Your Opinion Matters.
In the age of the Internet, you can speak your mind anywhere. Your own blog is definitely one of them. However, there are other places where your opinion may lend more credibility. The Op-Ed is one of them.
An Op-Ed is the abbreviation for “opposite the editorial” – not opinion/editorial, which is often incorrectly stated.
An Op-Ed is where you can express your views, which may or may not agree with the publication’s editorial board. Op-Eds can be solicited from the publication or you, the author, can submit it unsolicited. Each publication has its guidelines for submitting Op-Eds. Make sure you read them before you submit.
What should you write about? What’s “trending” is what’s popular and will most likely be accepted. Timing is everything. If the topic isn’t current or hot, publications may not to consider it. Some articles can be written ahead of time for future/upcoming events. Featured or top stories, holidays and major events such as a new medical breakthrough, court rulings/decisions, significant anniversaries may give you an edge over other submissions.
When writing your Op-Ed, don’t be too technical. Write it so that people will understand your position. While each publication’s word count may to be different – keep your articles to approximately 600 words or less. Read the intended publication’s guidelines. and pay particular attention to what their acceptable word count is. Some major publications like The Washington Post and Wall Street Journal will accept 600-1200 words.
Proofread, proofread, proofread. Ask friends to read it. Don not get offended if the publication asks you to edit your article – this is standard practice. You want the best article published. It’s your byline and once it’s out there…it’s out there.
Submitting your Op-Ed
Most publications require that submission be sent by email to a designated email address. Again, please read each publication’s guidelines. Make sure you include your name, the topic in the subject line, and for some publications the article needs to be pasted into the body of the email. Do not forget to include contact telephone numbers for day and evening, and a brief biography of yourself (or the author).
Acknowledgement and Acceptance/Rejection
Be patient for a reply. Publications receive hundreds of emails each day. It takes time and it will probably be two weeks or more before you hear something. If your Op-Ed is rejected, don’t get discouraged – submit it to another publication. The buck doesn’t stop on the first try.