Activity: Draft & Pitch an Op-Ed
Write
Unlike other forms of public writing, Op-Ed pitching requires that you first draft the Op-Ed (700-800 words) and send it along with your pitch. Pick a topic that draws on your expertise and has a newshook (current event, anniversary, holiday) and draft an Op-Ed.
Be sure to answer:
What is your argument?
Why it is timely?
Why you?
Sample Pitch
(Courtesy of Liz)
Dear $EDITOR,
In November the Democrats proposed to alter a 182-year old House rule that bans hats from the floor, in order to allow Representative Ilhan Omar’s headscarf. No one is discussing what I find to be a disturbing premise of the Democrats’ proposal, mainly that a hijab might be reasonably equated with a hat. In my op-ed I argue why equating a hijab with a hat is both ridiculous and dangerous.
I am a Professor of Religion at Northeastern University and have studied Muslim women’s clothing for the last 14 years. I have written an award-winning book on the topic, Pious Fashion, as well as op-eds for The Atlantic, L.A. Times, Zocalo Public Square, and most recently The Conversation.
The piece is pasted below my signature. Because the swearing in takes place tomorrow I will assume if I have not heard from you in a couple hours that you have passed, and I’ll submit elsewhere. Thank you so much for your consideration!
Best,
Liz
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Upload your pitch by 23 July.