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Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor
Getting Yours Published
Getting published isn't easy, but it's an invaluable way of spreading the word about health care reform in Pennsylvania. The keys to success are brevity, relevance, and clarity - and a little style. The following pointers may help. Samples are here.
Op-Eds
Find a hook. Editors need a reason to publish your opinion. A recent event, the release of a significant study, new government figures, or a response to a recent article all work.
Know the word limit. Editors won't take time to shorten your overlong
submission, they'll just discard it. 800 words will do, less is better,
but stick to the publication's policy on length. If you can't find the
policy, examine the op-ed page to see how long a typical piece runs.
Make just one point. Make it clear and make it persuasive.
Avoid jargon. Not everyone is up to speed on health care issues. Avoid acronyms like sb400 that only insiders know. Keep your language simple and clear.
Make it personal. Illustrations, anecdotes and personal stories bring our health care crisis to life.
Be specific. State your opinion on how to improve matters. Make a clear recommendation.
Draw the reader in, but get to the point. Your first paragraph should convince your audience to read further. Interest or intrigue, but always make your point in those first lines.
Start strong, end strong. Your final paragraph is as important as your opener. Summarize your argument in one strong final paragraph.
Letters to the Editor
Make just one argument. Your piece should be in favor of or critical of a particular position taken by the paper or described in an article.
Be specific. The letter should focus on a specific issue that was raised in an article or editorial.
Cite the article. Be sure to mention the title and date of the article you’re responding to in one of your first two sentences.
Be brief. Four to six paragraphs are ideal. Overlong submissions get discarded, so be crisp if you want to be seen.
Don't forget to follow up. Most op-ed editors will respond to you within a week. If you've heard nothing by then, a single follow up call to be sure your op-ed was received is polite and customary. Email requires more persistence, as editors' inboxes are deluged with mail every day.
Editors like paper submissions double-spaced and with wide margins. List
your complete contact information at the top of the piece. Publications
usually have instructions on how they prefer submissions, whether mail,
fax, or email. Finally, remember that email is becoming a "junk medium,"
so quality counts more than ever if you wish your submission to stand
out.