An opinion piece is an article, generally in a newspaper or magazine, that shares an author’s perspective on a contemporary issue. This can help to spark healthy debates about new research, provide a fresh context for an old problem or just inspire a discussion of a particular social, cultural or political topic.
A good opinion piece adds value by being personal and by connecting with readers. It is not a heavy academic essay, but it is still expected to inform, educate and explain without being preachy or boring. For this reason, it is important to keep your audience in mind, especially when deciding where to send your op-ed.
Be sure to read an outlet’s submission guidelines, as they may vary widely. In general, most publications prefer op-eds that are timely, relevant and linked to current events. They may also ask that you offer a graphic, photo or video to accompany the piece.
Keep paragraphs short. Look at op-eds in your target outlet and try to match their length and writing style. Write in active voice and avoid jargon. If a technical detail is not essential to your argument, leave it out.
Be sure to have a strong final paragraph that summarizes your main point. This is because many readers may just skim the headline and opening paragraph and not read the whole article. If you can make your concluding point more vivid, it will have more impact. For example, you might write about a specific item that was outrageously overpriced by the Pentagon as an example of profligate government spending and the need for fiscal restraint.