accept. Plus, it’s a best practice to submit your piece or pitch to one at a time.

Once you have your publication, look first for their explicit rules on guest submissions. Usually, there will be a link at the end of guest posts, sometimes it’s on the Contact page, other times they’ll have an explicit link in the footer of their site. If all else fails, you can email the editor overseeing guest submissions or the blog for rules and contact information.

Take a look here at the New York Times vs. BuzzFeed News:

BuzzFeed Reader: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/rachelysanders/how-to-pitch-essays-to-buzzfeed-reader

A few highlights:

New York Times: how to write an op-ed nyt

Washington Post: How to

how to write an op-ed for washington post

Explicit Rules: Take note of the following before you write your piece:

• Does the publication want you to pitch an idea for a piece or for you to submit the whole thing? Some that are pressed for time want the latter as they can’t go back and forth on an appropriate topic.
• Word count — pay very special attention to this. Yes, most traditional op-eds are around 600 words but the publication will almost always spell this out.
• Topics considered for publication
• To whom do you submit your piece? What format? Does it need to be in the body of an email or is an attachment OK?
• The time when you should hear back — once that has expired, it’s OK to submit to another publication
• Payment — sometimes explicit and sometimes not.

Implicit Rules: You won’t find these in the guidelines of publications but these are the unstated rules that the publication follows. Figure them out by reading the past 10 opinion pieces.

As you read ask yourself the following questions:

• Is there an ideological range that this publication subscribes to? Everyone has a bias, and no, there are very few places where *all* views are published. Each publication will have a certain way that it views the world and will publish pieces according to it. Some will say that they want “contrary” views but then somehow they only seem to print views that are in line with a particular viewpoint. Know this ahead of time to ensure your piece will be well-received and that you have the right readership for your piece.
• What is the voice, tone, and style, accepted by the publication? Are most opinion pieces in this publication conversational, academic, lecturing, balanced, strident, etc.?
• Have certain topics been covered recently where you’ll be seen as repeating something already said?
• How do the authors typically make their points? Are the opinion pieces strongly driven by narrative and emotional appeal, or, are they more logical and fact-based?
• Can you see your essay getting published as the next one in this publication? Would it look out of place or would it be welcomed in?

By now, you should have the following in your doc:

• Your topic, angle, and potential title
• Your target publication and its rules for submitting

Forming your pitch: In most cases, you’ll submit a pitch to an editor rather than the whole piece. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Apply Hook, Teach, Ask, to your pitch.
• -Give a one-sentence overview of your topic, explain why you are qualified to speak on it, a general idea of how you’ll teach it, and then ask if this will work for their publication.

Example: To a regional newspaper: The state legislature is about to vote on raising the minimum wage. As a small-business owner, I’d like to show why I am in fact for this rather than against it like so many of my colleagues. My goal is to demonstrate that when my employees can make more they are happier, more productive and that there are ways for small business owners like myself to make the numbers work on our end. With the vote happening next month, I’d like to submit my piece in advance of our legislators voting on it.

2. Be nice when you follow up if you don’t hear anything — if their rules don’t state it, waiting 3–5 business days is OK.

3. Do not submit to more than one publication at a time. Wait whatever their time limit is and go on from there.

Readers and editors will want to know why you for a particular issue — that is, what is your authority to write on this piece? This doesn’t mean your degrees (but it can) but consider any of the following ways to demonstrate that you are the right person to take on your issue:

• You have done original research on the issue
• You have lived an experience that the current debate overlooks
• You were at an event being covered by the media and want to give your perspective on what the event itself and/or your participation means
• You are providing a contrary point of view to something commonly held (or perceived)
• You can demonstrate that a current controversial policy or solution is working or is not
• Your profession, or an experience, at your job can shed light on a larger issue
• Your participation in an event, group, tradition, can help the readers better understand an ongoing issue.

So let’s start writing

Step 2: Begin with the end in mind — who is your ideal reader, what point do you want to make, and what is your ask?

Now that you have your angle, rather than writing the Teach and the Hook part , consider first the Ask. What do you want to build towards in the end?

Do you want your readers to join your cause if you represent a mission-focused group?

Do you want a particular law to change? A bill defeated or passed?

Do you simply want someone to have changed their mind after hearing your perspective?

You can get incredibly prescriptive such as this one in the NY Times on end-of-life conversations:

By starting with the ending in mind, you will be able to build the rest of the op-ed towards this conclusion. It’s OK if in the course of writing you determine that a new ask is needed based on your arguments. But argue to one conclusive ending as you’ll only have 600 words or so.

Additionally, authors often take their conclusion as an opportunity to tie their piece to an even larger theme to make their point. Their op-ed centers around one debate but then they tie into something larger.

Here are some conclusions as examples:

https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/15/opinions/florida-shooting-no-more-opinion-kasky/index.html

I’m just a high school student, and I do not pretend to have all of the answers. However, even in my position, I can see that there is desperate need for change — change that starts by folks showing up to the polls and voting all those individuals who are in the back pockets of gun lobbyists out of office.

Please do it for me. Do it for my fellow classmates. We can’t vote, but you can, so make it count.

https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/rinacummings/amazon-warehouse-was-grinding-me-down-then-coronavirus

I am a human. Not a machine.

I learned that the New York City Council is considering legislation that would require big corporations like Amazon to pay extra during this crisis to compensate us for the increased risks we are taking on and make it harder for them to fire us on a whim. Going to work is a health hazard during this crisis, but we need the money, and people need to get the supplies we are sorting. A bit more pay and some job security would ease a lot of stress. They say we are essential, but Amazon treats us like we’re expendable.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/drivers-help-us-cyclists-get-home-alive/2018/05/11/afa50624-539d-11e8-9c91-7dab596e8252_story.html

Drivers, first and foremost, need to obey the rules, especially as the number of cyclists grows. If there is a next time, I doubt I will be as lucky. Cyclists count on drivers to make it home again alive.

What is the conclusion you want to reach with this piece? What larger themes does your piece tie into?

How do you want your reader’s mind to have changed by the end?

What do you want your reader to do after reading your piece?

Step 3: How will you teach your reader your point of view?

The central part of an op-ed is how it teaches its readers the author’s point of view and perspective.

Many times, the teaching portion features a story but not always and not always that of the author. However, the personal narrative is quite helpful across many. Story and narratives dominate this list for good reason: they are most likely to hold the attention of readers and have been shown to be more memorable than statistics and factual arguments. Look for a way to balance if needed to lend credibility to your argument by balancing emotion and logic to make your point.

Depending on how much space you have, you can use a combination depending on what fits for the tone and overall point of the piece.

• A story that happened to you
• The story of another person/group
• The story of research
• Well-chosen statistics/research report findings
• Likely implications if a course of action is taken or not taken
• News reporting
• Pictures, graphs, and charts — submit these along with the piece if you feel they will help illustrate a key point.

Do you need to address an opponent’s viewpoint or argument?

For some pieces, this will be expected if you are responding to the views of someone else or directly trying to refute an argument you find lacking. However, the opinion piece is your piece — anyone with a differing viewpoint can submit their side. It is not your job to make their argument for them and devote precious space to their side. This is especially true in arguments where sides of issues are given disproportionate attention even when the facts and arguments are overwhelmingly against them. It’s up to you and the publication publishing your piece for the tac you’ll take.

Do now: Write out the portion of your piece where you teach your point of view. See what works from all of the methods above and any others that you would use to teach people your point of view. Imagine you were having a conversation with an open-minded person at a party or over email, how would you make your point to that person?

Step 4: How to start your op-ed to hook the reader’s attention to keep on reading?

Now that you have a strong ask and a case to be made, it’s time to create the hook that will lead readers to the rest of your op-ed.

The first sentence of your op-ed should be where you spend the most time to hook the reader. Typically, a strong declarative sentence will do the trick. It should be immediately apparent what the rest of the piece is about or at least enough to get the reader to keep on reading. Other methods to hook the reader: A surprising statistic or sentence; a hypothetical posed to the reader; recreated dialogue; setting a scene like in a novel; a rhetorical question; a vignette from your life; a story from history

Your hook is typically your first paragraph. It can go to a second if needed. Here is what you’ll need to achieve:

• You’ve hooked the reader
• You’ve tied your piece to a timely news item
• An editor or reader, just by reading your first paragraph can tell the major themes and ideas in the rest of the piece

Let’s look at a few opening hooks:

https://www.salon.com/2020/08/08/why-im-ok-with-my-kids-falling-behind-in-school-during-the-pandemic/

If being born into Generation X ever gave me anything, it has been a lifetime of training in lowered expectations. And as we chaotically hurtle toward the start of a new school year in the midst of a still explosive health crisis , my slacker parenting technique has never been stronger.

Earlier this week, the New York Times ran a feature on a now all-too-familiar theme. “ Worried your kid is falling behind? ” the headline blared. “You’re not alone.” As the Times explained, “As kids start school with more online learning, parents wonder whether they’ll ever catch up. Here’s how to set them up for success.” Granted, the article advised moms — surprise, no fathers were interviewed — on “creating fun, low-key learning opportunities,” but the phrase “falling behind” nevertheless appeared three times in the body of the article.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-disappearing-story-of-the-black-homesteaders-who-pioneered-the-west/2018/07/05/ca0b51b6-7f09-11e8-b0ef-fffcabeff946_story.html

Ever heard of Blackdom in New Mexico? Dearfield in Colorado? What about DeWitty in Nebraska? Didn’t think so. Neither had I several years ago. But they were once vibrant African American homesteading communities. Today their buildings are falling to ruin, their locations are mostly unmarked, and the achievements of their pioneers are mostly forgotten.

At Dearfield , the walls and roof of the lunchroom, once an important gathering place, have collapsed. The decaying building sits behind a chain-link fence. The substantial wood-frame house of the settlement’s founder, Oliver Toussaint Jackson , built in 1918, has been vandalized. Although listed in 1995 on the National Register of Historic Places, and despite local efforts to save it, Dearfield is undergoing demolition by neglect.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/whats-the-last-song-you-would-want-to-hear-before-you-die/2019/01/11/0619909e-cf02-11e8-a3e6-44daa3d35ede_story.html

Windblown rain lashes against the hospital windows in an uncertain rhythm that seems even more unsteady as I enter the patient’s room near the nursing station. There is music in this room. Two people sit in chairs by the bed of a patient, a woman who is lying very still. I recognize the voice of Elton John coming from a tablet computer on the bedside table. He’s singing “Crocodile Rock.”

“She liked this,” says the woman’s daughter, smiling and rolling her eyes, as though to say “Elton John, really?” The dying woman’s husband glances at his daughter, then at me, and says, “We followed the advice from one of the nurses to play some music in her last few hours and days.” He smiles slightly, as if in apology for the jaunty tune ( I never knew me a better time and I guess I never will ) in this solemn setting.

What you don’t want to do:

Throat clearing: Burying the lede and the purpose for writing this op-ed; giving too much background information early on; giving your credentials and biography.

Your bio will normally be at the end of the piece. If you need to provide the reader with who you are and why you’re writing this piece, that’s typically done in the paragraph after the hook.

Do Now: Go ahead and write the opening for your piece. Try various openings. Can you open with a story? Recreated dialogue? (you don’t need exact quotes, to save space you can condense as long as you remain truthful)

Putting it all together:

Now you should have in your doc an outline or at least a first draft of each portion of your piece. It may sound disjointed at this point, so go ahead and write it from the beginning to the end in one voice to ensure each part flows together.

Op-Ed Templates:

• Hook, Teach, Ask

Your evidence and claim 1

Your evidence and claim 2

Your evidence and claim 3

Refutation of common arguments against the claims above

Conclusion and Call to action

Straight Refutation (sometimes necessary):

Intro/Hook/Lede

Opponent’s Claim 1 and why it falls short

Opponent’s Claim 2 and why it falls short

Opponent’s Claim 3 and why it falls short

Your argument or a better way of viewing the issue

Conclusion and Call to Action

Tips on writing the draft:

The First-person is OK! Op-eds and opinion pieces are your opinions so feel free to break free from a feature piece style or typical staid 3rd person objective journalistic view.

