Opinion editorials, which are often referred to as op-eds, are opinion pieces through which writers express their views on a timely issue. The opinion piece is drafted and should be submitted to the News and Digital Media team for review and ultimate submission to the media.

Tips for writing an opinion editorial:

Emphatically state your opinion. Op-eds are statements of opinion on controversial matters of public opinion.

Get to your point quickly. The central theme should be stated in one sentence at the beginning of the piece.

Structure your editorial logically. Grab the reader’s attention and back up your argument.

Conclude with a statement that cinches your argument and states the message, boldly.

Keep it simple and short. Most newspapers won’t consider an op-ed of longer than 750 words.

Don’t be afraid to liven up copy with anecdotes or humor.

Be timely. Op-eds discuss current news.

Be original. Take a fresh or provocative angle to a topic that has been covered in the news.

Consider the audience. If the op-ed is intended for the local paper, write it for a mass audience. If you want to submit it nationally, it must focus on a national issue.

For more information, contact Deborah Daley, director of News and Digital Media, 402.280.1786 (office), 402.619.6721 (cell), deborahdaley@creighton.edu.