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

An op-ed article is an essay in a media outlet expressing the opinion of the writer on a given subject. The name op-ed is derived from “opposite editorial,” a callback to when most newspapers and magazines were delivered in print and guest opinion pieces were on the opposite side of the editorial page. The letters to the editor found in many newspapers are basically shorter versions of op-eds.

These opinion pages have long been a key way for thought leaders to share their thoughts on current events without the undue influence of a news outlet’s editorial board or newsroom clouding their perspective. They’re an opportunity for people of all different persuasions, beliefs, and backgrounds to promote their advocacy for a specific point of view on controversial issues.

People who submit to an op-ed page are usually passionate about a controversial topic and motivated to have their voice and opinions be heard. Subjects of op-eds include arguments for or against a local, regional, or national policy; commentary on small or large issues that affect a segment of society or an entire culture; critiques of a senior official in the community; and others. No matter the particular focus, the best op-eds argue a point of view cogently, fairly, and thoroughly.

Whether you’re guest writing for a friend’s blog or pitching the op-ed editor of a major newspaper, there are some important things to keep in mind about the process. Here are seven steps for writing and submitting your op-ed:

1. 1. Decide on your main point. You should be able to clearly state the central aspect of your point of view on a subject succinctly before ever writing a full op-ed piece about it. This will help you weed out extraneous details or lackluster arguments that don’t serve your main point from the get-go.
2. 2. Start with a strong lede. Your lede is the first sentence or, in some cases, the entire opening paragraph of your op-ed project, and it should grab the reader’s attention. An effective op-ed keeps anyone reading it engaged from the first paragraph to the last, so open with a lede that hooks the audience. If you’re writing about something like climate change or healthcare, start with a stirring anecdote about how policies (or the lack thereof) in regard to these issues are already affecting people just like your readers. A successful op-ed persuades the reader its subject has a direct bearing on their lives.
3. 3. Use active voice. Writers should always aim for active voice (as opposed to passive voice) in writing. For example, let’s say your piece is about how a Supreme Court ruling hurts small businesses. In the passive voice, this would be written as something like this: “Small businesses are hurt by this new Supreme Court ruling.” That’s nowhere near as punchy and effective as the active voice variant: “This new Supreme Court ruling hurts small businesses.”
4. 4. Address counterarguments. The very definition of op-ed writing is to ultimately persuade the reader to believe the same things as the author, if not to act in accordance with them. Think of the best political op-ed writers you’ve encountered in your own reading life: Regardless of which side of an issue they were on, they likely understood and could even argue the other side’s position for them. Your piece will be far more effective and well-argued if you can understand and combat the best arguments of your opposition.
5. 5. Give the reader something to do about it. Ending your op-ed column with a call to action is a traditional and effective way to end an opinion article. Whether it’s voting, engaging in community outreach, improving their mental health, or rooting for your favorite sports team, give your readers something to do when they finish your piece.
6. 6. Mind the submission requirements. No matter where you want your op-ed published, it’s best to follow their submission guidelines to a tee. If they mention a specific word count limit, make sure to come in under it. If they say they’re not taking any more comments about recent events like a pandemic or election, avoid trying to shoehorn yours in. You’re far more likely to get your opinion printed when you abide by an outlet’s established framework.
7. 7. Know your audience. While op-ed pages are open to free inquiry and discourse, it’s important to submit your point of view to an outlet that makes sense. You don’t want to send your thoughts about the vice president to a website whose op-ed page usually prints different takes on dinner recipes. Make sure you’re sending your thoughts to a forum that already trafficks in a similar kind of discussion.

While the author’s name is affixed to many op-eds, some are published anonymously. Considering many opinion articles are about extremely controversial issues, it makes sense that you may be wary to put your name to your opinion even if you express it with composure and empathy for the other side. Many outlets allow anonymous op-eds to be published, so that’s an option worth looking into if you feel like expressing yourself with a greater degree of privacy. In cases like this, your byline—or name—would simply not be printed alongside your commentary.

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