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Tips on getting your op-ed or letter to the editor published

Do you have expertise on a timely topic, or an opinion to share with the public about a current event?

Here are some general guidelines for writing op-eds:

  • Make sure your op-ed has a news hook – that it's about an issue in the news. Submit it immediately.
  • Choose a newspaper to target and learn its policies. Many papers, for example, won't accept op-eds longer than 600 words and require an exclusive submission.
  • Forcefully state your opinion, back it up with fresh facts and end with a brief conclusion.
  • If you e-mail your manuscript, don't send an attachment. Many media outlets won't open it.
  • Include a short biographical description of yourself.

Contact information for local and national news organizations

If you need more information or help, Contact Media Relations.