Comments on: How to write an op-ed column or essay: 10 tips for success

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Mon, 20 May 2024 13:35:58 +0000

Great question, Niloufar. I’m glad you asked.

If the topic is very timely so publication needs to happen quickly, I’d recommend using “TIME SENSITIVE: (topic) op-ed submission.” Then I’d follow up by phone and leave a brief message alerting them to your email.

If it’s less urgent, something more like “Timely op-ed submission about (topic)” will work.

Sandy

By: Niloufar Lamakan

Niloufar Lamakan — Mon, 20 May 2024 09:52:42 +0000

Hi Sandra, Fantastic article! Thank you so much for sharing. Do you have any tips for what to put in the subject line of an email to catch the editor’s attention? Should it be the title of your op-ed or something else? Thanks again.
Niloufar

By: Publicity Tips--106 Top Lifestyle Bloggers | Publicity Hound Archives

Publicity Tips--106 Top Lifestyle Bloggers | Publicity Hound Archives — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 17:56:43 +0000

[…] To do: Check out Sandra Beckwith’s excellent step-by-step directions on “How to write an op-ed column or essay.” […]

By: Publicity Tips–106 Top Lifestyle Bloggers

Publicity Tips–106 Top Lifestyle Bloggers — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 21:07:11 +0000

[…] To do: Check out Sandra Beckwith’s excellent step-by-step directions on “How to write an op-ed column or essay.” […]

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 18:34:09 +0000

In reply to Karen @ Ghostwriting Services. Good luck! Sandy

By: Karen @ Ghostwriting Services

Karen @ Ghostwriting Services — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 17:44:05 +0000

These are excellent tips that I am definitely going to try. I do have some strong opinions regarding the Americans’s overall health and well=being and will begin sharing them via op-eds.

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 17:50:24 +0000

In reply to Bobbi Linkemer. I love serendipity, Bobbi! And I'm so glad it was helpful. Sandy

By: Bobbi Linkemer

Bobbi Linkemer — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 16:59:19 +0000

Sandy, As always, right on the mark. Clear, concise, comprehensive and exactly what I need right this minute. Your timing always amazes me.

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 21:22:43 +0000

In reply to Marcia Yudkin. That's a great tip, Marcia! Thanks so much. Sandy

By: Marcia Yudkin

Marcia Yudkin — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 16:22:59 +0000

One thing I’ve noticed in the last few years is that the style of headlines for op-ed pieces has changed a lot. Op-eds in prominent papers like the Washington Post and the NY Times no longer have stodgy, straightforward headlines. Instead, the headlines can be quite informal, lively and personal in tone.

For example:
* Children’s books, give me a female squirrel, a female duck, a female anything
* Ukraine’s government just faked a journalist’s death. Will it be worth the cost?
* The Housewives of White Supremacy
* Rules for WITCH HUNT!: The Board Game
* I have Updated My Personal Privacy Policy

While op-ed editors will often change the headline you suggest, if you provide them with a stellar one, it can get them reading your piece with much more interest than otherwise.