Part IV: Writing for media

One of the most widely read sections of the newspaper is the Letters to the Editor page. A letter to the editor allows readers to express their opinion on a hot topic, add an additional point of view regarding a recent article, or correct or clarify an inaccurate or misleading story. But because letters are so popular, there is a lot of competition to get letters published.

Research publication guidelines

These are often found on the opinion or letters page, either in print or online. Different newspapers and magazines have different rules regarding what they will accept, what contact information they need, and the maximum length. Find the guidelines and follow them to avoid being immediately rejected. If guidelines are not available, the rule of thumb is that shorter is better. Many publications will not run letters longer than 250 words.

Writing effective letters

Be timely

Your letter has the best chance of being published if it is in reaction to a story or column in the paper. Respond as quickly as you can—the day the story runs is ideal but certainly within a few days of the story’s or column’s publication. Editors are most likely to run one of the first letters they receive in response to a story.

Be specific and brief

Stick to one main point. If the publication wants no more than 250 words, and you made your point in 150, it’s OK to stop writing. If you want to write something that is longer than a few paragraphs, you will probably need to write a commentary piece, or op-ed.

Follow publication style

Become familiar with the types of letters the paper publishes. If your letter is in response to a specific story, cite the headline and date within your letter. (“While many people admit that they are suffering from extreme stress, as reported in ‘Americans More Stressed than Ever’ (November 27), we must also recognize that...”)

Localize your content

Your personal experiences and expertise are often worth adding. So are local statistics or any details to localize the issue.

Use your expertise

If there is psychological science behind your main point, cite it. If your being a psychologist adds heft to your views, note it. If you are responding in a professional capacity—e.g., as a psychology professor or other official—note that, as long as you have clearance from your employer to use your affiliation.

Submission process

Prepare to be contacted. The publication will want to verify that you are who you say you are and that you wrote the letter. Give your name, address, email address, and phone number. Newspapers do not publish anonymous letters.

Remember to proofread. While editors can and will edit your letter to correct grammar or cut down the length, make sure you catch any typos or other errors before sending it. And don’t be offended if the publication edits your letter; it’s not personal.

Op-ed is newspaper shorthand for opposite the editorial because traditionally, opinion pieces have been printed on the page opposite the newspaper’s editorials. Op-eds are not news pieces, they are the writer’s opinion, usually on a timely topic and in an area where the writer has expertise or special knowledge. If you have an interesting opinion to share and can express it clearly and persuasively in about 750 words, you may reach millions of people, change minds, and perhaps even reshape public policy.

Essential elements

Have a news hook

News outlets are much more likely to accept a piece about a topic that’s in the news. Readers want your perspective on something they’re already reading about, so try to tie your topic to something already in the public eye. Keep in mind that timeliness is everything in the news business so try to capitalize on what’s happening in the world—or your state or town—right now.

Tailor to your audience

If you’re submitting to a local newspaper, they’re typically looking for op-eds that are relevant to their community, so include local influences on or consequences of the issue. You can also emphasize your personal connections—many op-ed editors prefer authors who live locally or who have other local connections.

Research your target outlets

We all want to be published in The New York Times, but consider a range of outlets and get familiar with where you’ll submit your op-ed. Outlets like Psychology Today and HuffPost are always looking for content. Local or regional newspapers are also looking for diverse voices. Read the outlet to which you’re submitting to get a sense of its style, voice, and tone. Most newspapers have op-ed word limits of around 750 words, so you’ll have to be concise.

Writing techniques

Write simply

Make your points clearly and concisely. Use short sentences and paragraphs. Think about how you would talk to your parents, grandparents, or next-door neighbor. Ask a nonacademic friend to critique your draft and make sure it is free of confusing language, abbreviations, or unfamiliar terms.

Lead with your main point

In academia, scientists lay out the groundwork that supports their ideas before they articulate their conclusions. But in an op-ed, that order is reversed. Start with your key point and then unpack it for readers. You have to grab readers’ attention from the get-go and convince them that you have something to say.

Limit your focus

Three points are usually the limit. Considering the amount of space you have, don’t try to pack in too much. By limiting the points you are trying to make, you will increase the likelihood that your work will be used because your writing will be tighter.

Finish strong

In addition to having a strong opening paragraph to hook readers, it’s important to summarize your argument in a powerful final paragraph. That’s because many casual readers scan the headline, skim the opening, and then read the final paragraph and byline.

Use stories over statistics

Statistics are OK in moderation, but stories capture readers’ attention—most of us remember narratives and colorful details better than numbers. Bring your examples to life. Include details—what something smelled like, looked like, felt like. Embrace personal experiences. Use the active voice. (Not “Mistakes happened,” but “I made mistakes.) And remember: You’re not writing an academic article.

Make it relevant

Put yourself in the place of the busy person looking at your article. Ask aloud: “So what? Who cares?” You need to answer these questions. If you describe a problem, propose a solution. Don’t be satisfied with analysis. How should your town help those in deep poverty? How can we solve the problem of racism?

Submission strategy

Ensure exclusivity

Don’t submit your op-ed to multiple outlets simultaneously, thinking that this will increase your chances of getting it published. Most newspapers insist on exclusivity. If you don’t hear back from an editor within a week of submitting, follow up with an email asking if a decision has been made because you’d like to submit the piece elsewhere.

Follow submission guidelines

Almost all outlets post guidelines about how they prefer to receive op-ed submissions. In general, they provide an email address where you can submit the article electronically, but check first. Always be sure to include your contact information and say whether you have a head shot of yourself available (and to which you have the rights).

Don’t give up

If you have not heard back in three to five days, it’s OK to email the outlet to find out if they are passing or still considering publication. If that does not elicit an answer, let them know that you plan to submit the piece elsewhere—and then do so. It is not uncommon to have to submit a piece to several outlets before one accepts it. Keep in mind, most major newspapers and magazines receive hundreds of submissions so don’t take rejection or silence personally.

After publication

If your op-ed is published, share it on social media. Consider sending a copy to your legislator and/or other affected parties in your state or town.