This document provides information about op-eds, including that they allow more control over message and perspective compared to news stories, and are written by community members rather than staff. It distinguishes op-eds from editorials, columns, and letters to the editor. Tips are provided on pitching op-eds, including keeping the lede short, making a clear argument, including research, proposing solutions, and having a call to action. Suggestions are also made for easier and harder places to get an op-ed published.

2. News Op-ed
Less work.
Reporter writes story.
More work. You write
and pitch op-ed.
Less control.
Reporter controls story.
More control. You shape
your message.
Topic benefits from
neutral observer
Topic benefits from your
perspective

4. Editorial: The position of the newspaper, always
written by the editorial board. No byline. There is no
such thing as a “guest editorial.”
Staff or syndicated column: Opinion pieces written by
staff or syndicated writers. Byline will say “staff
column” or “syndicated column”
Op-ed or Guest Column: Opinion pieces written by
members of the community. Byline may say “Special
to” or “Guest columnist.”
Letters to the editor: Responses to previously
published news or opinion articles

10. “
”“Mark Mullan has a treatable
disease: addiction”

11. “
”“Show respect for fast-food workers
with sufficient pay

12. “
”How raising the minimum
wage to $15 would hurt a nonprofit

13. “
”Compassion and hope for parents who
abuse

15. Short lede, ~100 words
Main argument
Research supporting your
argument
Propose solutions
Ending, kicker or call to action

16. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/c
hi-manuscriptemail,0,7050649.customform
http://seati.ms/opedguide
http://bit.ly/n3conoped

18. Easier
• Local ethnic print publications
• Hyperlocal websites: Patch.com
• Ethnic national websites: 8Asians.com
• Business journals: Crain’s
• National websites: Huffington Post
Harder
• Daily metropolitan newspapers
• National newspapers

22. http://www.aaja.org/join-aaja/

24. http://austinkleon.com/show-
your-work/

25. http://bit.ly/opedchicago
Sharon Pian Chan
Assoc Opinions Editor
Seattle Times
Dr. Cory FranklinMarcia Lythcott
Op-ed Editor
Chicago Tribune
Ameet Sachdev
Business Reporter
Chicago Tribune