Thursday, May 24, 2012

Checklist


Prior To Sending Letter:
  • Keep under 150 words regardless of newspaper word limits
  • Remember your audience - no one thinks your smart if you use stuffy language
  • Reference the original article in the opening
  • Pitch one idea
  • If possible, repeatedly use one word/phrase
  • Use active verbs, try to avoid adjectives and adverbs
  • Present the argument like a story
  • Have MSQ approve it
  • Send letter in body of email (newspapers do NOT open attachments) with full contact info (full name, address, contact #). If you have published previously, include that as well.

Prior To Sending Op-Ed:
  • Keep to 600 words unless newspaper says otherwise
  • Remember your audience - no one thinks your smart if you use stuffy language
  • Pitch one main idea
  • Open with an anecdote, a quote, an example to immediately grab the readers attention
  • Make sure the intro includes your main argument
  • Keep paras to 3-4 sentences
  • Make sure the idea is insightful
  • Support your opinion with facts or personal experience
  • Use active verbs, try to avoid adjectives and adverbs
  • Have MSQ approve it
  • Send letter in body of email (newspapers do NOT open attachments) with full contact info (full name, address, contact #). If you have published previously, include that as well.

Comments (0)

Write comment

feedShow/hide comment form

busy