How to structure your op-ed

Opinion editorials, or op-eds, are fantastic tools for sharing your expertise with a wider audience. Even when writing about personal expertise or a trending topic, it’s important to structure your piece in a way that will catch an editor’s eye. Below is a sample template from the Harvard Kennedy School to help you get started. Remember, most published op-eds fall between 400 and 1200 words—check the outlet’s guidelines for their specific word count.

First 2-3 paragraphs:
Hook: Why should the audience care about this topic?
Set the scene: What is this op-ed about?
Thesis: What is your overarching point, or main theme?

Next 4-5 paragraphs:
Context: Give examples and explain your problem or issue.

Next 4-5 paragraphs:
Solutions: How can we solve the problem we identified above?

Next 1-2 paragraphs:
Opposing views: Are there other sides to this story?

Final paragraph:
Call to action: Restate your overarching point or main theme. What do you want the reader to take away from this op-ed?

Your partners in University Marketing Communications have several tips for writing a successful op-ed, and can help identify the right outlet for your submission. Reach out to [email protected] with any questions.