In days of yore, an op-ed was an opinion column opposite the editorial page of a newspaper (opposite-editorial). Nowadays, an op-ed is understood to be an opinion piece having a sharp, single focus written in a clear, informed voice. While expressing the author’s point of view, an op-ed is more than mere opinion and it goes beyond a letter to the editor.

In general, an op-ed is a studied opinion containing credibly-sourced, well-organized information to represent a specific viewpoint. In other words, an op-ed presents a valid argument. Believe it or not, good opinion editors are always on the lookout for well written, clashing views.

An op-ed can be written for someone else to submit. With this approach, the op-ed should be written in a way to reflect that person’s voice. The best way to develop a piece of writing is to interview the “author” using the format in this tutorial and transcribe their answers, then edit that draft down to a crisply written piece.

“Good editorial writing has less to do with winning an argument, since the other side is mostly not listening, and more to do with telling the guys on your side how they ought to sound when they’re arguing.” —Adam Gopnik, Staff writer, The New Yorker

Why Write an Op-Ed?

A well-written opinion can shine a bright light into dark corners, making it possible for readers to consider new information or information restated in an accessible way. An op-ed that hits hard and fast with the right kind of information is a credible way to rally readers to a cause. The persuasive power of an editorial solidifies support for an issue and may sway those who are on the fence. As Adam Gopnik of The New Yorker points out, the opposition is mostly not listening, so an op-ed should target those who are listening and those who are likely to listen.

An effective op-ed can evoke reaction and response, compelling readers to get more involved (e.g. make donations, call lawmakers, contact businesses, or join movements). Public figures and organizations frequently experience an increase in constituent contacts following a published editorial. In short, a good op-ed has a built-in ability to move people to action.

Try One on for Size

These published op-eds were selected for our tutorial because they clearly illustrate how few words are required to get a point across. Subject matter aside, these pieces are persuasive, packed with information, and offer food for thought as you consider your first draft:

For More Ideas, Read or Browse:
Tips to Consider Before Drafting
  • Your piece really must be original. Avoid any temptation to borrow from other op-eds or articles you’ve read. That is plagiarism. It is fine to get ideas from other sources, but in the end, the writing has to be original.
  • Use plain language. Acronyms and other jargon have a place, but not in a public essay. Write simply and clearly.
  • Consider your audience. The average reader is not going to be an expert. It’s up to you to capture their attention with a strong, well-written piece.
  • Be well-positioned on the topic. If you aren’t, your writing may lack credibility. You don’t have to be famous or an expert, but you do need to know what you’re writing about, and your op-ed needs to reflect that.
  • Have current information and facts. If your piece isn’t on par with current information, it will show. Double check your data before submitting to an editor.
  • Go to source data when sharing facts. If you borrow from other articles or op-eds, it is possible to copy their errors into your piece. As an example, if you want to quote facts from data in the Oregon Death with Dignity Act annual report, go directly to that report rather than pick up data quoted in other sources.
  • Be compelling and respectful. It is possible to point out flaws in the other side of an issue, but not point out flaws in the people who hold those views.

“To write is human, to edit is divine.”

Stephen King, Author
Draft Your Op-Ed

There are a couple of different structure approaches you can use to craft a well-written op-ed. This format is a commonly used approach and will help you zero in to keep your writing focused:

Headline

Regardless which structure you use, submit your own headline with the op-ed, otherwise the editor will choose a headline that highlights the conflict on the issue. Your headline may not be used, but you have a much better chance if you submit one. Your title should hook a reader right away as they scan the newspaper. Who would not read an op-ed with any of these titles?

From My Pancreas to Yours

Minding My Own Death

It Ain’t Easy, but it Should Be

Declaration from a Dying Man

Byline

Include the author’s name and title if they have one, with a very short bio sentence (no more than 20 words).

John Doe, PhD, Professor of Ancient Literature at XYZ University, is a terminally ill resident of Portland, ME and can be reached at [email address].

Thesis Statement

Begin your op-ed with a strong statement of opinion, so people know where you are coming from right up front. You can also start with a very brief story that leads into the thesis statement. In this example, the thesis is this law should pass. As written it is 81 words reduced from a draft of 125:

I am dying, and I don’t want to be. But there it is. The facts about my health are undeniable. As an educated, reasonably well-adjusted person who has lived my entire life with autonomy and self-determination, I have every right to expect my death should go the same. Our lawmakers and governor must do the right thing: give Mainers access to Death with Dignity. We have waited 25 years. No more waiting. They must pass [bill number, title] sponsored by [lawmaker].

Reason

Follow up with the reason you/the author has this particular opinion (64 words after editing):

Living with pancreatic cancer for over five years has not been easy. Dying with it is horrific. Cancer has stolen my vitality, taken my ability to live an independent life, and may kill me before the end of this legislative session. A legal, medical standard of care exists to ease my suffering. Just not in Maine. And I am not going down without comment.

Facts

Add brief facts to support the presented opinion. Be sure to keep it very brief, perhaps one or two sentences in a paragraph. This example is 117 words without the reference citation. Note how some facts are implied, like the fact that accessing death with dignity is a patient-driven choice. Some facts are personal, like the author’s remarks about his own physicians:

The truth is, 3 out of 4 surveyed adults in [xyz poll] agree we should have a death with dignity law to help terminally ill patients if they want to access it.

Over fifty percent of surveyed physicians in [xyz poll] also agree their patients should be able to access death with dignity under a safe-guarded law if they choose.

My oncologist and hospice physicians want the law so they can safely help me die on my own terms. They understand more about cancer and suffering than anyone else I know. They respect my right to access patient-centered care.

The Oregon Death with Dignity Act has proven to work exactly as intended and for exactly whom intended [add reference citation].

Conclusion

The final paragraph should reinforce your/the author’s opinion and reason(s) for having that opinion. It can also include encouragement for others to take an action, e.g. voters to vote a certain way, governor to support a bill, etc. This example wraps up with 127 words, bringing the total op-ed word count to 389, well within the range of most editor requirements:

I do not expect everyone to agree with my end of life decisions, but I do expect everyone to acknowledge they do not have a right to make them for me. That is up to me. I will sort out my own dying details with my family, my physicians, and my faith leader. After all, it’s my pancreas. If you do not agree, I respectfully ask you to tend to your own death.

For the love of humanity, contact your legislators today to urge passage of [bill number, title, link to legislature search area to find lawmakers]. Tell them you read my op-ed.

Reach out to our local organization [xyz] or Death with Dignity National Center [website] to join the movement for expanding end of life care.

This patient example for a local paper is just one way to approach using the outline. It is written from a specific personal perspective with boldly stated opinions and facts to back it up. It packs a lot of information into less than 400 words. Imagine how much deeper the author could take this if his paper allowed 600 to 800 words for a guest column op-ed.

For More Ideas, Read or Browse:
A Final Note

Title and author information are not included in word count. Be sure to provide complete contact information with the submission:

Full first and last name

Mailing address

Phone number with area code

Email address

Editors will use this information to confirm the submission if they intend to publish it.

Prior to submitting, take extra time to consider what you’ve written. Even a day or two of reflection may give you more insights or solutions to editing that will further empower your writing. Practice reading it out loud. This will help you catch any typographical or grammatical errors, and reveal areas where editing may make it easier for others to read it. Try having someone else read it back to you.

Don’t make yourself crazy. As with any creative piece, there comes a time to call it finished. Make final spelling and grammar checks after the last edit, and submit your op-ed according to publication requirements.