So You Want to Email the Washington Post: A Guide for Citizen Journalists (and Fans with Opinions)
Ever read a Washington Post article and think, "Man, I coulda written that... and probably funnier!" (Let's be honest, some of those comments sections are a riot). Well, guess what? You can! Kind of. Sort of.
The Washington Post, a bastion of journalism since Abraham Lincoln walked the Earth (though hopefully with better shoes), offers several avenues for the public to chime in. But before you unleash your inner Woodward and Bernstein, let's navigate the email labyrinth, shall we?
Choosing Your Weapon: Letters vs. Op-Eds
Letters to the Editor: Perfect for your witty one-liners and sharp observations on recent articles. Think of it as the "water cooler chat" section of the paper, but with a bit more formality (and less chance of spilling coffee on your editor).
Op-Eds: Got a longer, more in-depth take on a pressing issue? This is your platform. Op-eds are full-fledged opinion pieces, so get ready to flex your analytical muscles (and maybe dust off that thesaurus).
Here's the TL;DR:
- Letters: Short, sweet, and to the point.
- Op-Eds: Longer, more developed arguments.
Important Note: Don't try to attach your grandma's famous apple pie recipe to either. They ain't lookin' for culinary critiques (unless it's about that new food truck downtown, amirite?).
Crafting Your Email: From Humble Beginnings to Potential Glory!
Now that you've chosen your weapon, it's time to craft that email. Remember, editors are busy people, so keep it concise and compelling.
- Subject Line: Make it catchy! Think of it as the movie trailer for your email.
- Body:
- Letters: Briefly summarize the article you're responding to and then BAM! Hit 'em with your best shot.
- Op-Eds: Introduce yourself, establish your expertise (or at least your passion!) on the topic, and then lay out your argument. Back it up with facts and data, if you can.
Pro Tip: Proofread like a champ. Typos are the kryptonite of aspiring journalists (and anyone who doesn't want to look silly online).
Sending Your Missive: Don't Be Shy, Hit Send!
Once your email is polished to perfection, here's where the magic happens:
- Letters: You have two options:
- Email: letters@washpost.com
- Snail Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Washington Post, 1301 K Street NW, Washington D.C. 20071 (whoa, fancy!)
- Op-Eds: Submit them through the handy-dandy online form https://helpcenter.washingtonpost.com/hc/en-us/articles/115003675788-Submit-an-op-ed
Now, the waiting game begins. But hey, at least you can tell your friends you're practically a published author.
Remember: Rejection is a part of the game. But hey, if your email gets picked, you might just become a Washington Post superstar (at least among your social circle).
FAQ: Emailing the Washington Post Like a Boss
How to Keep My Letter Short and Sweet?
Aim for under 250 words. Editors appreciate brevity (and their overflowing inboxes).
How Formal Should My Op-Ed Be?
Professional, but with a hint of personality. Think "business casual" for the writing world.
How Long Does it Take to Hear Back?
For letters, it could take a few weeks. Op-eds? Buckle up, it might be a while.
How Do I Know if My Email Got Read?
Unfortunately, you might not hear anything unless they decide to publish it. But hey, no news is good news, right? (Maybe?)
How Can I Up My Chances of Getting Published?
Write something unique, interesting, and well-supported. Originality is key!
So there you have it! With a little know-how and a dash of humor, you can conquer the Washington Post email frontier. Now get out there and write something amazing!