The Ins and Outs of Op-Ed Writing

Op-ed pieces have their own structure, length, voice, etc. Knowing how to merge your opinion with factual information is an important part of writing an op-ed piece and attracting readers to your story.

Jennifer Finney Boylan, author, speaker, and writer for New York Times Opinion joined a recent ProfNet #ConnectChat to discuss op-eds.

Jennifer Finney Boylan. Photo by James Bowdoin.

Jennifer Finney Boylan. Photo by James Bowdoin.

In addition to writing for the New York Times, Boylan has authored 13 books, including her national bestselling memoir She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders.

Boylan not only shared how she writes op-ed pieces and makes them into compelling stories, but also talked about how to pitch them to major publications.

If you missed the Twitter chat, here is our recap. You can learn more about Jennifer Finley Bowlan, her new novella I’ll Give You Something to Cry About, and other writings on jenniferboylan.net.

How did you get involved in op-ed writing?

I was a novelist for years then became a memoirist. As a man I wrote fiction. As a woman I wrote nonfiction. Symbolic? An editor at The New York Times wrote me one Halloween and asked me to write about growing up in a haunted house. So my first op-ed for NYT Opinion was the result of an editor reaching out to me. After that, I started writing for the NYT “political postcard” series in election ’08.

How does an op-ed piece differ from other nonfiction writing?

An op-ed piece differs from other nonfiction in that it really is about opinion. I’m a storyteller, so this is hard. What I mean is, as a novelist (or a memoirist), the story is the opinion. I hate to spell it out. Show don’t tell, and all that.

But in opinion writing, they want the story, but also the opinion, the “telling.” At a certain point you have to tell the moral, make your opinion clear. Generally, you can’t just tell the story, and leave it at that — which is what my instinct is.

So an op-ed is a particular kind of story that also advocates a “position.” And that position has to be backed up by fact and research, as well as your own charming voice.

When writing an op-ed where should one draw the line on opinions if they work in a client services-based industry?

Do know that your opinions become public and will become associated with you. For instance, I’m the national co-chair of the board of directors of GLAAD, and I have to be careful. People will think that my opinions are GLAAD’s opinions if I write about LGBT issues.

As a writer, I don’t draw lines — I want to write about everything! As a public figure, I have to be careful not to damage the brand of the organization. Bottom line is, I try to be very careful, and don’t write when I’ll jeopardize the organization.

What’s your philosophy on structure for nonfiction and op-ed pieces?

I always try to start with a story, preferably humorous. Then I try to “show” how the story connects to an issue in the news, or of note. And then I try to wrap up by circling back to the joke again, preferably in a new way. That’s how I do it, but there are other methods. I like leading with the story that pulls readers in.

What is the typical length of an op-ed piece?

On op-ed ideal length: NYT likes 800 words for standard column, like the regulars: Brooks, Collins, Bruni, etc. If I’m pitching a piece at them, I’ll generally aim for 800 words, especially in the summer. Why summer, you ask? Because the regular NYT columnists take vacations in the summer, so they’re always looking for people to fill. That’s how I became a regular after the “postcard” series — I became a designated summer filler — columnist “substitute teacher.”

If I’m pitching an original piece, I go as long as 1,200 words. I send to editor with note, “This is long; I can cut.” Because now I have a relationship with an editor, and I know she will read my work. They allow Sunday columns to go long too, because there’s more space in the Sunday Review. But if you’re trying to be the Best Little Freelancer In All The World, aim for 800 words.

What type of language should writers use in their op-ed piece to help move/capture their readers?

Each writer has his or her own style, of course. Gail Collins has mastered a casual, comic tone. David Brooks is more academic. Your best bet– hate to say it– is to be yourself. People can tell if you’re faking it.

My own regret is that I can’t be quite as funny as I’d like to be in NYT Opinion. Collins is the grand master of funny-but-serious on the page. I think I am funnier in person than on the page, but maybe that’s a good thing. I bet you could read a “typical” column by one of the Times’ dozen or so regulars and know within a paragraph who wrote it.

What is the first thing you do before you sit down to write a first draft?

