How to Pitch and Write Op-Eds

All Simons Institute vistors are invited to a short workshop where we will discuss how to successfully pitch op-eds to editors in the non-specialist press, and how to write them effectively. Op-eds, which historically appeared opposite the editorial page of newspapers, now take many forms. Some still appear in this traditional context. Others appear on websites—opposite nothing in particular, but expressing the point of view of an informed outsider on some subject of interest to a publication’s readers. We will discuss the process by which publications, both online and off, agree to publish contributions from outsiders. How does one capture and hold an editor’s attention? And, having captured that attention, what ingredients are crucial to a successful op-ed essay, and what common pitfalls must one avoid?

Registration is closed, but drop-in participation can be accommodated on a space-available basis.

If you plan to attend, please take the time to read these short articles first, though you will still be welcome even if you don’t:

[Former] NY Times Op-Ed editor on their selection criteria:
https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/01/opinion/01SHIP.html

And a follow-up on their editing process, which is more-or-less representative of their peer competitors:
https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/31/opinion/what-we-talk-about-when-we-t…

And a more recent follow-up with some useful tips:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/25/opinion/tips-for-aspiring-op-ed-writ…

If you like, please do come with ideas in hand for things you would like to write so that we can discuss them. But do come if you’re interested, even if you don’t have any ideas in hand.