So You Want Your Brilliant Thoughts Gracing the Pages of the Inquirer, Eh? A (Mostly) Serious Guide to Submitting an Op-Ed
Ah, the op-ed. The land of strong opinions, well-researched arguments, and the occasional existential dread of hitting "send" on your masterpiece. But fret not, aspiring wordsmiths of Philly, for this guide will be your roadmap to getting published in the grand old Inquirer.
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| How To Submit An Op Ed To The Philadelphia Inquirer |
Crafting Your Magnum Opus (Without the Tears)
Find Your Inner Rocky:
The Inquirer wants passion! So pick a topic you truly care about, something that makes your blood pressure rise (in a good way) or your funny bone tingle. Remember, people love a good opinion brawl, as long as it's respectful. Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo, but leave the name-calling for the comments section (we've all seen those).Do Your Homework, Champ:
Facts are your friends, data is your wingman. Back up your claims with solid research. Don't be that guy who quotes his uncle's conspiracy theories as credible sources (unless, of course, your uncle is a Nobel laureate).Keep it Tight, Yo:
The Inquirer has word count limits, so be concise. Think of it as an intellectual sprint, not a marathon. Every sentence should be doing heavy lifting, pulling its weight in the argument. Aim for around 650 words, but brevity is your best friend.
From Your Brain to the Big Leagues: Submission Do's and Don'ts
Do:
- Read the Op-Ed section of the Inquirer to get a feel for their style and preferred topics.
- Proofread like a fiend. Typos are the gremlins that steal your op-ed dreams.
- Attach a short bio (2-3 sentences) that tells them who you are and why your opinion matters.
Don't:
- Send a full novel. They ain't got time for that.
- Forget to cite your sources. Giving credit where credit's due is journalism 101.
- Hit submit in a fit of rage-typing. Sleep on it, revise, and come back with a cool head.
Pro Tip: Don't be discouraged if you don't hear back right away. Getting published can be a numbers game. Keep writing, keep submitting, and who knows, you might just see your name in lights (or, you know, the newspaper).
FAQ: Op-Ed Submission Like a Boss
How to find the Inquirer's Op-Ed submission guidelines?
Tip: Reading on mobile? Zoom in for better comfort.
They don't have a formal submission form, but fear not! There are some heroes who've paved the way. Check out the Penn for PILOTs Op-Ed Guide for all the insider info [Penn for PILOTs Op Ed Guide].
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How long should my op-ed be?
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
Aim for around 650 words. Brevity is your friend here.
Should I include a picture of myself with the submission?
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
Nope! They're more interested in your words than your mug (although a killer headshot wouldn't hurt if you get published).
How do I know if they've received my submission?
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
Unfortunately, there's no automatic confirmation. But patience, young grasshopper!
How long should I wait to hear back?
The waiting game can be tough, but give it a few weeks. If you haven't heard anything, you can always send a polite follow-up email.
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