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Maybe you’re a business person, a corporate executive, or an entrepreneur working on her first project. And you’ve got something important you’d like to put out there for consideration. How do you express your thoughts and be taken seriously? It probably won’t be a blog or social media post. Your thoughts likely won’t get attention, unless you’re famous.
The solution could be an op-ed published in a major newspaper, or on the website of a major media outlet. “Op-ed” literally means “opposite the editorial page.” It’s an editorial by an individual who is not on the newspaper’s editorial staff. Most important newspapers allow op-ed pieces to be published, provided they meet certain requirements.
An op-ed published in a newspaper means that outlet deems your piece to be important and worthy of consideration. An appearance in a well-known newspaper means prestige.
What would be the point of an op-ed?
There are several possibilities. A business leader may want to establish authority and thought leadership. By sharing insights or opinions on industry trends, economic policies, or business strategies, a leader can position themselves or their company as an authority in their field. This can enhance their reputation and influence.
Op-eds provide a platform to sway public opinion or influence policy-making. Leaders can use this to advocate for regulations that benefit their industry, discuss economic implications of current policies, or propose new ideas.
Writing an op-ed can act as a marketing tool. It can increase brand visibility, not just for the leader but for the company they represent. It's a way to reach a broader audience beyond typical business circles, potentially attracting new customers, partners, or investors.
In times of controversy or crisis, an op-ed allows a leader to directly communicate with the public or stakeholders to clarify situations, apologize, or defend their company's actions, thereby managing or mitigating negative publicity.
Publishing in respected outlets can lead to networking opportunities with other thought leaders, policymakers, or influential figures in various sectors. It can also open doors for speaking engagements or collaborations.
Leaders might see an opportunity to educate the public or their industry about new technologies, business practices, or changes in consumer behavior, which can indirectly benefit their business by creating a more informed market or workforce.
For many business leaders, especially those in high-profile positions, personal branding is crucial. An op-ed can highlight their personal values, vision, or leadership style, distinguishing them from competitors. That high profile rises even higher.
Constructing an op-ed
Op-eds sometimes go viral, with other news organizations quoting them and thus spreading the word. I’m sure you’ve heard network news reports referring to an op-ed that appeared in the likes of the New York Times or Washington Post.
Let’s briefly describe a typical op-ed. Most of them range from 600 to 800 words. Some newspapers may allow up to 1,200 words, but shorter pieces are preferred for readability and space reasons. A newspaper has space limitations, unlike a website.
The headline should be catchy and reflective of the article's main point, often written by the editorial team but can be suggested by the author. The “byline” is the author's name, sometimes with a brief bio or title for credibility. The lead, or opening paragraph, should grab attention, and state the main argument or issue succinctly.
The op-ed’s body should include an argument or narrative, to support the main idea. It should also include facts, data, anecdotes or expert opinions to back up your claims. You might consider including counterarguments to strengthen your position. The conclusion should reiterate the key point and include a call to action.
There are style considerations. The tone should be persuasive but not overly aggressive, maintaining a tone that invites dialogue rather than confrontation. The writing must be clear and concise. While personal anecdotes can be powerful, the “voice” should resonate with the broader audience of the publication.
Paragraphs should be short to keep the reader’s attention, ideally not more than three or four sentences each. Subheadings are sometimes used in longer pieces to break up text and guide the reader through the sections. This article, for example, has three subheads.
Your op-ed must be original work and not published elsewhere. Many publications require the piece not to have been submitted to multiple outlets at the same time. It is possible the publication will want you to submit a brief bio and/or photo, especially for first-time contributors. Topics should be current or timeless, aligning with the publication’s news cycles.
The author should disclose any conflict of interest, such as a financial interest in the subject matter. Op-eds are not advertising. The publication will expect the author to ensure the accuracy of information, so check your facts. Editors may also check for accuracy.
You ought to inquire to the publication regarding the submission process. Some want a pitch first, while others will accept a full draft. There are often strict deadlines for submission, and these are often tied to news cycles or editorial schedules.
How a ghostwriter can help
I run a professional writing service called Ghostwriters Central, Inc. We have written op-ed pieces for many clients and they have been published. If you’ve got the time to spend crafting an op-ed, congratulations, and you don’t need us. But if your daily obligations drain the available time, we can handle the writing for you.
Through the interview process, we will distill your thoughts into clear, compelling arguments or narratives. We will adapt the writing style to match your voice, or adjust it to suit the publication’s audience to assure the op-ed resonates with the readers. We can do the research to back up your positions. Of course, you will have the opportunity to make revisions.
Of course, we are happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement to assure discretion. That’s why ghostwriters are called ghostwriters. When the work is completed, the writer disappears. Like a ghost. Well, not literally, but you know what I mean. Ghostwriters Central, Inc., has been providing professional ghostwriting services to clients worldwide since 2002. To find out more, just click the link. Your consultation is free. Thanks for reading