You don’t have to give digital ink to the other side. Sometimes you may need to refute an opponent’s argument but these 600 words are yours — let any opponent respond if needed. Some pieces are set up to enter into a debate while others may need to summarize the opposing point of view but other times you have a personal experience where there is no space needed for someone to call that into question. To be sure, it is important to acknowledge any flaws in your argument and address any obvious counter-arguments in order to strengthen your op-ed.

Argue the hell out of your side; teach your side well; you don’t need to hold back. The more passion, power, and determination you have the better. This piece is your point of view and moment to teach — let other submitted op-eds do the other work of responding or refuting. However, it is important to resist the temptation to prepare a point-by-point rebuttal, as it can make you look petty.

Admitting that you were wrong about a previous idea or have changed your mind on an issue is a great tack to take and the perfect basis for an op-ed. It’s persuasive to hear, “I used to support X candidate but now I’m voting for…” or “the current party is not the one I grew up with…”

Vulnerability sells when telling your personal story. If there’s a part that’s relevant where you can be vulnerable with your reader you’ll have a better chance at leaving a lasting impression than trotting out some facts that anyone could have looked up. Your story is yours and yours alone — don’t be afraid to tell it.

Use other op-eds as models. Even ones not in your subject area, find ones that you like and take apart their structure.

Giving context for your views almost always comes in the 2nd paragraph rather than the first. The first paragraph is there to invite the reader in and lay the groundwork for why you’re arguing but your background, historical context, etc. often come just after the 1st to help the reader better understand where you’re coming from.

Write in a tone appropriate for the publication you’re submitting to — go back to the exercise of reading the previous 10 opinion pieces published by that publication. Can you get away with being breezy and light as you write? Is the tone academic? Serious?

Step 5: Key questions to ask in the editing process

Once you have a draft that you love or are OK with, leave it alone for a few hours or a day to give yourself a break.

Then come back and edit it:

As you edit, ask yourself the following:

• Am I following the guidelines laid out in the top publication where I want to submit? Does this piece look similar in style, tone, and approach, to recently published opinion pieces? (“Same but different”)
• Do all parts — Hook, Teach, Ask — flow together? Is any transition needed between paragraphs?
• To make it shorter, can I replace a series of words with fewer or one that mean the same thing?
• Are parts repeating themselves? Can I cut those?
• Does my intro avoid “throat-clearing” (i.e. where too much background is provided and the lede is buried)?
• Are my claims backed up by citations and credible sources? Are those sources readily available to anyone needing to fact-check them?
• If my main mode of teaching is through facts and statistics, is there a way to add in an emotional story or narrative? Conversely, if my main mode is a personal story, is there a way to enhance it through citing statistics or facts?
• Does my piece tie into a timely news event? If not, can it be modified to do so? N.B. This may happen where you may have your central argument ready to go but nothing timely to tie it to. You can either pitch what you have and explain the situation (the editor may have an idea) or you can wait until a newsworthy moment pops up.
• Is this op-ed self-serving or will readers genuinely come away with a new perspective?
• If you choose to refute another argument, did you present it in its best light rather than worst? Ironman vs. strawman
• If my work doesn’t fit into a current trend or theme, does it touch on an evergreen topic? Birth, life, death, cultural identity, mental illness, chronic illness, parenting, taking care of parents. (find examples of these to link to)

Should you have others look over your work before submitting it to an editor?

Yes — if you have time, seek out the services of a writer or editor with a background in journalism or PR (Google is your friend). I’d be wary of friends and family unless you can trust that their eye and grammar skills will be up to par. Don’t give it to the relative who believes that everything you write is worthy of the New York Times.

Why your piece is going to get rejected:

• Problem: The topic has been covered extensively by this publication or similar ones that the readers read.
• Cure: Find a unique angle or perspective that hasn’t shown up yet
• Problem: It doesn’t tie into any timely issue
• Cure: Wait and keep it in your back pocket or revise the main argument to tie into something going in. Don’t try and force the issue but if you can tweak it just enough you’ll be OK. Alternatively, if you want to comment on breaking news, have an op-ed you can tailor to the situation prewritten. Often you’ll be able to predict events within your industry or what types of changes to the law may happen even though they may be months off from happening. Let’s say there’s an upcoming election with two candidates, you can write two op-eds, one for each outcome, and have them ready as soon as the results are tallied.
• You don’t have the authority — you might not be the best person to write the op-ed
• Cure: Pitch first and demonstrate to the editor that you do have the authority before writing the full piece. If a full piece is required in lieu of a pitch, ensure that you have stated how your background makes you qualified to write it. It doesn’t need to be tons of degrees but you need some connection that says, “OK, this person is enough of an authority to publish this.” The publication doesn’t want to look silly.
• It’s clearly a first draft — no one has the time to go back and forth with numerous grammar and spelling revisions. The first draft you write should not be the first draft that the editor sees.
• Cure: Revise and get the help of a writer with a journalism or PR background (Google is your friend); college professors in those areas are great, too.
• There were just too many submissions — sometimes this happens but if the issue is ongoing you might be considered for a later date to get published. It’s OK to ask and resubmit.
• The publication doesn’t want to appear biased — this happens more often with local papers and covering political campaigns. If you’re running for office and the paper prints your op-ed, they will probably want to hear from your opponent.
• Cure: If the race is notable, ask the paper if they would accept dueling op-eds and to reach out to your opponent (yikes, could backfire). Publish early before announcing your candidacy — ideally not the day before because that will look tricky. But if the upcoming election isn’t getting any coverage yet and there’s no buzz and you’re still undeclared and have an opinion, go for it. Alternatively, see if there are other publications that would accept your op-ed or larger ones that might not be local but where you could re-share the piece on your social media and email list. “Hey, I wrote this piece for Forbes…”
• No support for your arguments — include the links and stats that you referenced to make it easy to fact-check. A straight emotional piece may not get accepted and you may need facts or stats to back up your position (but check with what has been published in the past)

Once published, what’s next?

Put your op-ed on your social media channels. Share the link via your email newsletter — always to the original source. Is there someone that you want to have an in-depth conversation with over the piece such as a legislator? Send it over as part of your introduction.

With online pieces, almost every publication wants their work to be shared. The exception might be if it’s behind a paywall but check with the editor if you aren’t sure.

Other tips not covered above:

Are all op-eds and opinion pieces essays?

No! The New York Times has a series of op-eds in comic form and video:

Comic: THE DIARY PROJECT: 400 Hours. $500. When I learned about the death of Latasha Harlins, I decided to make an appointment with myself. By Laura Park

Video: America Wrote the Pandemic Playbook, Then Ignored it

If you want to go this route and have the partnerships for creative content like this, go ahead and pitch that idea to the editor.

Do all op-eds need to be serious?

Satire and comedy can make great points when done well:

Sonny Bill Williams’s thoughtless act of generosity has ruined sport for ever by Stuart Heritage

In bad taste or not, I’ll keep my Comic Sans by Joseph Epstein

What’s next to get your byline?

Find an issue you’re passionate about and your unique take on it. Pitch the idea to a publication that will welcome it. Write it up and hit “send.” Then email me and let me know how it went.

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How to Write an Impactful Op-Ed

by The Writing Workshop | Feb 8, 2024 | Persuasive Writing

What is an op-ed?

An op-ed goes by many names—an editorial, opinion piece, commentary, page op, etc.—but it is, in essence, a piece of writing within the public view that expresses an informed opinion focused on a specific topic or problem. Op-eds are fairly new as a writing style, first coming to prominence in the early 1900s as a way to attract the public back to print news in the age of radio. Today, they serve a similar niche; newspapers face a budget crisis as readership is at an all-time low, and op-eds offer a low-cost solution to providing daily content that engages readers in a way that more traditional journalism simply can’t.

The modern op-ed writer is not restricted by occupation either; professors, politicians, researchers, and professionals use them to take control of the narrative on a given topic rather than entrusting social media and search algorithms to do the job. There is also a rising trend in the sciences to compliment research with op-eds to address limitations in their work that can lead to pervasive misinterpretations.

For example, in early 2023, Cochrane, an influential organization that collects databases and reviews research, published an ambiguously worded review of RCT studies on masking and hand washing that led to gross misinterpretations of the study’s conclusions, even by one of its authors . Researchers and epidemiologists, including the editor in chief at Cochrane , were quick to point out that the study did not come to a conclusion due to a lack of evidence alongside glaring inadequacies in the review . Given the mistrust in science that has permeated from Covid-19 misinformation, academics continue to dispel the significance of the article months after its original publication .

Why does this matter? Well, just like in research writing, where you are one piece of a larger puzzle contributing to the cannon of knowledge on a given topic, op-ed writing is about making a small yet meaningful contribution to this cannon using persuasion. Unfortunately, many of the tools used to purvey a greater understanding can also be used to distort and mislead. While there is certainly something to be said of the severity and degree to which misinformation impacts the public in a digital age (in an op-ed, perhaps?), it is just an amplification of the truth’s dependence on the status quo; your job as an op-ed writer is to add nuance to widely held assumptions by offering alternative opinions, evidence, and interpretations.

So where do you begin? Well for one, you need some expertise on the topic you are writing about; persuading your audience to believe something you don’t understand yourself would be both unethical and a poor reflection of your abilities. You will also need to understand who you are writing to and what they care about, so let’s start there!

Identifying your audience

Good writing always has an audience, but writing to a large group of folks, each with their own unique needs and beliefs, can often be difficult. Your job in an op-ed is to speak to the aligned values and attitudes of your audience.

• Do you speak to what is most important to your audience?
• Is there a clear benefit to reading your piece?
• Do you present information in a way that is new and interesting to the audience?
• Does your audience have biases or preconceptions about the issue? Can you manage them?
• How do you want your audience to react to this piece?
• Is the language appropriate?

Successful op-eds also capitalize on what the audience may know (or not) about the topic.

• What does your audience already know about the topic?
• Is there a varying level of knowledge or familiarity with your topic?
• Does your audience “know” because they trust that someone does?
• What is new to your audience?
• Do you present new information in a way that is easy to understand?
• Why does your audience not know this information?

All writers struggle to understand their audiences, but for op-eds, it’s a little easier. Given the popularity of op-eds in most US newspapers, you can look to what other writers do in their pieces to engage readers—just remember that the point of an op-ed is to challenge a prominent belief or interpretation, and if you write only to those who share your views, you will lose the hearts and minds of those open to a critical dialogue on the topic.

For more on understanding your reader’s unique needs, check out our post below!

Choosing a role

Everyone from professional journalists to professors and politicians—including the president—writes op-eds. There are plenty of reasons someone would be compelled to write an op-ed, but we think it’s useful to divide them into three distinct roles, listed below, that a policy professional will find themselves in at one time or another.

The Witness

The Witness offers a firsthand account of the problem, whether they experienced it themselves or witnessed it in action. Witnesses focus on the material and human costs, but the true power of their opinion lies in their testimony, often speaking truth to power and serving up a distinctly human-centered narrative of what’s going on. Witnesses should focus on creating a strong narrative that is representative of the problem and conveys the cost of ignoring it.

The Practitioner

The Practitioner occupies an important space between witness and expert. The practitioner experiences the problem secondhand—through aid or non-profit work, for example—but uses their insider knowledge to further educate their audience on its root causes, often moving from problem identification to a solutions-focused narrative. Practitioners are challenged to create short, effective narratives followed by evidence-based arguments to contextualize their observations; they should lean into their role and the credibility it provides but be cautious in appealing to themselves as an authority in place of evidence.

The Expert can be both a witness and/or practitioner (a practicing epidemiologist, for example), but their power lies in their extensive knowledge of the problem and the landscape in which it occurs. While it may seem easy for the experts, they are plagued with the “curse of knowledge” and challenged to write about complex ideas in way that an average reader will understand. Experts should lean into their extensive knowledge but be careful in presenting too many contingencies, caveats, and abstractions. Experts tend to jump around in their op-eds, which can often disorient a reader, so having a second set of eyes that represents their intended audience will always be helpful.

