What is it?

Op-ed means “opposite the editorial page” or “opinions and editorials.” The op-ed page contains two types of opinion pieces—columns and op-eds. Journalists write columns, but consumers not employed by the newspaper write op-eds.

Anyone can write and submit an op-ed on any topic, and the editorial page editor decides whether to print the piece based on how interesting, timely, important or offbeat it is.  Space on the op-ed page is very competitive, so it may be more difficult to get your op-ed piece accepted than a letter to the editor.

Why

It will give you or your organization the opportunity to express your educated and expert opinion on important matters related to medication use.

Helpful Tips

Following are some best practices for drafting an op-ed to help ensure your piece has a chance at being published:

• Make sure your topic is interesting, timely and/or important.
• Draft an article that is provocative and argues one point of view, not all sides of an argument.
• Make sure the op-ed is written clearly and simply for a general audience.
• Lead with your conclusion. Convince your reader to care and agree then follow with your supporting argument.
• Check with the newspaper about the word limit. Op-eds are usually 600 to 1,000 words.
• Include a brief biography at the end that supports the reasons the author is a credible voice for the issue.
• Send a short note to either the editorial page or opinion page editor asking for consideration of the opinion piece and to contact you either if it is scheduled for publication or if any additional information is needed.

How to Find Guidelines for Op-eds

Specific guidelines for submitting op-eds vary from paper to paper and can usually be accessed by calling the editorial department or by checking the paper’s Web site under the Opinions section>Opinions How To>Submit an Op-Ed. If you’re thinking about writing an op-ed, contact ASHP’s Public Relations department at 301-664-8799 for more information on submitting an opinion editorial.

Read a sample op-ed from The Baltimore Sun.