How to Write Op-Eds That Change the Conversation
A well-placed op-ed can help you call attention to an important issue or change minds about a controversial topic.
The explosive op-ed written by a senior member of the Trump administration that was published this week in The New York Times is an extreme example.
But op-eds can also be incredibly useful for nonprofits and companies that are looking to inspire action in local and national markets.
Op-eds explained
Unlike reported news stories, op-eds are opinion pieces written by those who aren’t on the staff of a newspaper, magazine or website. They offer outside voices the opportunity to express opinions and share ideas in their own words.
Traditionally, they appear opposite the editorial page (hence the name, op-ed), which is where the newspaper’s editorial board expresses its opinion on important issues.
Why op-eds matter
While newspapers don’t quite carry the same influence they once did, op-eds can nonetheless be valuable tools for those looking to raise awareness about a problem or issue.
In fact, one could argue that op-eds have more influence than ever.
That’s because a published op-ed not only appears in the newspaper, it also appears online, which gives you the opportunity to point to it on your own site, in blog posts, and through social media.
But, as is the case with pitching stories, it’s a challenge to get news outlets to run your opinion piece.
Newspapers and other outlets only have the resources and space to run a limited number of op-eds. As result, competition for these pieces can be fierce.
How can you get your opinion published?
We've helped a number of organizations and individuals write and place high-impact op-eds -- and we've learned a few tricks along the way to maximize our odds of getting these pieces published.
Download this free e-book to learn our 5-step process for writing and placing op-eds that change minds and inspire action.