Once you’re familiar with how they’re written, you’re ready to craft yours. These 10 tips for writing effective op-eds will help you write at least one that you can have on hand and update according to the news story for immediate publication:<\/p>\n

1. Read the publication you\u2019re submitting to.<\/strong> You want to be familiar with its style and tone as well as the types of op-eds it typically runs.<\/p>\n

2. Introduce yourself to your newspaper\u2019s op-ed page editor <\/strong>by telephone or e-mail and request the publication\u2019s op-ed guidelines if they’re not on the website (many are). Then follow them.<\/p>\n

3. Determine your goal.<\/strong> What do you want to achieve through your op-ed? Do you want people to behave differently or take a specific action? Keep this goal in mind as you write.<\/p>\n

4. Select one message to communicate. <\/strong>Op-eds are short \u2013 typically 800 words or less \u2013 so you have room to make just one good point.<\/p>\n

5. Be controversial.<\/strong> Editors like essays with strong opinions that will spark conversation.<\/p>\n

6. Illustrate how the topic or issue affects readers.<\/strong> Consider putting a face on the issue by starting your essay with the story of somebody who has been affected, or begin with an attention-getting statistic that will surprise people or make them think.<\/p>\n

7. Describe the problem and why it exists. <\/strong>This is often where you can address the opposing viewpoint and explain your group\u2019s perspective.<\/p>\n

8. Offer your solution to the problem and explain why it\u2019s the best option.\u00a0<\/strong>You might need to include alternative solutions to make the case for your own.<\/p>\n

9. Conclude on a strong note <\/strong>by repeating your message or stating a call to action.<\/p>\n

10. Add one or two sentences at the end that describe your credentials<\/strong> as they relate to the topic. Be sure to include your book title — you’re doing this in large part to get exposure for your book, after all.<\/p>\n