As we continue talking about 2022 New Year’s resolutions that every conservative activist should consider, I’d like to give a word today on publishing op-eds in your local newspaper. You might be skeptical that publishing your views would really make a difference, but don’t underestimate the power of op-eds. You can get a lot more mileage out of a well-written op-ed than you will ever get from an angry post on social media. The people who see your activity on social media are likely made up mostly of your friends and relatives who either believe like you do or at least already know your beliefs. An op-ed will catch the attention of others far outside your personal sphere of influence.
When writing an op-ed, the first thing to do is to research the specific requirements of your local paper. If you make your writing too long, too short, or submit it in the wrong format, the editor will probably never bother to read it. If something isn’t clear, call the editor to ask for clarification. Once you understand the rules, you must pick the right topic. The news cycle moves fast, so make sure the issue you want to cover is current. If you have a personal expertise related to the topic, that is a big bonus but it is not required.
Always remember who you are writing to. The people who read your op-ed won’t all be conservatives, so write in such a way that you appeal to values the left-leaning often embrace. Creating a powerful emotional appeal is often very effective. Also remember that your readers probably won’t be subject matter experts, so avoid technical jargon as much as you can.
Remember that every writer experiences rejection all the time. If your first op-ed doesn’t get picked up on the first go, don’t stop trying. Approach another paper or try submitting something new. Op-eds are a great way to make a persuasive appeal to a large number of people in your community all at once. In 2022, make it your New Year’s resolution to submit and publish an op-ed.
