So You Want to Be an AJC Op-Ed Oracle? A Guide with Less Snooze, More Boom!
Ever brewed a cup of righteous indignation so strong it practically wrote itself? Maybe you've got a brilliant solution to Atlanta's traffic woes (that doesn't involve strapping on roller skates). Or perhaps you're the reincarnation of Mark Twain with a bone to pick about the high cost of, well, everything these days.
Whatever your cause, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) Op-Ed page might be your megaphone to the masses. But hold on there, Socrates in flip-flops, before you launch into a keyboard-pounding frenzy, there are a few things to consider.
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
 |
| How Do I Submit An Op Ed To The Atlanta Journal-constitution |
First Things First: Understanding the Op-Ed Olympus
Op-Eds, my friends, are like the VIP section of the opinion world. They're longer than your average letter to the editor (think: think piece, not grocery list) and aim to offer a well-reasoned argument on a topic relevant to Atlanta or Georgia.
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
The AJC Op-Ed audience is discerning. They've seen it all, from potholes to political pandemonium. So, your piece needs to be sharp, witty, and informative – think less Chicken Soup for the Soul, more "I woke up like this" Beyonce.
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
Crafting Your Op-Ed Masterpiece: From Blank Page to Page-Turner
Now that you've grasped the Op-Ed Everest, let's get down to brass tacks, shall we?
Tip: Reread complex ideas to fully understand them.
 |
- Pick a Topic That Makes You Go "Hallelujah!" – It should be something you care deeply about, something that'll get your creative juices flowing (not that sad desperation kind).
- Do Your Research, Buddy – Facts are your friends. Back up your claims with data, studies, or even a well-placed historical anecdote (bonus points for mentioning Sherman's Necktie).
- Find Your Voice – Infuse your writing with personality. Humor is a great way to grab attention, but avoid turning your Op-Ed into a stand-up routine. Think informative and engaging, not dad joke central.
- Keep it Tight, Kitten – The AJC prefers Op-Eds between 500-750 words. Quality over quantity, always.
- Proofread Like a Boss – Typos and grammatical gaffes are the gremlins of the Op-Ed world. Slay them with ruthless precision.
Bonus Tip: Atlanta-centric is always a plus. Show the AJC you understand the local landscape.
So You've Written Your Op-Ed. Now What?
Time to unleash your masterpiece on the unsuspecting masses (via email, that is). Here's the skinny:
- Send your Op-Ed to letters@ajc.com with "Op-Ed Submission" in the subject line.
- Include a brief bio (toot your own horn, but keep it short and sweet).
- Attach your masterpiece in a common format like .doc or .docx.
Then comes the waiting game. It can take some time to hear back, so try to channel your inner zen master.
Op-Ed FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered (with Lightning Speed!)
- How long should I wait for a response? – Patience is a virtue, my friend. The AJC receives a lot of submissions, so it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
- Can I submit an Op-Ed if I don't live in Atlanta? – While they favor local voices, impactful pieces with a national or international angle that resonate with Atlanta readers can still be considered.
- What if my Op-Ed doesn't get published? – Don't despair! The AJC editors see a lot of great work. Keep writing, refining your craft, and try submitting again.
- Should I pitch my Op-Ed idea before writing it? – Generally, no. It's best to submit the complete piece.
- Is there anything else I can do to increase my chances of getting published? – Absolutely! Follow the AJC's opinion section to understand the kind of work they publish.
So there you have it, folks! With a little know-how and a whole lot of chutzpah, you too could be gracing the pages of the AJC Op-Ed section. Now go forth and conquer the opinion world, one well-crafted piece at a time!
 |