Step one is, asking: What am I passionate about? Step two is, asking: Do I know a story that’d help me get into the subject?

Let’s say I want to write about cows. Maybe there’s a news story about cows making chocolate milk. So I’d think, “Hm, chocolate milk.” I’d do a little research. Is milk good for you? What causes lactose intolerance? I’d sketch all that out.

Then I’d think, “What stories do I know about chocolate milk?” Then I’m remembering this kid who had chocolate milk come out his nose in 1965, Richie Barnhart. Then I sit down to write.

Open with the Richie Barnhart story. Then transitional graph: “I was thinking about this recently when I heard that genetically modified cows now produce chocolate milk.” Then I go to the research on lactose intolerance, on how much milk kids drink. Then end by circling back to Richie Barnhart, who, in the ideal world, would now own a dairy farm.

Sometimes, it’s the reverse: I’ll have a good story for an opening, and look to see what it connects to.

How important is timing when pitching an op-ed piece to a publication?

Timing is everything in pitching. As is a hook. Editors aren’t interested in your random genius. So know that, the Monday before Father’s Day, editors will have seven jillion pieces about daddies. So if you’re going to write a Father’s Day piece, write it in May, and send it in early.

I had a piece ready to go for the Times this spring when I heard the news about the new SAT on the radio. I wrote my editor, “Hold the other piece, I’m writing an SAT thing.” Wrote it that night and sent it in next morning. It ran the day after. If I’d waited two days, the editor would have been swamped in SAT pieces.

Other times, you have to search for the hook. I had a piece about Winnie the Pooh they took in April, but no hook. We waited until Christmas Eve, which was the 84th anniversary of the first Pooh story in London Telegraph. It took that long.

Anniversaries can always provide great hooks. But it’s also a cliché, especially now with the 50th anniversary of the 1960s. Finding a good hook is also an art. Otherwise, sometimes you have to wait for the news cycle to give you your lede.

What suggestions do you have on cultivating a relationship with an editor?

Be respectful. Don’t be too annoying. If they encourage you, keep conversing. Be pleasant on email, but brief. Again, have pity on overworked editors. If they say no, accept that no means no. But if they’re nice with the reject, send them something else, although not right away.

What are the benefits for writers in writing op-ed pieces?

Well, the benefits of being in the NYT Opinion are that I’m in the company of some of the best writers in the world. When I have a piece in the Times, I feel, for a day, like one of the most influential writers in the world. Passionate email pours in from across the globe. People arguing that I’m wrong, or that they love me.

There are very few things in a writers’ life as powerful as that — instantly feeling the effect of one’s work. Then, the next day: it’s back to being a loser. The op-ed form is hard. It looks easy, but it’s such a high-wire act. I’m humbled to be included there, among my heroes.

Working on a story and need an expert source? ProfNet has thousands of folks available to help you with your deadlines or blog posts. Send a query, search the more than 60,000 profiles on ProfNet Connect, or get timely experts and story ideas by email — all for free! Email [email protected] if you’d like help getting started.

Polina Opelbaum is a community services specialist with ProfNet. To read more from Polina, check out her blog on ProfNet Connect.

You may also like...

123 Responses

  1. Laura Barajas says:

    This was a great article, thank you.

  2. I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav

  3. Cloe Ward says:

    I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.

  4. Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.

  5. There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made

  6. Dane Hansen says:

    I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.

  7. I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great

  8. Hunter Nixon says:

    There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made

  9. You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!

  10. Leila Branch says:

    This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place

  11. Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.

  12. Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.

  13. I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!

  14. Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.

  15. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites

  16. Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post

  17. Tate Summers says:

    I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great

  18. Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.

  19. Jax Garrett says:

    I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!

  20. Zion Houston says:

    For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.

  21. Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.

  22. Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing

  23. Asa Skinner says:

    Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.

  24. Karli Pineda says:

    I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.

  25. Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.

  26. Halle Cook says:

    I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great

  27. Nikhil Kerr says:

    I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.

  28. run 3 says:

    I found this post to be quite helpful and intriguing. We appreciate you sharing your unique opinions with us. I will most certainly share this with my peers.