Once you’ve identified where you fall within this spectrum, it’s time to begin developing your argument.

The nuts and bolts of an op-ed

Structurally, an op-ed can be somewhat free-form, and there will be a lot of variation between different schools of writers (i.e. researchers, academics, journalists, activists, etc.), but a deductive structure is always a great starting point, even if you alter it after your essentials are in place. To start, focus on creating adequate context for your argument in the first paragraph—making sure to provide your reader with the essentials—and then move on to crafting a strong connection between that background information and your argument in the second paragraph. From there, go point by point, keeping in mind that journalists use line breaks more often than academic writers, dividing each piece of evidence along with its analysis into individual paragraphs rather than adjoining them to their topic sentence. For more on deductive structure, read our post below!

Every op-ed should have a clear purpose that can be intuited in the first few paragraphs. However, the central claim of an op-ed often differs from an academic thesis in that it requires some action on your reader’s part. You may want them to consider, reconsider, deny, approve, march, vote, or a whole host of other activities, but your argument should always move toward a call to action. Aside from being persuasive, your piece should also:

Those writing for monthly publications will have a little more flexibility here, but your central claim should have some degree of relation to what is going on right now . Maybe it’s that the problem has finally reached its tipping point, or that some event has made it front and center in the public eye, but whatever it is, it should activate existing knowledge in your audience. Regularly reading the news will be essential to your success in the op-ed space as readers are simply uninterested in rehashing the issues of the past or predictions of the future unless they are pertinent today.

Start with a leading sentence

Traditional journalists often write a setting sentence to start their feature pieces (i.e. “John Doe sits on his front porch looking at his latest bill from the doctor.”), but you have much more flexibility in an op-ed. The goal in your leading sentence should be to entice your audience into reading your piece while providing them with a general sense of the topic or problem. Check out a few examples below (UChicago students have unlimited access to the New York Times via the library page).

• The air pollution in Emma Lockridge’s community in Detroit was often so bad, she had to wear a surgical mask inside her house.
• Tyler Parish thinks of himself as “the last dinosaur.”
• What comes to mind when you think of a mom-and-pop small business: A hardware store? A diner? A family-run clothing store or small-scale supermarket?

Get to the point

Timing is everything in an op-ed. If you present your case for change too early, the reader might not have the background knowledge they need to understand or support it; however, if you wait too long, they may lose interest. Depending on your topic, your point—one main argument per piece being the standard—may come sooner or later, but it should always be clearly stated by the halfway mark.

In this recent piece by Peter Coy on commercial real estate in the New York Times , notice how quickly the author presents his point. He uses the first paragraph to contextualize new information that will be familiar to the audience while attaching the issue to the larger concern of a potential banking crisis, then uses the second paragraph to present his argument (skepticism in the Fed’s approach to inflation as it pertains to commercial real estate). The New York Times has covered domestic inflation on a daily basis, so Coy is both capitalizing on this existing knowledge while encouraging the reader to further invest by presenting nuance and evidence for it. While this piece is heavier on the jargon than we would recommend, it is to be expected when targeting a more specific group.

In contrast, this piece on antitrust law by the editorial board of the Washington Post uses the first few paragraphs to explain a more complex issue that the reader may not be familiar with given the current direction of the FTC. Their main claim—that this is a classic example of antitrust enforcement—comes later because readers may not understand how Google’s ad stack functions nor the alleged monopolistic behavior within that space.

Create a realistic call to action

While a policy maker, organization, or politician may be the one who implements change, be sure to include your audience in the call to action as they will be essential in pushing your decision-maker to action. For example, you might want a senator to support a bill that you think will institute change; in this case, you should think of the voters in their district and how you can make the value of your argument resonate with them through a boycott, petition, or other activist work. 

Adding counterpoints to increase credibility

Sometimes it helps to present an argument against your own, which can earn credibility from a skeptical audience or consideration from one that is potentially hostile. A counterpoint assures readers that you’ve considered both sides and wrestled with discordant data or situations that don’t neatly fit the narrative thus far. Basic and fair counterpoints rhetorically position you to make your strongest case before the close. Avoid choosing a weak or widely discredited claim as a counterpoint—often referred to as a “strawman” argument—and instead focus on summarizing the most prominent or pervasive criticism of your main point.

The rebuttal, on the other hand, refutes the counterpoint while introducing a subclaim that directly addresses it. In the case that a previous claim already addresses the counterpoint, do not repeat it verbatim; instead, expand on that point’s scope with additional analysis or evidence to accommodate the counterpoint.

Sign posting language will be a useful tool in writing a compelling and concise counterargument, so make use of language like:

• Some might argue that . . . However . . .
• While it can be said that . . .
• There is a widely held belief that . . .  but . . .

Counterarguments (the counterpoint plus the rebuttal) should come at the end of your piece, right before the conclusion. If your piece contains a call to action, make sure to set yourself up for success in your counterargument (a good sign post to add in this case is “that is why . . .”).

Counterarguments can also be the focus of an op-ed when a belief about a given topic has become fallacious or dangerous to public discourse—a phenomena all too common in our current age. Politicians will often use these longform critiques to respond to opponents during election cycles, but in light of controversial bills and rulings within the United States, many have stepped up to the soapbox to dispel common myths and misinformation about a whole host of issues.

We think a recent op-ed on the value of the humanities in higher education by Professor John Keck did this exceptionally. Notice how he uses his first paragraph to build context through timeliness, capitalizing on the recent comments surrounding Texas’s HCR 64, an immigration bill, and their unwarranted criticism of higher education. As he progresses through his critique, he gradually reorients his reader to his home state and the work that he does there, navigating his role of the expert while utilizing the tools of the practitioner to give his narrative a distinctly human focus.

Using a behavioral framework to better persuade your audience

Knowing your target audience’s priorities, values, and concerns will help you craft an argument that is most likely to resonate with them. To better analyze how a given policy narrative might strike our potential readers, we can use insights from social-psychological theories like the Moral Foundations Theory, which was developed by Jonathan Haidt and colleagues to explain how individuals’ moral values are shaped by their cultural, social, and evolutionary contexts. Moral Foundations Theory won’t reveal exactly how your audience will react to your argument for change, but no theory can. At the Writing Workshop, we like to think of these social-psychological theories as additional tools in your kit to help you make quicker and better informed decisions about the arguments, evidence, and language you use within your piece rather than empirical frameworks you can apply with certainty.

If you are interested in acquiring other tools to help you become more persuasive, we recommend checking out the work of Paul Slovic and Daniel Kahneman as well. For further reading on Moral Foundations Theory, check out our post below:

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Guide to Op-Eds: How to Write and Submit an Op-Ed

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jan 24, 2022 • 4 min read

Op-eds are essays that guest contributors or staffers write and submit to publications or other media outlets in order to express their views on a particular subject.

How to write an op-ed

Through editorials, psychologists can alert the public to the work they do that addresses society’s greatest problems. Here’s advice on how to write an op-ed with impact.

By Katherine Lee

February 2018, Vol 49, No. 2

Print version: page 66

In an age when science is regarded with skepticism—even dismissed as “fake”—there’s an increasing need for psychologists and other scientists to communicate their work directly to the public. One powerful tool for disseminating research is through op-ed pieces. Such essays can, for example, showcase how psychologists’ expertise is promoting equality, advancing new treatments and helping the nation heal after disasters.

“I view it as my social responsibility as a social scientist to write op-eds,” says Jaana Juvonen, PhD, professor of developmental psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles. She has written several pieces for lay audiences, including the 2017 op-ed “ I Study the Psychology of Adolescent Bullies. Trump Makes Perfect Sense to Me ” for The Washington Post . “If I can shed light on something timely, then I need to communicate it,” says Juvonen.

With a growing stream of news and social media outlets all clamoring for content, there’s never been a better time for psychologists to communicate their expertise, says Lisa Damour, PhD, a senior adviser to the Schubert Center for Child Studies at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, and author of a monthly column in The New York Times about adolescence. “Everything is amped up and sped up, and we have ways to communicate with the public that we didn’t before,” she says.

While psychologists and psychology students may wonder whether they should carve out time from their already packed schedules to write op-eds, Juvonen points out that these articles also pay career dividends. “Op-eds can reach the largest audience we as researchers can ever reach,” she says. They can also establish you among the media as the go-to person on key issues.

With those points in mind, here are nine strategies for writing columns that editors will welcome and people will read:

• Come up with a news hook News outlets, both print and online, are much more likely to accept a piece about a topic that’s dominating national or local headlines, such as a congressional vote on mental health care or a perennially popular subject, such as stress management or child development, says Juvonen.
• Tailor your op-ed to the news outlet’s audience If it’s a local paper, talk about how the topic affects the local community. For example, a local newspaper may be interested in an op-ed that offers insights on how the opioid crisis is affecting the community and discusses the latest research on treatment, says Jamie Bodenlos, PhD, associate professor of psychology at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, in Geneva, New York. If it’s a national outlet, make sure the topic is broad enough to be of interest to readers nationwide.
• Read the publications you want to write for “Read those platforms to get a sense of style, length and level,” says Damour. One of the best columns to read regularly is “Gray Matter” in The New York Times Sunday edition, which features opinion columns about science and society, suggests Kim Mills, of APA’s Communications Department.
• Ditch the jargon Psychologists are taught to be very careful about how they cite, quote and describe, but if they try to do that in an op-ed, it won’t be accessible, says Juvonen. Instead, she says, “think about how you would reach your parents, grandma or next-door neighbor.” The best way to explain your work to the public is to write as if you’re talking to a good nonpsychologist friend, suggests Damour. To make sure you aren’t using too many technical terms, ask a nonacademic friend to critique your draft and make sure it is free of confusing language.
• Lead with your conclusion In academia, scientists carefully lay out the groundwork that supports their ideas before they articulate their conclusions. But in an op-ed, that order is reversed, says Damour. Start with a conclusion and then unpack it for readers. For example, a research manuscript might begin with a discussion of how spanking children may affect their mental health later in life, then present evidence that supports that conclusion. In an op-ed, writers should start out with the key finding that corporal punishment is not effective and can lead to a host of negative outcomes.
• Go light on the data Remember that you’re not writing a research paper or study, says Bodenlos. So, while you should offer numbers and statistics that illustrate your key points, limit how much you include to keep your piece streamlined.
• Make it compelling “What captures people is a story, a narrative,” says Alison Gopnik, PhD, professor of psychology and affiliate professor of philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley, who writes a monthly column called “Mind & Matter” for The Wall Street Journal . “Ask yourself, is there a way of integrating narrative with the scientific material that doesn’t sacrifice the science?” She suggests incorporating a joke or a personal anecdote and including lots of specifics, not abstract statements. “Put in some bit of vivid detail—what something smelled like, looked like, felt like,” Gopnik says.
• Consider a range of outlets “We don’t all need to shoot for The New York Times ,” says Bodenlos. Submit your articles to media outlets including Psychology Today and HuffPost, which are always looking for content, suggests Mills. You can also build a following on social media and publish your content there. “We’re all publishers today,” says Mills.
• Make it exclusive Don’t submit your op-ed to multiple outlets simultaneously, thinking that this will increase your chances of getting it published, says Mills. Most newspapers insist on exclusivity. If you don’t hear back from an editor within a week of submitting, follow up with an email asking if a decision has been made because you’d like to submit the piece elsewhere.

Dr. Damour’s monthly columns on adolescence appear at www.nytimes.com/column/well-adolescence . Dr. Gopnik’s monthly columns appear at www.wallstreetjournal.com under “Mind & Matter.”

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Writing Effective Op-Eds

Do you have an interesting opinion to share? If you can express it clearly and persuasively in an op-ed article, you may reach millions of people, sway hearts, change minds and perhaps even reshape public policy. In the process, you may also earn recognition for yourself and your department, all for less effort than it takes to write a professional journal article.

University Communications has a strong record of placing op-ed articles in many of the nation’s leading news outlets. Our team developed these guidelines to help you write an article that media outlets may accept for publication.

