Writing and Placing Op-Eds

Why the op-ed page? Most newspapers have a commentary page opposite the editorial page that serves as an open forum for citizens to share their concerns; it is the second most read section of the paper after general news. Policymakers look to the commentary page to inform themselves and to gauge public opinion.

Speak Up! “Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless.” —Proverbs 31:8 “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” —Micah 6:8

What is the format of an op-ed piece?
It is your written 300- to 600-word opinion or comment about an issue, policy or event in the news. National birthdays or celebrations are also good op-ed topics. The most popular format is as follows:

• state the problem,
• say why it is wrong, and
• give your well-reasoned ideas about how to fix it.

Be sure to provide citations for every fact and figure you include. For example, I once had an editor ask me to document what I meant by a “trickle,” when I wrote that “U.S. refugee admissions had gone from a flow to a trickle.” It’s a bit like doing a mini research paper for a senior English class!

What are the newspaper’s guidelines for an op-ed?
Contact the newspaper’s editorial page editor. Ask for the paper’s guidelines for op-ed submissions and follow them. The guidelines will include length, whether or not they want an exclusive, author contact information needed, author background, etc. I also include a brief 100-word author bio when I submit an op-ed. They generally pay for an op ed they accept—that’s another reason why they are sometimes tough to place!

More Practical Advocacy Tips
Contacting legislators in writing or by phone.
Visiting legislators in person.
Writing letters to the editor.
Setting up editorial board visits.

Page updated June 16, 2003.