Want to write an op-ed column? See if it meets The Olympian’s criteria
The Olympian has been taking a hard look at how to manage “op-eds,” the columns that express the opinion of an author not affiliated with our editorial board. As the daily newspaper in the state capital, we are sometimes flooded with requests for column space, especially since we limit the size of our letters to the editor, so it seemed like a good time to spell out our policy on which columns we will consider publishing.
Here’s the easy part:
- We only run columns of up to 500 words written specifically for The Olympian, and not published elsewhere.
- We only run columns on topics of specific local significance.
- In the vast majority of cases, the author will live in the South Sound, or have South Sound roots or ties. The exceptions are likely to be made only when an expert from elsewhere can offer perspective on something of local concern.
But that still leaves The Olympian with more submissions than it can handle. So here are a few other stipulations:
- We will allow elected officials to write columns, but will limit them to no more than twice a year — and only when they are not running for re-election.
- We will occasionally consider joint op-eds, but never ones with more than two authors.
- We will give utmost consideration to op-eds that offer a different point of view on a topic that our own editorial board has recently addressed.
Finally, stealing from our friends in the restaurant business, we reserve the right to deny space to anyone. As The Bellingham Herald Editor Julie Shirley says, “In a world where everybody has an opinion posted on social media, commentary really has to stand out to find an audience in the paper and on our website.”
The columns our readers find most valuable are personal and passionate as well as solidly grounded in facts. The very best are those that offer a perspective not easily found elsewhere.
This story was originally published January 3, 2019 at 3:58 PM.