Write an Op-Ed

Op-ed editors are inundated with submissions. Your chances of being published depend on how relevant, concise and opinionated you are.

To increase your odds of having your op-ed printed:

• Be relevant. Connect your piece to a topical issue in the news, a new government report, an issue of current public debate, new research findings etc.
• Capture the reader from the outset.
• Take a stand at the beginning. Outline the issues but come down strongly on one side.
• Back up your position with factual, statistical info or direct personal experience.
• By the second paragraph the reader should know where you stand.
• Be personal and conversational not academic, distant, philosophizing.
• Avoid jargon and insider terms. You will lose a general audience by using academic or technical language.
• Use active language and avoid clichés.
• End your piece by restating your argument in the strongest terms, and make suggestions for how to improve matters.
• Be concise – no more than 800 words.

Remember:

• Include your full name, credentials and contact information
• Send the op-ed within the body of an e-mail, not as an attachment
• Put “Op-ed Submission” in the email subject line
• Submissions need to be exclusive to one media outlet. Don’t send it to a second newspaper until you’ve been declined by the first one.
• The media reserve the right to edit, condense or reject your contribution

Contact communications officer Anne Craig at 613-533-2877 if you want help submitting your op-ed or professional editing prior to submission. You can also email Anne at anne.craig@queensu.ca.