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Opinions

Op-eds can be an effective way to contribute to public conversations about a topic and even help shape policy. If you are a faculty, staff member, or registered student聽and聽would like feedback on an op-ed idea, please reach out to: info.communications [at] mcgill.ca.聽It should be understood that you鈥檙e speaking for yourself, not the institution.

Tips for writing

Craft a clear message, focusing on one idea or argument and tell readers, high up in the piece, why they should care.
Write in strong, lively language. Provocative or contrarian viewpoints are more likely to grab editors鈥� attention.
Make it timely. Tie your piece to a news peg and deliver it several days ahead of that event (e.g. a high-profile Supreme Court ruling or major space-exploration launch).
Keep your sentences and paragraphs short and simple. Editors love punchy copy. So do readers.
Choose a strong title for your piece, knowing that the editor may decide to change it. They almost always rewrite the headline, but it still pays to craft one that will grab their attention.
Weave in relevant facts and statistics to bolster your case but try to avoid using too many of them.
Anecdotes and examples may help illustrate points and add colour to the piece.
Steer clear of academic jargon and technical terms. If editors and readers need to labour to figure out what you are saying, you have lost them.
If you are focusing on a problem, propose ways to fix it. Finish on a note that reinforces your message.
鈥婣im for a length of 500-650 words. Keep in mind that editors reserve the right to edit or condense contributions.

Tips for submitting

Most newspapers and commentary sites post guidelines and email addresses for submitting op-eds electronically. Include the op-ed within the body of an email 鈥� attachments are usually discouraged. Include 鈥淥p-ed Submission鈥� in the subject line.
鈥婼ubmissions need to be exclusive to one media outlet, so do not approach a second publication until you are declined by the first one. You may stipulate at the top of your piece that you will offer it elsewhere if you do not hear back within a certain period (e.g. three business days).
Make sure to include your contact information and a brief line on your credentials.
Major newspapers are often flooded with far more submissions than they can possibly print, so try to target your piece strategically. The Media Relations unit may be able to help identify the most appropriate media outlet for your piece.