  29. Damian Kim says:

    I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles

  30. ARGOWIN77 says:

    This focus on authenticity serves as a reminder that words carry weight, and choosing them carefully can have a lasting impact.

  31. ARGOWIN77 says:

    It impacts the target audience by encouraging them to be more mindful and intentional in their interactions, whether in professional or personal settings.

  32. ASLIVIP88 says:

    For example, the author describes appreciation as a “warm beam of sunlight” that brightens someone’s day, which helps readers visualize the emotional impact of kind words.

  33. ardian says:

    This article has encouraged me to pursue my dreams with more passion
    SOBAT777

  34. i like your article, very importent article, thank you for sharing about this article
    ARGOWIN77

  35. Queenzy says:

    It’s an awesome and fantastic article, thankyou for sharing it DERMAGAWIN

  36. ARGOWIN77 says:

    I especially liked the way you structured this piece.
    ARGOWIN77

  37. DERMAGAWIN says:

    Your insights are so thought-provoking.
    DERMAGAWIN

  38. STASIUNJP says:

    You have a unique voice as a writer.
    STASIUNJP

  39. sobatkita says:

    I really appreciate your article, it’s fantastic!
    SOBAT777

  40. Kny says:

    i like your article, very importent article, thank you for sharing about this article
    ARGOWIN77

  41. Casandra says:

    Happiness is a journey, not a destination.
    WARKOPKIU

  42. Diva says:

    Life is short, make it sweet.
    ASLIVIP88

  43. Eric says:

    Stay true, stay you.
    DERMAGAWIN

  44. Fandy says:

    Find joy in the journey.
    SOBAT777

  45. Gina says:

    Be your own kind of awesome
    STASIUNJP

  46. Harry says:

    Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine.
    TKPJP

  47. Indra says:

    Let your light shine bright.
    WARKOPKIU

  48. aslidar says:

    I feel so inspired after reading this insightful piece
    ASLIVIP88

  49. TKPJP says:

    The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams TKPJP

  50. Putra says:

    i like your article, very importent article, thank you for sharing about this article
    DERMAGAWIN

  51. WARKOPKIU says:

    Dare to be different WARKOPKIU

  52. WARKOPKIU says:

    Serenity found in the stillness WARKOPKIU

  53. dermaga kini says:

    This article has provided me with valuable insights
    DERMAGAWIN

  54. Andi says:

    This article is truly insightful.
    STASIUNJP

  55. Zidane says:

    I found this article to be very informative.
    DERMAGAWIN

  56. Budi says:

    This piece is exceptionally well-written.
    SOBAT777

  57. Charlie says:

    I was very impressed with the quality of this article.
    WARKOPKIU

  58. This article has made me think critically about
    STASIUNJP

  59. Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.
    WARKOPKIU

  60. Satria says:

    It’s an amazing post for all the web users, your article very important STASIUNJP

  61. brem says:

    I appreciate the time and effort put into creating this article
    Stasiunjp

  62. TKPJP says:

    With you, I am home TKPJP

  63. ijal says:

    It is never too late to be what you might have been.
    ASLIVIP88

  64. DERMAGAWIN says:

    I found this article to be very informative and engaging
    DERMAGAWIN

  65. Kny says:

    i like your article, very importent article, thank you for sharing about this article
    WARKOPKIU

  66. Martin says:

    I can see your passion in your writing.
    SOBAT777

  67. Tarno says:

    Your piece is a masterpiece.
    TKPJP

  68. Wiwi says:

    I’m blown away by your talent
    WARKOPKIU

  69. dermasa says:

    This article has challenged my current understanding
    Dermagawin

  70. STASIUNJP says:

    Fall seven times, stand up eight STASIUNJP

  71. It is never too late to be what you might have been.
    ARGOWIN77

  72. warkopkiu says:

    I really appreciate your article, it’s fantastic!
    warkopkiu

  73. Keysha says:

    Happiness is not by chance, but by choice.
    DERMAGAWIN

  74. STASIUNJP says:

    Believe you can and you’re halfway there.
    STASIUNJP

  75. DERMAGAWIN says:

    Life is an adventure.” DERMAGAWIN

  76. Tendi says:

    The absence keyakinanlah that makes people afraid to face challenges; and I believe in myself.
    WARKOPKIU

