How to Write (and Publish) Op-Eds: Online

Class Description

Tired of expressing your opinions via your Facebook status? Get your op-ed out of your head, off of social media, and into the headlines! Each week, we'll look at published op-eds, commentaries, and topical personal essays torn from the pages (and web-pages) of newspapers, magazines, and online publications ranging from The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Salon to The Guardian, Boston Globe, WBUR’s Cognoscenti and publications local to each student. We'll mine these exemplary works for inspiration and instruction, and then, over our 6 weeks together, you’ll write three 600- to 800-word op-eds, each modeled after the kinds of op-eds we will be studying (problem-solution, think piece, policy opinion, etc), plus you’ll revise one op-ed at the end. You'll practice:

1. how to hone your topic into a focused, timely, topical and marketable idea responsive to current events, news and culture that editors want;
2. how to leverage your personal experience and expertise;
3. how to master basic op-ed structure, including crafting ledes and kickers, writing a strong body, and adding support and research;
4. how and where to submit them to newspapers, magazines, and online publications. You’ll be encouraged submit at least one finished op-ed for publication.

This class is classified as a generator, which means the focus of the class is on generating new work. Students will discuss each other's work in cohorts facilitated by the instructor, but the emphasis is not on formal critique.

*Note that while our handy dandy "Schedule" tab states a 6-7pm class time, there are actually no live meetings for this class! Assignments and deadlines will be given by your instructor. Students will have access to the online class portal starting at 5pm on the first day of class. Instructions for logging onto the online portal will be emailed to registered students before 5pm the first day of class.

Did you know that we have scholarships available for all GrubStreet classes? To apply, click the "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button in the top right corner of this page. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your scholarship application and await our Scholarship Committee's decision before registering for the class. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.