As you think about writing opinion pieces, please keep in mind that competition is fierce at top opinion outlets such as The New York Times and the Washington Post. That’s never been truer than right now, so it’s smart to remain flexible regarding where your piece may land.

If you’re a faculty member with an idea in the works, please reach out for guidance to the communicator in your school or unit, or contact Eric Ferreri at University Communications, to improve your chances of success.

Track the news and jump at opportunities.  Timing is critical. When an issue is dominating the news — whether it’s a war, a stock market panic or just the latest controversy on a reality TV show — that’s what readers want to read and op-ed editors want to publish. Whenever possible, link your issue explicitly to something happening in the news. If you’re a researcher studying cancer, for instance, start off by discussing the celebrity who died yesterday. Or, look ahead to a holiday or anniversary a week from now that will provide a fresh news peg (and enable editors to plan the story in advance).

Limit the article to 750 words.

Make a single point, and do it well.  You cannot solve all of the world’s problems in 750 words. Be satisfied with making a single point clearly and persuasively. If you cannot explain your message in a sentence or two, you’re trying to cover too much.

Put your main point on top.   You have no more than 10 seconds to hook a busy reader, which means you shouldn’t “clear your throat” with a witticism or historical aside. Get to the point and convince the reader that it’s worth his or her valuable time to continue.

Tell readers why they should care.  Put yourself in the place of the busy person looking at your article. At the end of every few paragraphs, ask out loud: “So what? Who cares?” Will your suggestions help reduce readers’ taxes? Protect them from disease? Make their children happier? Explain why.

Offer specific recommendations:

• An op-ed is not a news story that simply describes a situation; it is your opinion about how to improve matters.
• An op-ed is not a journal article. It needs to be personal–both in terms of having your personal voice and perspective come through, and also in covering a topic that is personal to the readers.
• Don’t be satisfied, as you might be in a classroom, with mere analysis. Op-eds are, by definition, opinions and they should advocate persuasively for something. How exactly should your state protect its environment, or the White House change its foreign policy or parents choose healthier foods for their children? You’ll need to do more than call for “more research!” or suggest that opposing parties work out their differences. The best opinion pieces have a clear, persuasive and well-argued call to action. They should answer the question: What do you want the reader to do, think or feel as a result of your piece?

Showing is better than discussing.  You may remember the Pentagon’s overpriced toilet seat that became a symbol of profligate federal spending. You probably don’t recall the total Pentagon budget for that year (or for that matter, for the current year). That’s because we humans remember colorful details better than dry facts. When writing an op-ed article, therefore, look for great examples that will bring your argument to life.

Embrace your personal voice.  The best of these examples will come from your own experience.  If you are a physician, describe the plight of one of your patients, and then tell us how this made you feel personally. If you’ve worked with poor families, tell a story about one of them to help argue your point. In so doing, your words will ring truer and the reader will care more about what you are saying.

Use short sentences and paragraphs.  Look at op-ed articles in your target outlet and count the number of words per sentence, then use the same style, relying mainly on simple declarative sentences. Cut long paragraphs into two or more shorter ones.

Avoid jargon.  If a technical detail is not essential to your argument, don’t use it. When in doubt, leave it out. Simple language doesn’t mean simple thinking; it means you are being considerate of readers who want to learn something by reading your piece.

Use the active voice.  Don’t write: “It is hoped that [or: One would hope that] the government will …” Instead, say “I hope the government will …” Active voice is nearly always better than passive voice. It’s easier to read, and it leaves no doubt about who is doing the hoping, recommending or other action.

Avoid tedious rebuttals.  If you’ve written your article in response to an earlier piece that made your blood boil, avoid the temptation to prepare a point-by-point rebuttal. It makes you look petty. It’s likely that readers didn’t see the earlier article and, if they did, they’ve probably forgotten it. So, just take a deep breath, mention the earlier article once and argue your own case. If you really need to rebut the article, forego an op-ed article and instead write a letter to the editor, which is more appropriate for this purpose.

Acknowledge the other side.  Op-ed authors sometimes make the mistake of piling on one reason after another why they’re right and their opponents are wrong. Opinions that acknowledge the ways in which their opponents are right come across as more credible and balanced. When you see experienced op-ed authors saying “to be sure,” that’s what they’re doing.

Make your ending a winner.  In addition to having a strong opening paragraph to hook readers, it’s also important to summarize your argument in a strong final paragraph. That’s because many casual readers scan the headline, skim the opening and then read the final paragraph and byline. In fact, many columnists conclude with a phrase or thought that appeared in the opening.

Relax and have fun.  Remember that an op-ed article is not an exercise in solemnity. Opinion editors despair of weighty articles  and delight in an academic writer who chooses examples from “Entertainment Tonight” as well as from eminent authorities.

Don’t worry about the headline.  The newspaper will write its own headline. You can suggest one, but don’t spend a lot of time worrying about it.

Offer graphics.  If you have a terrific illustration, photo, video or other asset that might accompany your article, alert the editor when you send it.

How to submit an article.  Almost all outlets now post guidelines about how they prefer to receive op-ed submissions. In general, they provide an e-mail address where you can submit the article electronically, but check first. Always be sure to include your contact information, and say whether you have a photo of yourself available.

Where to submit the article.   The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal–as well as other national publications such as USA Today–receive a staggering number of submissions, the overwhelming majority of which are rejected. Think about the audience that will most benefit from hearing your argument and tailor your submission plan accordingly.

Regardless of where you send it, you will fare best with arguments that are provocative, humorous, personal or unexpected.

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Tip Sheet: Purpose of an Op-Ed

Op-ed stands for “opposite the editorial page,” and represents an opinion piece from an author with some expertise on the topic being discussed. The overarching goal of an op-ed is to present a persuasive opinion about a specific topic that is related to one of your areas of expertise. This format of writing is often brief (600-850 words), compelling, and communicates a clear recommendation to the problem being highlighted. Op-eds can appear in a number of outlets, including major news outlets (New York Times, Washington Post), local outlets (Seattle Times, LA Times), and a variety of online spaces (The Thinking Republic, Healthline). 

Op-eds provide a perfect opportunity to share your own research findings with a broader audience or to lend your expertise on a specific topic more broadly. When writing op-eds, you can think broadly about your expertise that might include health equity, obesity research, cardiovascular disease, or behavioral health in general. Op-eds should feel synergistic with your own work and serve as a way to broaden your audience and communicate science to the public in clear terms. The keys to this format are presenting a strong argument or opinion and a call to action.

Below are specific tips for both how to write an op-ed and how to pitch an op-ed to editors.

Tips for Writing an Op-Ed

- Own your expertise. Write in a space that highlights and extends from your expertise, but be confident and broad in how you define that space. For instance, if your expertise and research are in nutrition and health equity, you would hold expertise to write in either of those spaces very broadly, not just in the narrow space of the specific research you do. Even more broadly than that, you could write on many topics in health and healthcare as a behavioral health researcher.

- Make sure your op-ed has a news hook and relates to current events. One of the most critical features of an op-ed is that it has to relate to current events and the current news cycle. This can include ongoing issues (like the COVID-19 pandemic, the political environment, women’s reproductive rights) or can be connected to breaking news. You can also link your piece to anniversaries, deaths, dates of legislation being passed, or a host of other significant events. The key here is to stay on top of current events and trends, and then tie your piece to that. 

- Make a clear argument. Central to the op-ed is having a clear, to the point argument you are presenting. This can feel very different from academic writing, which encourages us to consider all points and not be as decisive or opinionated. Conversely, op-eds present strong arguments to their readers.

- Support with evidence (ideally 3 pieces of evidence). Support your argument with three main points. Each point should include evidence, such as statistics, news reports, expert quotes, prior research and publication, or first-hand experience. The goal here is to support your argument by pointing out three ways in which it is proven to (likely) be true.

-Include a counter-argument or “to be sure” paragraph. It is always good to acknowledge at least one or two counter arguments to your point so that readers know you are aware of them. You can address and dispel them, dismiss them, or take other approaches, but the key is to acknowledge them in your argument.

-End with a conclusion that has a recommendation or “call to action.” In concluding your argument, provide a clear recommendation or next action step to address the problem you highlight in your op-ed. This can include action steps for whomever your audience is - individual action, policy, corporate action, etc.

-Research other op-eds on the topic and make sure you add a new angle to the conversation. To get published, your op-ed will need to add to the current conversation or bring up a new conversation in the public space. The best way to do this is to see what has already been published on this topic and then see how your own, unique lens can be applied.

-Use plain language/avoid jargon. Op-eds should be written in such a way that the average adult, regardless of their education or background, could easily read them. With that, avoid jargon and acronyms. Speak in simple and direct terms. Make it easy to understand your writing.

-Keep sentences and paragraphs brief. In contrast to most academic writing, op-eds thrive with very brief sentences and very brief paragraphs (sometimes a single sentence to make a point). 

-Keep it brief (between 600 and 850 words). The typical op-ed is between 600 and 850 words, with the average being around 750 words. Anything over 950 or so will probably not get published. Check each outlet you target for specific guidelines.

-Get feedback and edits. Just like you would for your academic writing, be sure to get edits and feedback on your writing! Colleagues as well as friends/family can be good sources for feedback on your piece.

-Have fun with it! Op-eds can be a fun and engaging way to communicate your science broadly with an audience.

-Submit early to publications, and if you don’t succeed, try and try again. Publications have different production cycles, so you’ll want to pitch them as early as possible. If your op-ed isn’t accepted, don’t be discouraged. You can try to submit it elsewhere, or can seek feedback to improve your next op-ed.

Essential Elements to Include in an Op-Ed

• A clear “lede” (often a news hook to grab your reader and make your piece timely)
• A clear thesis (statement of your argument)
• Key points to support your argument (ideally 3, each with 2-3 pieces of evidence/data)
• “To be sure” paragraph (counterargument)
• A clear call to action at the conclusion, often circling back to your news hook

Tips for Pitching an Op-Ed

-Introduce yourself. Provide one or two sentences that explain who you are, your position, and your expertise especially as it relates to the piece (e.g., an expert in diet and nutrition, an expert in behavioral weight loss interventions, etc.).

-Briefly summarize your piece - highlight what makes it unique. Provide one or two sentences that summarizes the main thesis of your piece. Get to the point quickly, and highlight what makes your piece unique and a good addition to the conversation around your topic.

-If relevant, note how your piece will be a fit for the publication you are pitching. When relevant, you can highlight how your piece is a good fit for the publication you are pitching. For instance, this could be a reference as to how your piece connects to and builds off of one of their previously published pieces.

-Track down specific editors and email them, if possible. It is well within the bounds of journalist etiquette to find the contact information of specific editors and email them directly. Often, this can result in much higher hit rates than if you email general op-ed inboxes. Look not just for a contact at the outlet you are pitching but editors who tend to like publishing similar work to your own. 

-Follow up if you don’t hear back. If you don’t hear back within 5 to 7 days, follow up. Sometimes the follow up email indicating you will pitch elsewhere if you don’t hear back is exactly what gets you accepted!

-Don’t pitch to multiple outlets at the same time. There is a strong norm that you won’t pitch to multiple outlets at the same time. If you do, and more than one accept it, you will be put in the awkward position of pulling it from one outlet and likely will not be able to publish there again. Instead, wait until you’ve passed a long enough window of time or followed up with the outlet to determine they aren’t going to run your piece, and then pitch it elsewhere.

Additional Resources:

https://www.theopedproject.org/

Sample Op-Eds Written by SBM Members:

To Transform Public Health, Invest in Behavioral Research by Monica Wang (Boston Globe)

Who Will Be the Vaccine Influencers for COVID-19? by Rebecca Krukowski and Carly Goldstein (The Providence Journal)

The COVID Vaccine System is Unfair to Those Who Need the Shots Most. This Was Predictable by Megan J. Shen (USA Today)

Diabetes is Not an Equal Opportunity Killer by Joanna Buscemi (Medpage Today)

Focus on Health Needs of Those Most in Need, Including Latinx Communities by Barbara Baquero, India Ornelas, and Erica Chavez Santos (Seattle Times)

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How to Write an Op-Ed

December 6, 2021

Opinion Editorials, or Op-Eds, are an important tool for conveying your message to a broader audience outside of traditional pitching and news releases. However, inboxes at publications ranging from the Star Tribune to the New York Times are flooded with Op-Ed submissions every day. How can you ensure your Op-Ed breaks through? Share these tips with your experts so they know what editors are looking for in an Op-Ed submission.

