Getting Started

The opinion pages are one of the best-read sections of any publication, offering a valuable platform to influence voters. This article provides guidance on how to write your own piece.

Introduction to LTEs and Op-Eds

There are two basic forms of opinion pieces: letters to the editor (LTEs) and Op-Eds. Here is a quick breakdown of each.

Type

Letter to the Editor

Op-Ed

Description

A letter sent from a reader to a publication in response to discuss an issue of concern or comment on a recent piece. Some of these letters are published in the opinion section.

An opinion-based piece on a relevant issue that is published separately from the editorial section. These can be written by columnists or guest writers with a unique perspective.

Length

Concise and to the point, ~200 words.

Longer and more in-depth, ~600-800 words.

Submission

Submissions are welcome from any reader. Anyone can write and submit one of these, anytime! If you would like guidance in writing and submitting a letter, you can reach out to PAF Press Lead, Olivia Hammond.

Submissions are carefully scrutinized by the editorial team, who often have limits on how many pieces they'll publish on a single topic.

Because of this, we ask that you please coordinate with PAF Press Lead, Olivia Hammond, before writing.

Pre-Writing Checklist

Here are a few key things to keep in mind before getting started on your piece.

Decide what type of piece you're writing.
Are you planning to write an LTE or Op-Ed? If an LTE — write away! If you'd like to write an op-ed, please reach out to PAF Press Lead, Olivia Hammond, to coordinate on topic, publication, and submission.
Pick a timely topic.
Most outlets only publish pieces that are relevant to the current news cycle. If you're responding to a specific story, be prepared to submit your piece ASAP — ideally just a few days after the original piece — while the topic is still relevant.
Consider length.
Keep general word count limits in mind before beginning your piece. Aim for the shorter end of the limit (~200 for LTEs, ~600 for Op-eds) to keep your publication options only, or choose an option from this document outlining word count limits for key local publications.
Choose a publication.
Pick a target outlet that will be a good fit for the angle you’re taking, then think further about the specific audience you’ll be able to reach through that outlet and what you can convince those people to do. Keep this audience in mind as you write.
Find your angle.
Identify a unique perspective you could bring to the conversation, such as any specific expertise or community ties. Offer fresh insights or address potential counterarguments to your stance.

Templates & Examples

In order to help you get started, here are some basic templates for each type of opinion piece, as well as some great examples of published pieces to use as inspiration.

LTE Template

To the Editor:

Opener: Opening hook, followed by a reference to the article or recent news you’re responding to (i.e. With respect to the article “TITLE”). Support or refute the opinion or decision in question, and state your position.

Body: Explain your stance, including your ties to the issue and why you are speaking out. Add supporting details and explain why other people should care too. Use data, statistics, and/or illustrative examples to back up your claims.

Call to Action: Propose a solution and make a call to action. Clearly outline the urgency of the situation and what is at stake if no action is taken. Describe the possibility for change if we do act.

Conclusion: Recap your point and include specific information on how readers can get involved.

Sincerely,

[Name]

Op-Ed Template

Heading

Title

Date

Author / Credentials

Opener: Use a captivating opening to engage the reader. You could lay out a shocking visual or use a powerful story - there are many ways you can grab the reader’s attention. Establish the problem, and the ways in which it directly impacts the reader or their community. Lay out why this argument is timely and why the person reading should care right now.

Body: Over the next few paragraphs, present the problem and argue several supporting points. Use data and statistics to show your claims have merit, and cite powerful examples to bring your argument to life and evoke an emotional response from the reader. Then, provide some hope. Lay out your proposed solution and describe what the future could look like instead if we choose to combat the stated problem as a community. If there is a common counterargument, it may be useful to address and refute it here. You may also want to briefly describe who you are, what efforts you’re making, and why you’re in a position to share your opinion.

Conclusion: Describe what steps can or are being taken to address your points, or perhaps how you or others have already started working towards a solution. Include a memorable detail or story to leave readers with. Echo your opening statement and summarize your argument. Conclude with a call to action, compelling readers to be a part of this change and providing details on how.

Personal details: Most publications require a quick description of the author to add to the end of the piece, including why they are uniquely qualified to share their opinion. Maybe you know a lot about the topic, are part of a community that is impacted, etc. Many publications also require your headshot with submission.