Op-Ed Elements

“Op-ed” is short for “opposite the editorial.” It refers to the page of a newspaper next to the page of its unsigned. 

(It’s also widely understood as meaning “opinion editorial”, or guest commentary. A good op-ed is a concise, timely, well-supported and accessible argument.

Concise usually means between 500 and 700 words (though some online publications will accept longer);
Timely means it’s important now; it relates to a recent, current or upcoming news item;
Supported means you can back up your claims with convincing evidence;
Accessible means you do so in language that can be broadly understood.

In fact, when writing for a lay, versus learned audience, it’s important to:

• avoid jargon and acronyms
• avoid 75-word sentences
• use active versus passive verbs
• choose shorter words when possible
• enliven theories or concepts with concrete examples and vivid analogies

Lede – An engaging first line or paragraph that ensures your compelling argument gets read. (The competition for attention is fierce, so investing in a creative or provocative lede increases your chances of having an impact.

News hook – The way you make your argument relevant and answer the question – posed by editors and readers alike) – “why now?” Connecting your ideas or analysis to something that’s already a hot topic, or relates to a current issue, or upcoming event, increases its relevancy.

Thesis – Your basic argument, which doesn’t have to be explicitly stated but should be clear and original. A focused thesis also makes it easier for you to keep the piece within the tight guidelines usually required, gauging which supporting statements or evidence are most pertinent to your central claim.

Evidence – The support you use to back up the claims of your argument, this can be drawn from:

• statistics (from credible sources, government reports…)
• case studies and anecdotes
• historical or international precedent
• expert findings, judicial inquiries…
• authoritative texts (peer reviewed research…)
• polling data
• personal interviews, testimonials, eye witness reports
• other credible and/or disinterested sources
• personal experience
• logic

“To be sure” – Your acknowledgement of one or more counter arguments that those who disagree with you might make. When you include – and refute – the “other side”, it becomes harder for people to discount your claims.

Conclusion – Your strong close, which can restate your argument, offer a solution, or call people to action.

Your Credentials – This is provided at the bottom of your piece in one sentence (not three!) starting with “(Your name) is…” It cites your title and/or your most relevant qualification (published book, recent award, personal experience) to the topic you’ve written about.