  77. Women says:

    Our greatest pride is not never fail, but bounced back every time kitajatuh.
    TKPJP

  78. Cuaca says:

    Be the man who at birth everyone laughing happily, but only you yourself were crying and the death of all the sad cry, but only you yourself smiling.
    DERMAGAWIN

  79. Heru says:

    Admiring someone special is like discovering a rare gem in a world full of stones.
    ARGOWIN77

  80. Sinta says:

    In the presence of someone special, our hearts sing a song of admiration that only they can hear
    STASIUNJP

  81. Kny says:

    Great post! I really enjoyed reading this.
    ARGOWIN77

  82. TKPJP says:

    Life is better with sandy toes TKPJP

  83. Kiranas says:

    sing like there’s nobody listening,
    TKPJP

  84. ASLIVIP88 says:

    You are never to old to learn. ASLIVIP88

  85. ASLIVIP88 says:

    Together is our favorite place to be ASLIVIP88

  86. argoman says:

    This article has provided me with valuable insights
    ARGOWIN77

  87. ASLIVIP88 says:

    Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try.
    ASLIVIP88

  88. ASLIVIP88 says:

    The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment
    188BET

  89. Lioda says:

    What you do today can improve all your tomorrows
    JARWO123

  90. Rina says:

    Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try
    11bet3

  91. Sari says:

    The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment
    118bet

  92. Kristin says:

    What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.
    ASLIVIP88

  93. warkopkiu says:

    This article has provided me with valuable insights
    WARKOPKIU

  94. Tasya says:

    Your article is excellent, I am very impressed
    SOBAT777

  95. TKPJP says:

    Choose happiness every day TKPJP

  96. ARGOWIN77 says:

    We will not never know how big the love of our parents (against us), until we become parents.
    ARGOWIN77

  97. ASLIVIP88 says:

    The most important thing to do in this world is to get the food, beverage and someone who loves you.
    ASLIVIP88

  98. DERMAGAWIN says:

    Where there is great love, there are always miracles.
    dermagawin

  99. SOBAT777 says:

    Better mistaken loved than never at all felt love.
    SOBAT777

  100. STASIUNJP says:

    Overcome demon named LOVE.
    STASIUNJP

  101. TKPJP says:

    When you’re sitting with a pretty girl for two hours, you feel it’s just a minute. But when you’re sitting on top of the fireplace (stove), you find that two hours. That is what is called the law of relativity.
    TKPJP

  102. WARKOPKIU says:

    Love is formed by one soul inhabited by two sport.
    WARKOPKIU/a>

  103. argoman says:

    I really appreciate your article, it’s fantastic!
    Argowin77

  104. KASIH says:

    I love your insights
    STASIUNJP

  105. DERMAGAWIN says:

    Serenity found in the stillness DERMAGAWIN

  106. TKPJP says:

    Success doesn’t come to you, you go to it TKPJP

  107. Dewi says:

    this is very cool i like it
    WARKOPKIU

  108. Tasya says:

    your article is very cool
    SOBAT777

  109. ASLIVIP88 says:

    If you ask me how much I love you, I won’t say anything. I’ll just take your hand, fill the gaps between your fingers and hold on to you until all your doubts are gone.” ASLIVIP88

  110. ANI says:

    Great post! I really enjoyed reading this
    TKPJP

  111. Aliya says:

    Keep up the good work
    WARKOPKIU

  112. Aisha says:

    I must be crazy now
    DERMAGAWIN

  113. Adelia says:

    Maybe I dream too much
    SOBAT777

  114. Alika says:

    But when I think of you
    TKPJP

  115. Adinda says:

    I long to feel your touch
    STASIUNJP

  116. huter says:

    We made these memories for ourselves ASLIVIP88

  117. mikaila says:

    That’s okay baby, there’ll be worse things ARGOWIN77

  118. ARGOWIN77 says:

    Each day is a new chance. ARGOWIN77

Leave a Reply