By Michael McKown
Let’s kick things off with a simple question: What exactly is an op-ed? If you’ve ever flipped through a newspaper or scrolled an online news site, you’ve probably stumbled across one without even realizing it. Short for “opposite the editorial page,” an op-ed is a piece of writing that’s all about opinion — your take, your voice, your spin on something that matters. Unlike the strait-laced news articles that stick to who, what, where, and when, op-eds give you room to stretch out, to argue, to persuade. They’re the spice in the otherwise bland stew of facts, a chance to say, “Hey, here’s what I think, and you should too — or at least hear me out.”
The history of op-eds is a bit like a winding river; it’s been around longer than you might expect, with twists and turns along the way. The term itself popped up in 1970 when The New York Times started running them, crediting editor John B. Oakes with the idea of putting guest opinions right across from the paper’s own editorial stance. But the concept? That’s older than dirt. Think back to the 18th century, when pamphleteers like Thomas Paine were firing off fiery takes in Common Sense, rallying colonists to ditch the British. Fast forward to the 20th century, and you’ve got heavy hitters like George Orwell penning Politics and the English Language, a scathing op-ed ahead of its time, tearing into sloppy thinking and sloppier writing. These pieces weren’t just rants, they shaped how people saw the world. Today, op-eds still carry that torch, whether it’s someone dissecting climate change or a local hero calling out city hall.
So, you want to write one? First off, let’s talk about what editors are looking for because, trust me, they’re picky. Most op-eds clock in around 600 to 800 words, tight enough to keep readers hooked, but long enough to dig into your point. You’re not writing a novel here, so don’t meander. Newspapers and sites like The Washington Post or The Atlantic often have submission guidelines online, and they’re your holy grail. Some want a pitch first, a quick email saying, “Here’s my idea, want it?” Others let you send the whole shebang. Either way, timeliness is your golden ticket. If you’re writing about a tax bill that just passed or a scandal blowing up on X, you’re more likely to get a nod than if you’re musing about, say, the fall of Rome.
(If you’re a progressive, you might want to forget about the WaPo. Owner Jeff Bezos is making changes, apparently designed to eliminate all but “conservative” opinion).
Style-wise, think of an op-ed as a conversation with a smart friend over coffee, not a lecture from a podium. You want to be clear, punchy, and personal. Forget the jargon or the five-dollar words that make you sound like a walking dictionary. Editors love a voice that feels human, not robotic. Take a cue from someone like Ta-Nehisi Coates, who wrote that gut-punch of an op-ed, The Case for Reparations, for The Atlantic. He didn’t just list stats about slavery’s legacy, he wove in stories, like the Black families cheated out of homes, and let the anger simmer just under the surface. That’s the trick: make your argument sharp, but let your personality bleed through.
Start strong, really strong. Your opening line’s got to grab readers by the collar. Something like, “The planet’s burning, and we’re still arguing about light bulbs,” beats a snooze-fest like, “Climate change is an important issue.” From there, build your case. You’ve got to have a point, not just a vibe. Why should anyone care? Back it up with a mix of hard evidence — say, a stat about rising sea levels — and something softer, like how your kid asked why the beach keeps shrinking. Editors eat that up because it’s relatable, not preachy.
Here’s where it gets fun: You’re not just stating facts, you’re swinging for the fences. Take a stand. If you’re wishy-washy, readers will smell it a mile away. Look at how Michelle Obama once wrote about education in The Guardian, pushing for girls’ schooling with a fierce tenderness that made you feel her urgency. She didn’t hedge. You shouldn’t either. But don’t just yell into the void, anticipate pushback. If you’re arguing for a four-day workweek, toss in a line like, “Sure, some bosses will say productivity will tank, but studies from Iceland say otherwise.” That shows you’re not afraid to tussle.
Tone matters too. You can be witty, angry, or heartfelt, just don’t be boring. Humor’s a tightrope, though; lean too hard into snark, and you’ll lose half your audience. Think of David Sedaris, who could write an op-ed about a soggy sandwich and make it a sly jab at consumerism. Keep sentences varied, short ones for punch, longer ones to unpack an idea. And idioms? Sprinkle them in like salt on fries. Saying “we’re kicking the can down the road” on healthcare beats “we’re delaying action” any day.
Finally, wrap it up with a bang, not a whimper. Don’t just summarize, leave readers with something to chew on. A call to action works wonders: “Next time you vote, ask who’s actually fighting for this.” Or go bold, like Orwell did, warning us that bad writing poisons thought itself. Submit it — email’s fine, follow the site’s rules — and don’t be crushed if you get a “no.” Editors get swamped. Tweak it, try again.
Writing an op-ed is like tossing a stone into a pond. You want ripples, not a splash that fades. It’s your shot to say something that sticks, maybe even changes a mind or two. So, what’s on your chest? Grab a pen, or a keyboard, and let it fly.
But if you need help with the flying part, Ghostwriters Central, Inc. can assist. We provide op-ed/opinion writing services to those with something to say but either don’t have sufficient writing skills, or the time to do the writing. If you’d like our help, begin by clicking the link. Your first consultation is free.