The purpose of an op-ed piece is not only to express your opinion but also to persuade readers to agree with your viewpoint. 

Op-ed pieces are often included to balance the views of a newspaper’s regular editorials and columns or to provide readers with the information and opinions of a writer with expertise in a certain area.  Unlike editorials and letters to the editor, op-ed pieces are not always written in response to a specific, timely issue and thus can explore a broader topic. You can also provide more discussion and information in an op-ed piece because it is usually much longer than an editorial or a letter to an editor.   
 
If you are planning to write an op-ed piece, it is important for you to know that your chances of being published are greater if you select a topic of local interest to the readers of the newspaper.  

Smaller newspapers are much more likely to publish an unsolicited op-ed piece than are larger ones, which often have links to a large chain and are obligated to carry certain syndicated writers.  So your best chance of  publishing an op-ed piece is to target a small- to mid-sized newspaper and write on a topic that is of interest to its readers.

Selecting a Topic
 
Although your general topic will probably be related in some way to the Clark campaign, you should give some thought to your choice of a specific topic.  You might consider the following questions in making your decision:
 
Is the topic of local interest for the readers of the newspaper you have selected?

• Do you have the experience and knowledge needed to write on this topic?
• Does this topic support Clark’s campaign, at least indirectly?
• Has the newspaper failed to address this issue in depth recently?
• Is your topic specific enough to be discussed intelligently in 650-750 words, which is the approximate length of most op-ed pieces?
   
  If you answered “yes” to most, if not all, of the questions above, you have probably selected an appropriate topic.

Steps to Writing an Op-ed Piece
 
Identify the newspaper to which you plan to send your op-ed piece and, if necessary, research its editorial leanings and readership as well as the issues that are important to its readers.

Select a topic about which you are well informed and that is of interest to the readers of the newspaper.  Even if you are writing on a national or international issue, try to find a local angle.

Research both the issue on which you are writing and Clark’s position on it.  Try to come up with specific ways in which this issue affects the lives of the readers of the newspaper.
 
Although you do not have to begin with an obvious statement of your purpose, you should be sure that you communicate your position clearly before the reader’s attention is lost.  And be sure that you know your purpose/argument even if you do not state it explicitly.

• Write a preliminary draft and let it “rest” (a day or so if possible) before revising it.
• Revise your draft by reading it aloud to yourself or by asking someone else to read it and offer suggestions.
• Send your draft to someone in the Clarkwriters’ group for suggestions.
• Count your words to be sure you are within the newspaper’s limit and, if necessary, cut your piece accordingly.
   
• Read the newspaper’s guidelines for op-ed pieces and follow them exactly.  Then send your final draft to the newspaper.

Style and Tone

Primarily, you will want to use your own writing voice and style.  Use language with which you are comfortable and write as simply and directly as possible.  Remember that your primary goal is not to impress readers but to communicate your ideas clearly to them.

• A reader-friendly style will not only enhance your chances of being published but also the possibility that you will persuade readers.
• Introductions are important in op-ed pieces because readers probably do not know your name and need some reason to continue reading.
• Although it is fine to refute other people’s arguments or positions, your tone should be polite and civil.  Remember that anything written about Wesley Clark reflects on him.
• Humor and irony can be effective but should not be vicious or mean spirited.
• Be as specific and detailed as possible.  Vague generalities are not persuasive.

Additional suggestions

• Support your position with as many specific details and examples as possible, but be sure the information you include is accurate.
• If you use other people’s words or ideas, be sure to acknowledge your sources.
• Your arguments should be primarily rational rather than emotional; however, an appropriate emotional appeal can be effective.
• Use short paragraphs to accommodate the narrow width of the newspaper’s columns.
• Be sure your writing is correct, your information is accurate, and your sources are identified.
• If you send your op-ed piece online, be sure to paste it to an email instead of sending it as an attachment (most newspapers will not open attachments).

Always consult the website of the newspaper to which you are sending your op-ed piece to see if there are specific instructions for op-ed pieces.  In addition, you might want to consult the websites of several major newspapers to see if they include general advice for writers of op-ed  pieces.  Finally, you can find information on writing op-ed pieces  (“The ABC’s of Op-Ed Writing”) at the website of the DeWitt Wallace Center Op-Ed Resource (Duke University) http://www.pubpol.duke.edu/courses/op-ed