The Op-Ed, or opinion editorial, expresses a forceful opinion on an issue.
While a letter to the editor provides a concise and direct response to a
specific article or broadcast, the Op-Ed is more detailed. Both formats
provide a way for NSU to voice an opinion to policy makers and to educate
the community about specific issues.
Suggestions for an Op-Ed:
- Be timely. The Op-Ed should connect to the release of a new survey,
a recent article or an event. For example, your Op-Ed could provide
a different perspective, such as the benefits of a proposed new facility,
program, etc.
- Pay attention to style. Double space the text and keep the text between
500 - 800 words. Conclude the Op-Ed with the author's name, title and
occupation.
- Select the best the author or signer for the Op-Ed. The author is
critical in achieving publication and maximizing its impact.
- Follow up. Call the paper three to seven days after sending your
Op-Ed to ask if it is being considered for publication. The follow-up
call is another opportunity to educate the paper about your project,
even if the Op-Ed is not published.
Suggestions for a Letter to the Editor:
- Know the paper's policy which is usually published on their web site.
Length and contact information requirements should be listed on the
site.
- Study the paper's recent letters to understand the style the paper
prefers, and the types of letters they are printing.
- Be timely. Capitalize on recent news, events, editorials and public
awareness campaigns. Refer specifically to the name of the article
and the date it was published.
- Don't be discouraged if the letter is not printed. The university
may want to submit a revised letter with a different angle on the issue
at a later date.
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