• Write in your own voice. Audiences prefer conversational English that pulls them along with your narrative. That also means you should keep jargon to a minimum.
• Focus on a specific problem or issue to which you can lend specific insight. General commentary can feel “familiar” (read: boring) to many readers, and is less likely to be picked up by a publication.
• Present a clear thesis and include evidence-based arguments in favor of your viewpoint.
• If you’re commenting on a recent news event, submit your Op-Ed quickly!
• Most published Op-Eds fall between 400 and 1200 words. Many outlets have word count limits listed on their website, so try to adhere to the specifications of the publication to which you’re submitting your piece.

Trish Hall, the former Op-Ed and Sunday Review editor at the New York Times wrote, "Anything can be an Op-Ed. Personal or explanatory essays, commentary on news events, reflections on cultural trends and more are all welcome. We're interested in anything well-written with a fact-based viewpoint we believe readers will find worthwhile.”

As always, we encourage you to share your comments below or reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

Topics: Tips and Tricks

What Is an Op-Ed Article? Op-Ed Examples, Guidelines, and More

Have you ever wondered the name of those articles in newspapers or online that seem to be more conversational in style than standard news stories?

These are called op-ed articles, and they are an entirely different style and format of writing that is typically found in the opinion section of a newspaper, magazine, or website.

In this article, I’m going to answer the question what is an op-ed article by digging into exactly what an op-ed article is as well as looking at some op-ed examples, how to write an op-ed, and how (and where) to submit an op-ed.

What Is an Op-Ed Article?

Op-ed stands for “opposite the editorial page,” and an op-ed article is an article in which the author states their opinion about a given topic, often with a view to persuade the reader toward their way of thinking.

Despite the “op” in “op-ed” not standing for “opinion,” op-eds are often called opinion pieces because, unlike standard news articles, the authors of op-eds are encouraged to give their opinions on a certain topic, as opposed to simply reporting the news.

Op-eds are sometimes written by a ghostwriter, which means somebody writes the op-ed on behalf of someone else (such as a businessperson or politician), then the intended author makes some tweaks, with the final version being attributed—bylined—to the intended author instead of the ghostwriter.

Anonymous Op-Eds

Op-eds can also be anonymous, although for larger publications, such as the New York Times , Wall Street Journal , and Washington Post , an anonymous op-ed is typically only allowed when the writer’s job (or in extreme cases, their life) would be jeopardized if their name or other distinguishing details were disclosed. In cases when an anonymous op-ed is allowed to go ahead, the author’s true identity is known by the publisher.

Whether or not anonymous op-eds should be allowed to be published comes up for frequent scrutiny, the most recent episode of which being in September 2018 after the New York Times published an anonymous opinion piece by a senior official working in the Trump administration. (In October 2020, former chief of staff in the Department of Homeland Security, Miles Taylor, publicly confirmed that he had authored the article.)

Op-Ed Responses

Often, op-ed articles are written in response to something that is happening in the news at a particular time; such as during a climate change summit or election cycle, or they are written as a response to another op-ed, whether the first opinion piece was published in the same newspaper or, for example, somebody decided to write an op-ed in the New York Times in response to an op-ed that appeared in the Wall Street Journal .

While there is no generalized word limit for an op-ed, most published op-eds run under 1,000 words. The New York Times notes that:

Written essays typically run from 800 to 1,200 words, although we sometimes publish essays that are shorter or longer.

Op-Ed Examples

For an article to be an op-ed it must, as noted above, appear in an opinion column. As many people find themselves reading op-eds after clicking a link online, op-ed columns typically also have the words ‘Opinion’ or ‘Guest Essay’ displayed above or close to the column’s headline.

If you’re looking for op-ed examples, look no further than the opinion pages of three of the largest newspapers in the United States, namely the New York Times , Wall Street Journal , and Washington Post opinion pages (for a longer list, see the How (and Where) to Submit an Op-Ed section below).

The Difference Between Op-Eds and Regular Articles

Some columns that look like a good op-ed article example are in fact lifestyle articles that, while not being timely in relation to the news of the day, aren’t defined as op-ed articles because they are purely factual, with no opinion being given.

Articles I have personally written for the New York Times , New York Observer , Quartz , and similar publications had to be meticulously sourced and fact-checked before publication; and my opinion surrounding any of the topics in question was not taken into consideration, unlike for an op-ed.

That’s not to say you can simply make up facts when writing an op-ed. You can’t have your own opinion about the year Queen Elizabeth II was born (1926), the height of the Empire State Building (1,454 ft.), or the length of the Great Wall of China (21,196 km). Depending on what your op-ed is discussing, you can sprinkle your opinion in around facts, but those facts must be deep-rooted in order for your audience to get on board with your argument—and for a reputable source to choose to print your article.

How to Write an Op-Ed

Of course, knowing what an op-ed is and knowing how to write an op-ed are two different things entirely.

Here are my top five tips on how to write an op-ed:

• Get to the point: The moment a reader (or your potential editor) starts reading your op-ed article they need to know what it is about, and why it matters to them.
• Have a clear thesis: Submitting a meandering opinion column is a surefire way to ensure you do not hear back from the editor. Outline your entire op-ed before sitting down to write, and keep a clear thesis in mind.
• Write what you know: While many factors go into the op-ed selection process, having authority in the topic you’re writing about, as well as a persuasive argument, is required above all else.
• Write for the publication you’re pitching: Don’t use technical phrases if it is a non-technical publication. Look into what they have published on your topic in the past. How can you advance this discussion?
• Stick to the rules: Most op-ed sections list their rules for publication. These often include information on how to source your facts, a well as the house style.

How (and Where) to Submit an Op-Ed

It’s easy to submit an op-ed to either a national or local newspaper, or to a trade publication in your field. Assuming you’ve read my advice on how to write an op-ed above, here are the links you’ll need to submit an op-ed to the following newspapers:

• New York Times
• Wall Street Journal
• Washington Post
• Los Angeles Times
• Houston Chronicle
• Chicago Tribune
• San Francisco Chronicle
• Tampa Bay Times
• Dallas Morning News
• Denver Post
• Seattle Times

If you want to submit an op-ed to your local newspaper or a trade publication, look in their opinion columns for information on how to send in your submission, or search for their name alongside the word “submissions” online.

I hope this article on what an op-ed article is will help you on your journey toward writing and submitting your first op-ed to a major newspaper or publication.

If you’re interested in hearing more from me, be sure to subscribe to my free email newsletter , and if you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media, link to it from your website, or bookmark it so you can come back to it often. ∎

Benjamin Spall

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Writing Op-Eds

Published Jun 30, 2006 Updated Aug 18, 2023

Contributing to the news is a crucial means of affecting public policy and getting traction on an issue. However, scientific research and media work aren’t always a perfect fit. The speed of the media world, and the small amount of space journalists have to cover complex scientific issues, can make the interaction between scientists and the press challenging. Yet scientific expertise has never been in higher demand in the mainstream media. And for scientists, the most effective means of bringing their expertise and convictions to the public is by working with the media.

Below are tips on writing op-eds, a simple and effective way to get a message to both the public and policy makers. UCS has additional information for scientists seeking to engage the news media—please see Letters to the Editor and Meeting with Editorial Boards .

Op-eds are columns written by people not affiliated with the outlet. They come from a range of people, including business executives, scientists, school kids, and, for local outlets, interested people living in the surrounding area.

The average op-ed runs 500 to 750 words and provides a great opportunity to make a case and leave readers with a clear call to action. Op-eds often are posted next to columns by well-known syndicated writers, and usually appear opposite the editorial page in print newspapers.

It is difficult to get an op-ed published in a newspaper. There is limited space and editors receive a large number of unsolicited articles. You might consider other options first, as op-eds take more effort and time than a letter to the editor, for example. Just like an essay, op-eds have an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should grab readers and encourage them to read on. Use timely references, colorful language, and metaphors to get the reader's attention. Try to limit the introductory paragraph to three sentences.

The body of the piece further develops your thesis, giving some background and context. Keep each paragraph short and focused. Each paragraph should range from three to five sentences. Try to make one point in each paragraph, and be sure each paragraph flows into the next smoothly. Every paragraph should tie back to the introduction and your overall thesis. Be sure not to get off-track or follow tangents. The final paragraph should wrap up the piece. Do not leave any dangling ends. Tie everything up and close with a kick. Your conclusion should link to your introduction, carrying the same theme but adding something new. Use your conclusion to state your overall point or opinion. As the first sentence should grab the reader and make them want to continue to read, the last sentence should be memorable and make your overall point stick in the reader’s mind.

• Do some research first. Before you sit down to write your op-ed, go to the outlet’s website to confirm they run opinion pieces and find out the protocol for submitting one. Many outlets have strict word limits; be sure to follow them carefully. Also be sure to include links to back up any claims you make in your column. When sending the piece, paste it into the body of your email rather than sending it as an attachment. Double check that you are following the paper’s guidelines. Sending an op-ed to the wrong person, one that is not the correct length, or failing to include all the information they require can keep even the best op-ed out of print.
• Use a catchy title that ties into the theme of your piece. The title is what the reader sees first. Your title should entice the reader.
• Keep the op-ed short and to the point. Ideally, an op-ed should be 550-725 words. Remember, the print version of newspapers have very limited space. A short article has a better chance of getting printed.
• Grab the reader's attention in the first couple of lines and close with a sentence that will help them remember your point. Be creative—an interesting article is more likely to be printed and more likely to be remembered.
• Include personal information at the end of your op-ed: your name, university or organization, title, phone number, and address. Many papers will not run a piece without first being able to confirm that you are the author of the piece.
• Follow-up. If you can locate a phone number for the opinion editor, you may want to give them a call a few days after you submit your op-ed to check on their interest in running it. If you submitted your column through the outlet’s prescribed protocol however, you can be sure that they’ve seen it.

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Essay Papers Writing Online

Opinion essay – the power and importance of effective writing.

When it comes to expressing one’s viewpoint, the written word holds tremendous power. An opinion essay, also known as a persuasive essay, allows individuals to convey their beliefs, values, and perspectives on a particular subject. It serves as a platform for writers to convince readers of their stance by presenting logical arguments backed by evidence and examples. Crafting an exceptional opinion essay requires a combination of critical thinking skills, efficient research, and persuasive writing techniques. In this article, we will explore some useful strategies and tips to help you master the art of writing a remarkable opinion essay.

Step 1: Choosing a Compelling Topic

The first step in writing an outstanding opinion essay is selecting a compelling topic that resonates with your interests and offers ample scope for debate. The key is to choose a subject that is thought-provoking, relevant, and engaging to your target audience. Brainstorm ideas, conduct preliminary research, and identify unique angles or perspectives within your chosen topic. This will help you narrow down your focus and provide a solid foundation for constructing a compelling argument.

Step 2: Developing a Clear Thesis Statement

Once you have selected a topic, the next step is to develop a clear and concise thesis statement that encapsulates the main argument of your essay. The thesis statement should articulate your stance on the topic and provide a roadmap for the rest of your essay. A strong thesis statement is specific, debatable, and supported by compelling evidence. It serves as the backbone of your essay and helps ensure coherence and clarity in your writing.

Step 3: Researching and Gathering Evidence

An excellent opinion essay is built on a foundation of thorough research and credible evidence. To strengthen your argument, conduct in-depth research on your topic using reputable sources such as scholarly articles, books, and reputable websites. Take notes, highlight key points, and gather evidence to support your thesis statement. It is critical to ensure that the evidence you present is accurate, reliable, and relevant to your argument.

Step 4: Structuring Your Essay

A well-structured essay is crucial for conveying your ideas effectively. Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction that provides background information on the topic and hooks the reader. Follow this with a well-organized body that presents your main points, supported by evidence and examples. Use paragraphs to separate different ideas and ensure logical flow throughout the essay. Finally, conclude your essay by summarizing your main arguments and reinforcing your thesis statement.

