So You Want Your Voice Heard in the City of Angels? How to Submit an Op-Ed to the Los Angeles Times (and Not Crash and Burn)
Let's face it, everyone's got an opinion these days. From the best way to fold a pizza (diagonal, obviously) to the burning question of why all the good street tacos disappear after 9 pm, our brains are overflowing with hot takes. But ranting to your cat (no judgment, they're excellent listeners) only goes so far.
If you've got a firecracker of an idea you just know the folks at the Los Angeles Times need to hear, then this post is your golden ticket (or at least a slightly less shiny participation trophy). Here's the lowdown on how to submit an op-ed to the esteemed Los Angeles Times (we'll try to keep the fangirling to a minimum).
Crafting Your Masterpiece: From Shower Thoughts to Scathing Social Commentary (with Less Shower Time)
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Pick a Pony (or a Topic): The world is your oyster, folks! Is there a recent policy change that's got you seeing red? Maybe you have a brilliant solution to LA's ever-present traffic woes (that doesn't involve strapping roller skates to your car - although, points for creativity). Just make sure your topic is relevant and interesting. Remember, editors are bombarded with submissions, so make yours stand out!
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Sharpen Your Axes (and Your Prose): Now that you've got your topic, it's time to craft your masterpiece. Write with clarity and passion. Use humor (hey, that's why you're here, right?), weave in some facts to keep things grounded, and avoid jargon like it's a rogue wave about to flatten your metaphorical sandcastle.
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Word Count? We Don't Need No Stinking Word Count (Actually, We Do): The Los Angeles Times is looking for something in the ballpark of 750 words. Don't go overboard, but don't be stingy either. Aim for a length that allows you to develop your ideas without losing your reader in a labyrinth of text.
Submission Do's and Don'ts: Don't Be That Guy (or Gal)
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Read the Fine Print (or at Least Skim It): The Los Angeles Times has submission guidelines for a reason, folks. Familiarize yourself with them before hitting send. This will save you the embarrassment (and them the time) of dealing with an op-ed that doesn't meet their criteria.
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Exclusivity is Key: The Los Angeles Times wants your fresh, never-before-seen takes. Don't submit something that's already been published elsewhere, including your personal blog (sorry, mom).
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Identify Yourself, Hero: Anonymous submissions are a no-go. Include a short bio that highlights your expertise on the topic at hand. Are you a taco truck connoisseur? A graduate student with a groundbreaking theory on traffic flow? Let them know!
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Proofread Like a Boss: Typos and grammatical errors are the hallmark of an amateur. Proofread your op-ed meticulously before hitting send.
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Patience is a Virtue (Especially in the Publishing World): The review process can take time. Don't bombard the editors with emails asking if they've read your magnum opus. Trust the process (and maybe take up meditation).
So there you have it! With a little planning, humor, and a whole lot of caffeine, you too can have your voice heard in the Los Angeles Times. Remember, even if your op-ed doesn't make the cut, the writing process is a great way to hone your skills and refine your arguments. And hey, if all else fails, there's always social media. Just be prepared for the comments section...
