How to write an op-ed that doesn’t suck

There’s plenty of advice out there on how to write a solid op-ed. But solid op-eds don’t get published by top media outlets.

Editors are constantly drowning in pitches. They won’t read past the first sentence of an opinion article that’s just average.

So what can you do?

If you want your byline in a major publication, a 101 class isn’t enough. You need to take an advanced class with an ornery professor who says things you don’t want to hear.

With this in mind, I put together some thoughts on writing an op-ed editors are eager to publish.

Destroy your ego

This must come first.

In order to accomplish the following steps, you need to be humble and open-minded.

Your ego stands in the way of that. In that sense, your ego is your biggest obstacle in finding a great op-ed idea.

Subjecting your thoughts to criticism by others and yourself is difficult. If you’re not prepared for the process, it can injure your sense of self-worth. That’ll lead you to either press ahead with a poor idea or give up entirely.

Destroying your ego is hard. 

But all you really have to do is take concrete actions that make you more open to critical inquiry. That might mean meditating, going for a walk or talking to your therapist.

If you do this, you’re already way ahead of most people—who usually start their op-ed by writing a first draft. That’s a blueprint for failure. Focus first on making sure you’re aligned internally.

Act like the British prime minister

In the UK, the prime minister goes before parliament four times a week for Question Time, when other members of parliament can ask them critical questions.

When coming up with an op-ed topic, you need Question Time with your toughest critics. Pick the people who you know are going to give you the entire truth, and tell them what you plan to write about.

Just expressing your thoughts out loud helps clarify them. On top of that, you’re going to get valuable feedback.

Honesty is paramount. Make sure your critics know that.

You must be determined to get the best feedback you can. That’ll help you decide if you should keep investing time in your op-ed.

Fire yourself

If you think of yourself as the “founder” or “CEO,” you’ll struggle to critically evaluate your own ideas.

Instead, approach your op-ed from the perspective of someone who works for you, or someone who has no idea who you or your organization is.

From that vantage point, ask yourself: If I were to hear about this idea, would I care enough to read about it?

If your answer is no, that’s a clear sign your idea is too self-referential and won’t appeal to a broader audience. 

Another approach is to picture reading the first few lines of an op-ed written by someone in an industry unrelated to yours. What would it take for you to keep reading? 

Then look in the mirror and ask that same question of your own idea.

It’s not easy!

Composing a great opinion piece is a complex process that requires near-perfection. And even if you accomplish that, sometimes your article won’t be published due to factors outside of your control. This is why some people pay for services like op-ed consulting.

To be a respected thought leader, you need to do things differently than other people. If you follow this guide, you’re already taking actions the majority of op-ed writers haven’t tried.