Step 5: Polishing Your Writing

To write an exceptional opinion essay, it is essential to pay attention to the finer details of your writing. Ensure that your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are flawless. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas effectively, and avoid vague or ambiguous statements. Additionally, consider the tone and style of your writing, adapting it to suit your target audience. Finally, revise and edit your essay to eliminate any errors or inconsistencies and ensure a polished final product.

By following these tips and strategies, you can elevate your opinion essay writing skills and effectively communicate your viewpoint to persuade and engage your readers. Remember, practice makes perfect, so seize every opportunity to refine your writing and express your opinions with confidence and conviction.

Choose a compelling topic that sparks interest

In order to captivate your readers and make your opinion essay stand out, it is essential to carefully select a topic that evokes curiosity and engages their interest. The topic you choose should be thought-provoking, relevant, and have the potential to generate a strong emotional response among your target audience.

When selecting a topic, consider what subjects or issues you are genuinely passionate about. By choosing a topic that genuinely sparks your interest, you are more likely to convey genuine enthusiasm and engage your readers. Additionally, consider the current societal or cultural climate, as well as any ongoing debates or controversies, as these can provide excellent sources of inspiration for your opinion essay.

Furthermore, always try to choose a topic that is unique and original. While it can be tempting to select a popular or trending topic, keep in mind that many other writers may have already covered these subjects extensively. To make your essay truly standout, it is important to select a topic that is less explored or offer a fresh perspective on a well-established topic. This will not only capture the attention of your readers but also demonstrate your ability to think critically and provide a unique viewpoint.

Overall, selecting a compelling topic that sparks interest is crucial for the success of your opinion essay. By choosing a topic that you are passionate about, exploring current debates or controversies, and offering a unique perspective, you can ensure that your essay captivates your audience and stands out among others.

Develop a strong thesis statement to guide your essay

One of the most crucial elements of writing an outstanding opinion essay is developing a strong thesis statement to serve as a guiding point for your entire essay. The thesis statement is a concise and clear statement that presents the main argument or standpoint of your essay. It should be a single sentence that encompasses the essence of your opinion and sets the tone for the rest of your writing.

The thesis statement acts as a roadmap that helps both you as the writer and your readers to navigate through your essay. It provides a clear direction and purpose to your writing, giving your readers a sense of what to expect and what stance you will take on the given topic.

When developing your thesis statement, it is important to choose a strong and specific argument that can be supported with evidence and examples throughout your essay. Avoid general or vague statements that lack clarity and precision. Instead, opt for a statement that is debatable and provokes thought and discussion.

To develop a strong thesis statement, start by brainstorming and generating ideas related to your topic. Consider the main points you want to make and the key arguments you want to present in your essay. Once you have a clear understanding of your position, craft a concise sentence that encapsulates your main argument.

In the weak thesis statement example, the argument is vague and lacks specific reasons. On the other hand, the strong thesis statement clearly outlines the negative effects of fast food consumption and provides specific points that will be addressed in the essay.

Remember, a strong thesis statement sets the foundation for a well-structured and persuasive opinion essay. It serves as a guide for your writing and helps you stay focused on your main argument throughout your essay.

Use reliable sources to support your arguments

When crafting an opinion essay, it is crucial to back up your arguments with evidence from credible sources. Utilizing reliable sources will not only strengthen your arguments but also lend credibility to your essay.

When searching for sources to support your opinions, look for reputable websites, scholarly articles, and books written by experts in the field. It is important to ensure that the sources you use are reliable and trustworthy. This can be achieved by checking the author’s credentials and reputation, as well as the publication or website’s credibility.

Using credible sources shows that you have done thorough research and are presenting well-informed opinions. It demonstrates to your readers that your arguments are backed by evidence and are not simply based on personal beliefs or biases. By using reliable sources, you are contributing to the overall quality and validity of your essay.

By utilizing these types of sources, you can ensure that your arguments are well-supported and grounded in factual information. It is also important to properly cite your sources to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors.

Remember, using reliable sources not only strengthens your arguments but also adds credibility to your opinions. Take the time to thoroughly research and find sources that are respected and trustworthy to enhance the quality of your opinion essay.

Structure your essay with clear and logical paragraphs

When it comes to crafting an impressive opinion essay, one crucial aspect to focus on is the structure of your paragraphs. By dividing your essay into clear and logical paragraphs, you can effectively communicate your ideas and arguments to your readers.

A well-structured essay is like a well-organized house, where each room serves a specific purpose. Similarly, each paragraph in your essay should have a clear topic and contribute to the overall argument. This helps your readers understand the flow of your thoughts and makes it easier for them to follow your reasoning.

• Introductory paragraph: This paragraph should grab the reader’s attention and provide some background information about the topic. It should also include your thesis statement, which states your opinion on the subject.
• Body paragraphs: The body of your essay should consist of several paragraphs, each focusing on a different point or argument. Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Provide supporting evidence and examples to strengthen your arguments.
• Counterargument paragraph: In an opinion essay, it’s important to address counterarguments and refute them. Dedicate a paragraph to acknowledging opposing viewpoints and explaining why they are not valid.
• Conclusion: The concluding paragraph should summarize your main points and restate your thesis. It should leave the reader with a clear understanding of your opinion and the arguments you have presented.

By structuring your essay with clear and logical paragraphs, you can make your arguments more persuasive and help your readers navigate through your ideas effortlessly. Remember to use transition words and phrases to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs, creating a cohesive and coherent essay.

Conclude with a persuasive and memorable closing statement

As you reach the end of your opinion essay, it is crucial to leave your readers with a strong and impactful final thought. Your closing statement should aim to persuade and leave a lasting impression on your audience. By carefully crafting your closing statement, you can effectively summarize your main arguments and leave your readers with a clear and persuasive call to action or thought-provoking idea.

To create a persuasive and memorable closing statement, consider recapping your main points and reinforcing the central theme of your essay. By reminding your readers of the key arguments you have presented, you can reinforce your position and demonstrate the strength of your opinion. Additionally, you can also use your closing statement to connect your essay’s topic to a broader context or real-world implications, emphasizing the importance of your opinion.

Furthermore, a memorable closing statement should make your readers think and reflect. It can be effective to pose a thought-provoking question, challenge common assumptions, or present a powerful anecdote or statistic. By engaging your readers’ emotions and encouraging critical thinking, you can leave a lasting impact and potentially inspire further discussion or action on the topic you have written about.

Remember to keep your closing statement concise and focused. Avoid introducing new arguments or information that may dilute the impact of your overall essay. Instead, aim for clarity and a memorable ending that reinforces your main points and leaves a strong impression on your readers.

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• May 9, 2021 --> Advocates

How to Write an Op-Ed

In days of yore, an op-ed was an opinion column opposite the editorial page of a newspaper (opposite-editorial). Nowadays, an op-ed is understood to be an opinion piece having a sharp, single focus written in a clear, informed voice. While expressing the author’s point of view, an op-ed is more than mere opinion and it goes beyond a letter to the editor .

In general, an op-ed is a studied opinion containing credibly-sourced, well-organized information to represent a specific viewpoint. In other words, an op-ed presents a valid argument. Believe it or not, good opinion editors are always on the lookout for well written, clashing views.

An op-ed can be written for someone else to submit. With this approach, the op-ed should be written in a way to reflect that person’s voice. The best way to develop a piece of writing is to interview the “author” using the format in this tutorial and transcribe their answers, then edit that draft down to a crisply written piece.

“Good editorial writing has less to do with winning an argument, since the other side is mostly not listening, and more to do with telling the guys on your side how they ought to sound when they’re arguing.” —Adam Gopnik, Staff writer, The New Yorker

Why Write an Op-Ed?

A well-written opinion can shine a bright light into dark corners, making it possible for readers to consider new information or information restated in an accessible way. An op-ed that hits hard and fast with the right kind of information is a credible way to rally readers to a cause. The persuasive power of an editorial solidifies support for an issue and may sway those who are on the fence. As Adam Gopnik of The New Yorker points out, the opposition is mostly not listening, so an op-ed should target those who are listening and those who are likely to listen.

An effective op-ed can evoke reaction and response, compelling readers to get more involved (e.g. make donations, call lawmakers, contact businesses, or join movements). Public figures and organizations frequently experience an increase in constituent contacts following a published editorial. In short, a good op-ed has a built-in ability to move people to action.

Try One on for Size

These published op-eds were selected for our tutorial because they clearly illustrate how few words are required to get a point across. Subject matter aside, these pieces are persuasive, packed with information, and offer food for thought as you consider your first draft:

• Volcanologist: Why Hawaii’s volcano is in danger of going ballistic , Einat Lev, CNN
• Collar the Cat! , Abel John, one of nine high school winners in the Seventh Annual Student Editorial Contest, published by New York Times.

For More Ideas, Read or Browse:

• How to Write an Op-Ed Article , David Jarmul, Duke University Associate VP for News and Communications
• Writing and Submitting an Opinion Piece: A Guide , The Earth institute, Columbia University
• And Now a Word From Op-Ed , David Shipley, New York Times

Tips to Consider Before Drafting

• Your piece really must be original. Avoid any temptation to borrow from other op-eds or articles you’ve read. That is plagiarism. It is fine to get ideas from other sources, but in the end, the writing has to be original.
• Use plain language. Acronyms and other jargon have a place, but not in a public essay. Write simply and clearly.
• Consider your audience. The average reader is not going to be an expert. It’s up to you to capture their attention with a strong, well-written piece.
• Be well-positioned on the topic. If you aren’t, your writing may lack credibility. You don’t have to be famous or an expert, but you do need to know what you’re writing about, and your op-ed needs to reflect that.
• Have current information and facts. If your piece isn’t on par with current information, it will show. Double check your data before submitting to an editor.
• Go to source data when sharing facts. If you borrow from other articles or op-eds, it is possible to copy their errors into your piece. As an example, if you want to quote facts from data in the Oregon Death with Dignity Act annual report , go directly to that report rather than pick up data quoted in other sources.
• Be compelling and respectful. It is possible to point out flaws in the other side of an issue, but not point out flaws in the people who hold those views.

“To write is human, to edit is divine.” Stephen King, Author

Draft Your Op-Ed

There are a couple of different structure approaches you can use to craft a well-written op-ed. This format is a commonly used approach and will help you zero in to keep your writing focused:

Regardless which structure you use, submit your own headline with the op-ed, otherwise the editor will choose a headline that highlights the conflict on the issue. Your headline may not be used, but you have a much better chance if you submit one. Your title should hook a reader right away as they scan the newspaper. Who would not read an op-ed with any of these titles?

From My Pancreas to Yours

Minding My Own Death

It Ain’t Easy, but it Should Be

Declaration from a Dying Man

Include the author’s name and title if they have one, with a very short bio sentence ( no more than 20 word s).

John Doe, PhD, Professor of Ancient Literature at XYZ University, is a terminally ill resident of Portland, ME and can be reached at [email address].

Thesis Statement

Begin your op-ed with a strong statement of opinion, so people know where you are coming from right up front. You can also start with a very brief story that leads into the thesis statement. In this example, the thesis is this law should pass. As written it is 81 words reduced from a draft of 125:

I am dying, and I don’t want to be. But there it is. The facts about my health are undeniable. As an educated, reasonably well-adjusted person who has lived my entire life with autonomy and self-determination, I have every right to expect my death should go the same. Our lawmakers and governor must do the right thing: give Mainers access to Death with Dignity. We have waited 25 years. No more waiting. They must pass [bill number, title] sponsored by [lawmaker].

Follow up with the reason you/the author has this particular opinion (64 words after editing):

Living with pancreatic cancer for over five years has not been easy. Dying with it is horrific. Cancer has stolen my vitality, taken my ability to live an independent life, and may kill me before the end of this legislative session. A legal, medical standard of care exists to ease my suffering. Just not in Maine. And I am not going down without comment.

