This document provides definitions and guidelines for writing op-eds. It defines various types of opinion writing like editorials, columns, and op-eds. An op-ed is defined as content placed "opposite the editorial page." The document outlines the distilling process of boiling down ideas to a focused issue or findings, suggested solution, and call to action. It provides elements that make a strong op-ed, such as taking a stand, focusing on issues not personalities, and having a strong lead and conclusion. Dos and don'ts are listed, like using third person rather than first or second. Sample submission guidelines are also included from publications like the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post. The document concludes with suggestions for transition

1. OPINION
WRITING

2. DEFINITIONS
• EDITORIAL
• COLUMN
• OP-ED
• LETTER TO EDITOR

3. OP-ED
• THE TERM COMES FROM THE TERM “OPPOSITE THE EDITORIAL PAGE”

4. DISTILLING PROCESS
•Boil down your ideas into the following:
•A narrowly focused issue or findings
•Do the findings suggest a change in policy or
solution
•An-easy-to-describe solution
•A call to action to support that solution

5. ELEMENTS OF OP-EDS
• Keep it tight
• Keep it relevant
• Take a stand (where possible)
• Attack issues, not personalities
• Don’t be a bully
• Control your anger
• Start with a strong lead and solid finish
• Source: Inside Reporting, Tim Harrower, pages 134-135

6. OP-ED DOS AND DON’TS
• Do not follow a five-sentence paragraph format. Most
journalism uses shorter paragraphing.
• Do not use “I” or “you” in the editorial
• Do use “third person”
• Do get to the point first, then, if appropriated, propose a
solution and write a call for action.
• Do support the call for action with at least three arguments.
One of the arguments should take on an opposing point of
view.
• End up with a conclusion that summarizes the arguments and
reemphasizes the call for action.

7. SAMPLE GUIDELINES FOR OP-EDS
https://www.wsj.com/articles/oped-guidelines-for-the-wall-
street-journal-1384383173

8. WASHINGTON POST
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/submit-an-op-ed/?utm_term=.0ae862a6e7f7

9. TRANSITING FROM ACADEMIC
SOURCES

10. JOURNALIST’S RESOURCE, HARVARD

11. RELIGION-FOCUSED OUTLETS
• Washington Post Acts of Faith –
Soliciting commentary
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/news
/acts-of-faith/wp/2016/01/19/want-to-
write-for-acts-of-faith-here-are-some-
guidelines/?utm_term=.a6a5f6a129b1
• First Things
• Firstthings.com
• Religion News Service
• Deseret News National Edition