writing An OP-ED

 

ObjectivES

Plan and pitch a short, evidence-based piece of opinion writing (Op-Ed) about a topic within your expertise!

 

TO Do

  • Listen to the “Writing an Op-Ed” and “Ask an Expert” podcasts (either here on the website or through the Storyboard app) or read the transcripts

  • Check out the slideshow, which walks you through the basics of writing in this genre

  • Draft and workshop your pitch (with your podmates, if possible!) and send to Bob Smietana by 1 February

    • Bob will offer feedback on your pitches via email by
      15 February

    • Liz has also volunteered to read your pitches because she’s rad

  • Review the additional resources as your schedule and bandwidth allow

 

important dates

(25 January)
If you can: Share pitch w/ pod & workshop

(1 February)
pitches to Bob

(15 February)
Feedback from Bob

 
 

Podcast

Ask an expert: Bob Smietana

Not a podcast person? Read the transcript!

 

Slideshow

password: S@credWr1tes! (same as for this section of the website)

Activity: Pitch An Op-ED

Pitch an explainer to Bob Smietana, National Writer for Religion News Service!

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), write an Op-Ed, and pitch to Bob Smietana by 1 February. Use "SW PITCH + a working title" as your subject line.

Be sure to answer:

  • What is your argument?

  • Why it is timely?

  • Why you?

Sample Pitch

Dear Bob,

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

Share

  • If you can, upload your pitch by 22 January and workshop with your pod by 25 January. Liz has also volunteered to read your pitches.

  • Email your pitch to Bob Smietana, subject line: SW pitch + [Working Title] by 1 February

  • Bob will provide feedback on your pitch by 15 February

As always, feel free to reach out if you have questions! Can’t wait to read your pitches.

 

Additional Resources

If/as you have time, check out these resources before moving on to the next unit. Let us know what you think on twitter (#SmartInPublic)!