Add brief facts to support the presented opinion. Be sure to keep it very brief, perhaps one or two sentences in a paragraph. This example is 117 words without the reference citation. Note how some facts are implied, like the fact that accessing death with dignity is a patient-driven choice. Some facts are personal, like the author’s remarks about his own physicians:

The truth is, 3 out of 4 surveyed adults in [xyz poll] agree we should have a death with dignity law to help terminally ill patients if they want to access it.

Over fifty percent of surveyed physicians in [xyz poll] also agree their patients should be able to access death with dignity under a safe-guarded law if they choose.

My oncologist and hospice physicians want the law so they can safely help me die on my own terms. They understand more about cancer and suffering than anyone else I know. They respect my right to access patient-centered care.

The Oregon Death with Dignity Act has proven to work exactly as intended and for exactly whom intended [add reference citation].

The final paragraph should reinforce your/the author’s opinion and reason(s) for having that opinion. It can also include encouragement for others to take an action, e.g. voters to vote a certain way, governor to support a bill, etc. This example wraps up with 127 words, bringing the total op-ed word count to 389, well within the range of most editor requirements:

I do not expect everyone to agree with my end of life decisions, but I do expect everyone to acknowledge they do not have a right to make them for me. That is up to me. I will sort out my own dying details with my family, my physicians, and my faith leader. After all, it’s my pancreas. If you do not agree, I respectfully ask you to tend to your own death.

For the love of humanity, contact your legislators today to urge passage of [bill number, title, link to legislature search area to find lawmakers]. Tell them you read my op-ed.

Reach out to our local organization [xyz] or Death with Dignity National Center [website] to join the movement for expanding end of life care.

This patient example for a local paper is just one way to approach using the outline. It is written from a specific personal perspective with boldly stated opinions and facts to back it up. It packs a lot of information into less than 400 words. Imagine how much deeper the author could take this if his paper allowed 600 to 800 words for a guest column op-ed.

• The OpEd project

A Final Note

Title and author information are not included in word count. Be sure to provide complete contact information with the submission:

Full first and last name

Mailing address

Phone number with area code

Email address

Editors will use this information to confirm the submission if they intend to publish it.

Prior to submitting, take extra time to consider what you’ve written. Even a day or two of reflection may give you more insights or solutions to editing that will further empower your writing. Practice reading it out loud. This will help you catch any typographical or grammatical errors, and reveal areas where editing may make it easier for others to read it. Try having someone else read it back to you.

Don’t make yourself crazy . As with any creative piece, there comes a time to call it finished. Make final spelling and grammar checks after the last edit, and submit your op-ed according to publication requirements.

How to structure your PhD thesis

Organising your PhD thesis in a logical order is one of the crucial stages of your writing process. Here is a list of the individual components to include

Shama Prasada Kabekkodu

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The task of writing a PhD thesis is top of mind for many aspiring scholars. After all, completing one is no small task. And while these pieces of writing often share a standard format, this can differ slightly based on the requirements of your institution or subject. So what elements make up a PhD thesis?

A doctoral thesis usually contains:

• A title page
• Declarations from the candidate and supervisor
• A certificate from the candidate and supervisor
• A plagiarism report
• Acknowledgements 
• A table of contents
• Abbreviations 
• An abstract

Chapters typically cover:

• A general introduction 
• Literature review
• Analysis of the gap in research with aims and objectives
• Materials and methods
• Summary and conclusion
• References or bibliography. 

You should also include a list of papers you have published and any relevant achievements at the end. 

An explanation of each of the components of a PhD dissertation 

Title page: a PhD thesis starts with a title page that contains the complete title of the research work, the submitting university, names of the candidate and supervisor, affiliation and month and year of submission.

Abstract: this serves as a concise synopsis of the dissertation, covering the research context, purpose of the study or research questions, methodology, findings and conclusions. This section is usually one to two pages in length. 

Table of contents: this page lists the thesis content and respective page numbers.

General introduction and literature review: this component is usually 20 to 40 pages long. It presents the readers with the primary material and discusses relevant published data. It provides an overview of pertinent literature related to the thesis such as texts that critically assess the existing literature to identify the gap in research and explain the need behind the study. 

Aims and objectives: this section of the thesis is typically one to two pages long and describes the aims and objectives of the study. Structure them as three to four bullet points describing specific points that you will investigate. Approach this by thinking about what readers should understand by the end of the thesis. Ensure you:

• Give a clear explanation of the purpose and goals of your study 
• Outline each aim concisely
• Explain how you will measure your objectives
• Ensure there is a clear connection between each aim
• Use verbs such as investigate, evaluate, explore, analyse and demonstrate.

Materials and methods: this section briefly explains how you have conducted the study and should include all the materials you used and procedures you implemented. For example, if your research involves working with chemicals, list the chemicals and instruments used, along with their catalogue numbers and manufacturers’ names. This section should also explicitly explain the methodology you used, step-by-step. Use the past tense while writing this section and do not describe any results or findings of the study yet.

Results: this section is sometimes called the “findings report” or “the experimental findings” (referring to data collection and analysis). Write the results concisely and in the past tense. Include text, figure and table infographics created with tools such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator and BioRender to visualise your data . 

Discussion: this is a chance to discuss the results and compare the findings of your study with the initial hypothesis and existing knowledge. Focus on discussing interpretations, implications, limitations and recommendations here.

• Resources on academic writing for higher education staff 
• Tips for writing a PhD dissertation: FAQs answered
• How to tackle the PhD dissertation

Summary and conclusion: this section should be shorter than the discussion and summarise your key findings. The summary and conclusion should be brief and engaging, allowing the reader to easily understand the major findings of the research work. Provide clear answers to the research questions, generate new knowledge and clarify the need for the study. 

Future perspective: this section of the thesis (which is often combined with a summary or conclusion) talks about the study's limitations, if any, and indicates the directions for future studies based on your findings. 

References or bibliography: the last section should include the list of articles, websites and other resources cited in the thesis.

Always remember that, depending on the department, university or field of study, you might have to follow specific guidelines on how to organise your PhD thesis. Ensure you consult your supervisor or academic department if you have any doubts.

Shama Prasada Kabekkodu is a professor and head of cell and molecular biology at Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India.

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The Power of a Story Arc in Scholarly Writing

Transforming research into riveting narratives.

By  Steven Mintz

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I recently sat outside to watch the Hudson Classical Theater’s production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) —a 90-minute romp through 38 plays and 154 sonnets. Part farce, but mainly playful, the performance combined comedy, spectacle and violence, with more than a few profound insights into Shakespeare’s contemporary relevance.

Sitting on the steps of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Manhattan’s Riverside Park, just 10 feet from the actors, you could see why the groundlings and stinkards loved the Bard’s works. How could one not be moved by the bawdy, gender-bending humor, the word play, the poetry, the histrionic overacting, the sword play and, of course, the plots about love, revenge, ambition, betrayal and power?

The crowd, though fewer than a hundred, consisting mainly of seniors and parents and their children, plus a surprising number of college students, roared, laughed and cried out as the instantly recognizable soliloquies passed by in rapid fire succession.

Not a high school English class version of Shakespeare, this was something quite different: a fun-filled frolic that celebrates the poetry of the Bard’s language, the complexities of his plots, and the drama, humor and tragedy that infuse his works.

There’s no doubt in my mind that this highly compressed approach to Shakespeare’s works can be as meaningful, in its own way, as a more traditional academic or theatrical approach.

A lively, abridged performance makes Shakespeare more approachable to a broader audience, including those who might find the original texts intimidating or difficult to understand. Through humor and highly dynamic acting, this approach captures the audience’s attention and makes the material especially engaging. This performance also encourages active audience participation, helping viewers connect emotionally with the characters and stories.

Even in an abbreviated form, the beauty of Shakespeare’s language and the power of his poetry are obvious, allowing audiences to appreciate his linguistic artistry. By succinctly conveying the complexities of Shakespeare’s plots, this mishmash of his works makes it easier for viewers to grasp the intricacies of the Bard’s storytelling. Without a doubt, this approach helps ensure his works remain a vital part of our collective heritage.

In a recent essay entitled "Can You Read a Book in a Quarter of an Hour?”, The New Yorker ’s Anthony Lane reviews a number of phone apps, like Blinkist, that allow users to boil down books into micro-synopses.

Not surprisingly, Lane focuses on what is lost when a work is condensed: The original work’s poetic language, rhythm and stylistic nuances. The author’s distinctive voice and tone. The text’s subtle layers of meaning, complex themes, cultural references and moral ambiguities. The work’s literary devices, including its use of metaphors, symbols, wit, irony and wordplay. The depth of characters, the plot’s intricacies, and the subtle dynamics of relationships. The work’s pacing and build-up of tension or suspense. And, perhaps most important of all, readers’ experience of the text—how readers’ imagination fills in gaps and interprets the work in light of their own emotions, interests and concerns.

Yet, I must confess, that with many works of nonfiction, including many histories, I try to abstract the arguments to a nutshell and extract the themes to their most succinct form. The goal: to construct a mental model, simplified in some respects, but also streamlined and made more straightforward. After all, if we were to try to grasp scholarship in its full complexity, we’d be overwhelmed by detail.

In fact, all too often, I’m afraid, one can summarize a nonfiction book’s claims in a few sentences without losing its essence. Indeed, one of my goals as an instructor is to try to help my student learn how to digest, distill, outline or summarize a book or essay’s thesis. The rest, to misquote Shakespeare, is evidence.

Let me be clear: The greatest works of nonfiction, like Plato’s Republic or Darwin’s On the Origin of Species , are as much works of literary craftsmanship as they are of philosophic or scientific argument, and need to be read with the same critical sensitivities as a novel. They demonstrate that rigorous works of humanistic or scientific inquiry and beautiful prose can coexist and complement one another.

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Thus, in The Republic , Plato uses dialogue, dialectics, storytelling, rich imagery and rhetoric, symbolic language, and allegories and myths, such as the Allegory of the Cave, the Myth of Er, and the story of the Ring of Gyges, to illustrate his philosophical points about justice, the ideal state, the nature of the soul and the theory of forms.

Somewhat similarly, Darwin’s classic is both a scientific argument and a work of literature thanks to its eloquent, even poetic, prose, use of metaphor, vivid descriptions and analogies, and engaging narrative with a clear beginning, middle and end. He not only supports his arguments with extensive empirical evidence drawn from his observations and research, he employs literary techniques to make his arguments more accessible to nonspecialists. His richly depicted observations of the natural world and his inclusion of sensory details, such as colors, shapes, and movements of animals and plants add a literary quality to his scientific narrative.

When I was at Columbia, my dean expressed deep concerns about the quality of doctoral students’ writing. Not that the grad students didn’t write clearly—of course, they did. But most didn’t write stylishly and elegantly. To address that challenge, I offered an intensive summer seminar on nonfiction writing and brought in editors from major academic presses to evaluate and comment on the students’ essays and dissertation chapters.

That seminar underscored the vital importance of narrative and synthesis in scholarly writing.

Works like Plato’s or Darwin’s craft arguments into narratives—transforming evidence and arguments into a coherent, engaging and meaningful stories. By weaving evidence into a compelling narrative, writers make complex ideas accessible, create coherence and continuity, provide context and meaning, and make arguments more persuasive.

In nonfiction, as in fiction, narratives need not be linear or chronological. Nonlinear narratives, using flashbacks and flash-forwards, can provide context and highlight connections between past and present. Starting in the middle of a narrative— In Media Res —and then filling in background and contextual information, can work as well in nonfiction as in fiction by hooking readers’ attention, prompting questions, creating mystery and suspense, encapsulating an argument’s essence, and developing themes and arguments in a dynamic and compelling way.

While I certainly wouldn’t recommend stream of consciousness or epistolary approaches, scholarly authors might consider other narrative strategies used by writers of fiction, like the “framed” narrative that includes multiple case studies within a broader narrative; the “quest” narrative, that begins with an objective and a progressive journey; and “parallel” narratives, where two or more narratives are told simultaneously, often intersecting or converging at key points, exposing contrasts or similarities between different storylines.

Reflective narratives, where the author reflects on the research process, providing insights and commentary, offer yet another strategy for creating a deeper understanding of one’s themes and conclusions.

