"Op-Eds" get their name from their placement on the page opposite of the editorial page in modern newspapers. These are articles written expressing an author’s opinion. These essays are longer than a letter to the editor and allow for more opinion. The tips below will help you write an op-ed that you could submit to your local paper.

• Know the paper’s style. Every paper has different expectations. The average is usually from about 400 to 750 words, but look at the op-eds in your local paper to see what is typical; don’t exceed that. Be careful to follow all requirements set by the newspaper.
  

• Pull people in.  Op-eds should begin with a lead, similar to that of a feature piece in a newspaper, which grabs the reader and pulls him into the piece. You can be more stylistic in op-eds than in letters, but the language should remain straightforward. Offer statistics on the situation or present a personal narrative of someone facing that issue.
  
• Keep it timely. If you are not addressing a specific article, editorial or letter that recently appeared in the newspaper, then tie the issue you want to write about to a recent event. Be careful that you don’t just give basic information; try to focus on the most current aspect of what is happening and the policies being debated.
  
• Mention your elected officials. Always try to bring up your elected officials, praising or criticizing them for their action(s) and give specific steps that the official can take next.
  
  
• It’s okay to provide lists. Many effective op-eds include lists of steps that the reader (or elected officials) should take. For example, well-known writer Nick Kristof often includes a list of steps that the president should take to stop the genocide.
   
• Include your contact info.  Editors usually have to call you to confirm authorship, so don’t forget to include your phone number in your submission.