Writing Policy-Focused Op-Ed Columns

First Things First: What is an Op-Ed?

• Op-Ed stands for “opposite-editorial”, since it is printed opposite the editorial column in a physical newspaper
• An op-ed is a column that represents a strong, informed, focused opinion of relevance to a targeted audience
  • In this case, op-eds will be focused on policy topics for a general audience

Defining Characteristics of an Op-Ed

• The main goal of op-ed writing is to persuade others to your point of view
  • Op-eds are typically 500 to 750 words long (800 words maximum)
  • Effective op-eds will:
    • Call attention to a relevant, though perhaps not immediately obvious, issue
    • Have a clearly defined point of view
    • Maintain a strong, unique voice throughout the piece
    • Be timely and topical

Questions to Ask Yourself when Writing an Op-Ed

• Do I have a clear point to make?
  • What is it?
• Who will care?
  • Who are you trying to convince?
  • Who are you targeting? Why?
• Is there substance to my argument?
  • Can you offer first-hand experiences, expert knowledge, empirical evidence, etc.?

Identifying Your Topic and Theme

• Topic: Primary Focus of the column
  • First Paragraph
  • Issue + 5 W’s (who, what, when, where, why)
• Theme: Overarching idea & importance
  • Can be found in the beginning or end
  • Serves as a turning point or transition into deeper aspects of your argument

Maintaining a Strong Voice in Your Op-ed

• A wide range of voice styles may be used:
  • Contemplative
  • Conversational
  • Descriptive or reportorial
  • Informative or observative
  • Humorous
  • Experienced or informed/informative
• Most Op-Ed pieces are conversational
  • Imagine yourself having a focused conversation with your reader

Inverted Pyramid Structure

• The inverted pyramid presents information in order of descending importance
• Organizing your op-ed in this way will help catch your readers’ attention

Crafting Your Opening Sentence

• The first line of an op-ed is crucial
  • “Hook” -> Grab the reader’s attention!
  • Lays the foundation for your argument (1 paragraph)
  • Examples: Strong claim, metaphor, surprising fact, etc.
• Be sure to address why your topic is relevant now & to your readers

Researching Your Topic

• Two methods of research for an Op-Ed:
  1. Primary or Field Research:
  • Known expert knowledge or experiences
  • Examples: Interviews, Observations, etc.
  2. Secondary Research:
  • Academic journals & peer-reviewed research
  • Examples: databases, research outcomes, current policies, etc

Crafting Your Ending

• Strong Op-Ed endings have the following requirements
  • Echoes or answers introduction
  • Last & most memorable detail
  • Calls the reader to action
  • Foreshadowed by preceding statements
• Two types of endings
  • Open endings – suggests a conclusion rather than stating
  • Closed endings – states a conclusion rather than suggests

Op-ed Revision Checklist

• Prior to submission for publication, be sure to check:
  • Clarity
  • Coherence and unity
  • Simplicity
  • Uniform voice, tone, & opinion
  • Accuracy of sources used (formal citations are not necessary)

Tips for Successful Op-Ed Writing

1. Do not write in first-person
2. Make sure each paragraph included contains only 1 main idea with support points
3. Use statistics, peer-reviewed studies, etc. To support your arguments
4. Always included at least one “con” argument to balance out your “pro” arguments

Additional Resources

• Writing and Submitting an Opinion Piece
• How to Write an Op-Ed or Column
• How to Write an Op-Ed Article
• The Op-ed Project
• Writing & Placing Opinion Pieces
• And Now a Word From Op-Ed