A big challenge, especially for novice humanities scholars, is to transform one’s research into a compelling story with a narrative arc that takes into account alternative stories and interpretations.

A second lesson that I took away from the seminar was that serious scholarship, certainly in the humanities, is as much a matter of synthesis as of original research. It takes disparate pieces of evidence and existing arguments and theories, and constructs something new from them. Synthesis involves constructing coherent arguments that draw on a wide range of evidence and perspectives. It builds on previous scholarship by integrating past research with new findings.

Synthesis, in other words, connects the dots of knowledge. By erecting bridges between ideas and interlacing threads of thought, works of synthesis bring coherence to complexity and create clearer, more intelligible narratives. That’s the power of scholarly synthesis.

And yet, often, works of synthesis are dismissed as “textbookish”—as lacking in depth, richness and originality.

At its best, synthesis is essential to the practice of scholarship. By drawing on previous work, combining different pieces of evidence, theories and perspectives from multiple disciplines, and engaging with big questions, synthesis is what contributes to the construction of new understandings of a particular topic or field. It’s no accident that Bloom’s Taxonomy of levels of cognition places synthesis at the top of his hierarchy.

Synthesis is as important in humanities and social science classrooms as in scholarship. It encourages students to construct their own frameworks of analysis and understanding, and to see connections between different pieces of information and disparate theories and approaches.

Effective syntheses also connect academic research to real-world issues, making scholarship more relevant and applicable to everyday problems and societal challenges.

For most scholars, certainly for me, the most profound and shattering moment in writing comes when you suddenly happen upon the story line that gives an article or book coherence and conceptual unity—a narrative that one can latch on to and develop.

I first felt the pang of revelation when I unexpectedly realized that the history of the American family was not a linear story of “progress” or “adaptation” but instead a story of radically shifting paradigms, structures and power dynamics—a series of “domestic revolutions” when a patriarchal yet permeable conception of family gradually gave way to the emotionally intense, bounded, inward-turning nuclear family, and then to the extremely fragile units that dominate today, with their unachievably high expectations about affective and sexual fulfillment.

I felt this same spasm of surprise again when I abruptly understood that the history of American childhood involved two very different stories. There was the history of children—peer relations, kid cultures, play activities and their everyday experiences, which are shaped by highly specific chronological, class, ethnic, familial, gender, racial, religious and school contexts, and the history of childhood, an imaginary world constructed, in part, by adults, who want to protect, insulate, shelter or prepare children, and by kids themselves, who, as they age, seek more and more autonomy and who regard their own childhood as an odyssey of self-discovery and self-formation.

I underwent such an eye-opening experience yet again when I recognized that the history of modern adulthood might be understood in terms of the gradual construction, beginning in the late 19th century, of a conception of this life stage defined in opposition to childhood and youth—as mature and well-adjusted as opposed to youthful dependence and impulsiveness—into a postmodern conception of adulthood that lacks clear rules or markers.

If we want to raise students’ writing to the next level, we must show them how to transform their research into analytical narratives that combine storytelling techniques with thoughtful analysis. That requires instructors to teach the importance of a synthetic narrative structured around a story arc. Here’s how.

• Begin with a hook—a striking anecdote or anniversary or statistic that grabs the readers’ attention.
• Craft an overarching argument that speaks to a larger debate or controversy.
• Explain how this piece of writing will fill a gap in our understanding or refute, revise, modify, refine, test or confirm a widely shared opinion, myth, perspective or assumption.
• Interweave evidence, argument and theory as seamlessly as possible.
• Confront potential objections to the interpretation; assess counterarguments; and describe the evidences’ limitations.
• Reflect on the research findings’ implications.
• End with a kicker—a powerful concluding remark to leave a lasting impression.

Effective scholarly writing requires a narrative arc. This is what elevates academic research into a work that is coherent, compelling and engaging. So, help your students understand the power in storytelling, in crafting narratives that transform data to drama, that turn research into a compelling tale.

Steven Mintz is professor of history at the University of Texas at Austin and the author, most recently, of The Learning-Centered University: Making College a More Developmental, Transformational, and Equitable Experience.

Our students have been drifting away, Helen Kapstein writes, but we want them to drift back to the mindset of being c

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Supreme Court unanimously concludes that anti-abortion groups have no standing to challenge access to mifepristone – but the drug likely faces more court challenges

Professor of Law, University of Virginia

Professor of Law, George Washington University

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On June 13, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States unanimously decided to uphold access to mifepristone, one of two pills used in medication abortion. Mifepristone has long been used safely and effectively in medication abortions around the world .

Shortly after the 2022 Dobbs decision that overturned 50 years of abortion rights, anti-abortion groups and doctors challenged the Food and Drug Administration’s 2000 approval of mifepristone and its loosened regulations on how mifepristone is prescribed, arguing that it could not be used safely.

The Conversation asked professors of law Naomi Cahn and Sonia Suter to explain how the Supreme Court case came about and what the ruling means for access to abortion pills and abortion more generally.

How did this case get to the court?

In Food and Drug Administration v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine , the plaintiffs argued that the FDA had not adequately tested mifepristone for safety . They also claimed that the FDA’s subsequent changes, which made the drug even more widely available, were also flawed.

In 2016, the FDA expanded the time frame for prescription of mifepristone from seven weeks to 10 weeks gestation and allowed nonphysician health care providers, like nurse practitioners, to prescribe the pill. Then, in 2021, the FDA removed the in-person dispensing requirement and allowed certified pharmacies to distribute it.

What does the decision mean?

As a result of the opinion, the use of mifepristone remains legal in the states that have not banned abortion.

As of June 2024, medication abortion accounts for more than 60% of abortions in the U.S.

In its ruling, the court decided that the plaintiffs did not have standing . Standing is the legal doctrine that limits the type of cases that courts can hear to ones where there are clear and concrete harms to the parties involved.

The court explained the requirement of standing by quoting the late Justice Antonin Scalia, who stated that plaintiffs need to answer “ a basic question: ‘What’s it to you? ’”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s opinion for the court rejected the plaintiffs’ standing for several reasons . First, it noted that the plaintiffs “do not prescribe or use mifepristone” and that the “FDA has not required the plaintiffs to do anything or to refrain from doing anything.” Thus, they are “unregulated parties who seek to challenge FDA’s regulation of others.”

The court ended by noting that even if no one has standing in this particular case, the issue may “be left to the political or democratic processes” through which opponents can voice their “concerns and objections.”

Justice Clarence Thomas concurred, agreeing with the rest of the court while also writing separately to point out that the doctors did not have standing here, just as he believes “abortionists lack standing to assert the rights of their clients.”

Why is this opinion significant?

This case is important because it is the first full Supreme Court opinion since the court’s 2022 opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization , which overturned Roe v. Wade and found no federal right to an abortion.

In holding that the plaintiffs lacked standing, the court did not address the merits of the claim. This means that the decision maintains the status quo in terms of FDA regulation of abortion pills.

But it is important to emphasize that the opinion did not take on legal questions concerning the validity of the FDA regulations or any other question concerning the FDA’s authority, which means many questions remain unanswered. For example, it is not fully clear to what extent the FDA regulations take precedence over state regulations regarding the prescription of mifepristone, which is at the heart of some of the lower court cases .

Nevertheless, for the moment, the FDA allows mifepristone to be mailed via certified pharmacies and to be prescribed without in-person visits; up to 10 weeks gestation; and by nonphysician health care providers, like nurse practitioners.

Might there be other cases involving abortion pills?

Other cases involving abortion pills are already in lower courts.

First, three states – Idaho, Kansas and Missouri – have indicated that they are ready to challenge the FDA’s decision-making on mifepristone, so the issues in this case might be back at the Supreme Court.

Second, states are already restricting access to the abortion pills. In May 2024, Louisiana made the decision to treat both mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances , meaning that the legislature concluded – albeit without scientific evidence – that there are dependence and abuse risks involved in taking the medication. Both pills are used for purposes other than medication abortion.

Third, a federal court judge in North Carolina recently upheld some of the state’s restrictions on medication abortion . This includes a requirement for an in-person consultation 72 hours in advance of the prescription, as well as an in-person examination and ultrasound before prescription. The judge’s reasoning was that these requirements seemingly concerned issues “beyond regulating the safe use of mifepristone,” such as regulating the medical profession.

On the other hand, she struck down the parts of the North Carolina law that prevented patients from receiving the pills through pharmacies and taking them at home. She also blocked the requirement of an in-person follow-up appointment. In her view, these conflicted with the FDA decision to remove those requirements.

Fourth, under a Trump administration, the FDA could decide to revert to the old requirements for prescribing mifepristone. That would be a “highly unusual” approach, but nothing bars that possibility. Moreover, it is a strategy explicitly recommended by anti-abortion activists .

Finally, there is the issue of the meaning and application of an 1873 Victorian statute, the Comstock Act , which criminalizes the mailing or shipping of any “lewd, lascivious, indecent, filthy or vile article” and anything that “is advertised or described in a manner … for producing abortion.” Anti-abortion groups believe this applies to mifepristone.

The Department of Justice, under the Biden administration, has interpreted the statute as only applying if the sender knows the recipient plans to use the pills “illegally” for abortion. However, under another administration, the DOJ might view the reach of the Comstock Act more broadly. .

As we have noted before , a broad reading of the act could go beyond a prohibition on mailing the pills, even where abortion is legal; it might also apply to the distribution of any drug or medical tool – beyond just mifepristone – used to perform an abortion. These same tools are also used for other types of obstetrics and gynecology care. This could have the effect of banning abortion across the country, even where states allow abortions. .

While the short-term consequences of the ruling leave mifepristone available where it is legal, this is not the last word on access to medication abortion.

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NIH needs reform and restructuring, key Republican committee chairs say

By Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Robert B. Aderholt June 14, 2024

W hile the best parts of biomedical innovation are represented by ringing the bell at a cancer hospital after the final round of chemotherapy, the worst are reminiscent of Frankenstein’s monster.

As investigators continue to gain insight into the early days of Covid-19, the origins of the pandemic may be still up for debate. In addition, congressional investigations into the National Institutes of Health have revealed that scientists have conducted, or have been granted approval to conduct, dangerous experiments with little oversight. And in some instances, they have been intentionally deceptive about research being conducted with taxpayer dollars. NIH officials have consistently resisted transparency at every stage of various congressional inquiries.

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In addition, we have witnessed how the costs and complexities of administering an agency comprised of dozens of different institutes and centers, offices, and programs have created a fragmented system rife with stagnant leadership, as well as research duplication, gaps, and misconduct.

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Opinion David French

The Day My Old Church Canceled Me Was a Very Sad Day

Credit... Jim Watson/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

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By David French

Opinion Columnist

• June 9, 2024

This week, the leaders of the Presbyterian Church in America are gathering in Richmond, Va., for their annual General Assembly. The Presbyterian Church in America is a small , theologically conservative Christian denomination that was my family’s church home for more than 15 years.

It just canceled me.

I am now deemed too divisive to speak to a gathering of Christians who share my faith. I was scheduled to speak about the challenges of dealing with toxic polarization, but I was considered too polarizing.

I was originally invited to join three other panelists on the topic of “how to be supportive of your pastor and church leaders in a polarized political year.” One of the reasons I was invited was precisely that I’ve been the target of intense attacks online and in real life.

The instant my participation was announced, those attacks started up again. There were misleading essays , vicious tweets , letters and even a parody song directed at the denomination and at me. The message was clear: Get him off the stage.

And that’s what the conference organizers chose to do. They didn’t just cancel me. They canceled the entire panel. But the reason was obvious : My presence would raise concerns about the peace and unity of the church.

Our family joined the P.C.A. denomination in 2004. We lived in Philadelphia and attended Tenth Presbyterian Church in Center City. At the time, the denomination fit us perfectly. I’m conservative theologically and politically, and in 2004 I was still a partisan Republican. At the same time, however, I perceived the denomination as relatively apolitical. I never heard political messages from the pulpit, and I worshiped alongside Democratic friends.

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