How to Write Op-Eds

Editors welcome op-ed submissions from women because only a fraction of submitted op-ed pieces are written by women. So, be that voice in the media and start by reviewing the guidelines below:

  • The strongest op-eds are written in the first person. What sets an op-ed like that apart is that the writer speaks from personal experience or describes something she has witnessed.
  • Another form of op-ed offers a solution; but those are typically best suited for writers who are authoritative on the topic they cover (scholars, professionals like doctors, journalists, authors, scientists, politicians etc.)
  • Write about something that you consider your turf and that you are passionate about. But caution: The piece needs to come to a point that is of broader concern. And whereas a blog post can be solely a comment on a topic or a previous post, even a rant, a strong op-ed has to be structured and always backed up by documented facts.
  • As a rule of thumb, op-eds are about 650 words long; the shorter the better.
  • Always acknowledge — even if you strongly disapprove — opposing views to stay credible.

  • Write in plain language and avoid clichés. Think like your audience, who is not an expert in your topic. Check your ego at the door. Use short sentences. Back up your claims with solid facts, data, evidence or personal experience. Use active tense. Avoid categorials like always, never, only, best, worst, most. Don’t introduce too many topics at once.
  • Explain why the subject matters to your readers by taking a long-term view or by describing general trends, especially since many of your readers might not be directly affected by, or have experience in, the topic.
  • Think like a reader. What captures your attention? Intrigue your audience with new thoughts and point of views. Don’t just rehash what you’ve heard or read or seen. Give your readers thought-provoking and challenging points of view that are different, bold and new. Say something. Avoid dry analysis. And most importantly, you don’t want to preach to the converted but rather change the minds of those who oppose or dismiss your views, or worse, are indifferent.
  • Don’t get overheated; stay credible and don’t get carried away by door-pounding, head-banging rage. Follow Gail Collin’s advice that strong feelings for a topic should not distort an op-ed writer’s thinking. It is possible to be outraged without being paralyzed and without overwhelming your readers.

Structure of an Op-Ed

  • Start with a strong lead — a few sentences the most — that grabs your readers’ attention. Write the lead short and to the point. Use personal experience, what you’ve witnessed or find a news peg; use strong quotes, anecdotes, even a joke. After the first paragraph, the reader needs to know why this topic is important and why it affects her as well.
  • State your position with at most 2-3 claims, each backed up by arguments and evidence.
  • Rebut counter arguments by acknowledging them; don’t just dismiss them or make fun of them. Use facts to come across stronger than your opponents.
    At the end, the readers need to understand why they should adopt your point of view.
  • Conclude your line of thought on a strong note, either by picking up the thread from the lead or by using a quote/your prediction/food for thought for the reader/a short summary/a call for action or a personal appeal. But don’t be dramatic or use empty threats.

— written and compiled by Tekla Szymanski

Additional Resources:

  • Share/Bookmark