So You Wanna Be a Big Shot Opinionizer for the Boston Globe, Eh?
Ever get fired up about something, rant to your goldfish about it, then fantasize about seeing your fiery prose splashed across the hallowed pages of the Boston Globe? Well, my friend, you might just have the makings of an op-ed writer! But hold your metaphorical horses (or goldfish, for that matter). There's a bit more to this than keyboard karate and a chip on your shoulder.
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| How To Submit An Op Ed To The Boston Globe |
First Things First: Craft Your Masterpiece (and By Masterpiece, We Mean 700 Words or Less)
The good folks at the Globe like their opinions concise, folks. Think of it as an intellectual elevator pitch. You gotta grab their attention, make your case, and land it all in 700 words or less. Remember, brevity is the soul of wit (and getting your op-ed published).
Here's the nitty-gritty:
- Punchy Intro: Hook 'em from the get-go. Start with a funny anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or maybe even a well-placed historical reference about Paul Revere's horse (hey, it could work!).
- Clear Argument: Don't be like your uncle Ted at Thanksgiving dinner, rambling on about everything. Focus on one strong opinion and back it up with facts, figures, and maybe even a sprinkle of humor (we all know statistics can be dry as a stale bagel).
- Compelling Conclusion: Leave your readers with something to chew on. A call to action? A poignant image? Just make sure it ties back to your main point and doesn't involve goldfish juggling (unless it's incredibly relevant, of course).
Submission Showdown: Aim for the Op-Ed Olympus
Now you've got your masterpiece, it's time to unleash it on the unsuspecting masses... of the Boston Globe editorial team, that is. Here's how you enter the Submission Showdown:
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.
- Email is Your Weapon: Gone are the days of carrier pigeons (although that would be a pretty epic entrance). Polish up your email and send it directly to oped@globe.com.
- Subject Line Smackdown: This is your first impression, so make it count! Keep it clear, concise, and intriguing. Think "Why Boston Needs a Public Ban on Bad Polka Music" or "The Case for Mandatory Naps in All Workplaces."
Pro Tip: While you wait with bated breath (or goldfish), you can check out
The Waiting Game: Patience is a Virtue (Especially When Dealing with Editors)
The waiting game is a cruel mistress, my friend. It can feel like watching paint dry, except the paint is actually kind of interesting (sometimes). Just be patient. The editors at the Globe are busy people, wading through a sea of op-eds, all vying for a spot on the coveted opinion page.
Rejection is Not Your Enemy: If you don't hear back right away, don't despair. It might just mean your goldfish juggling analogy wasn't quite what they were looking for. Rejection is a chance to learn and improve.
Tip: Reread complex ideas to fully understand them.
FAQ: Your Op-Ed Odyssey Awaits!
Alright, aspiring opinionizer, armed with this knowledge, you're ready to conquer the op-ed world (or at least your local newspaper). But before you launch yourself into the great digital abyss, here are a few quick FAQs to keep you on the right track:
How to Make Sure My Op-Ed is Error-Free?
Proofread like a hawk! Typos and grammatical errors are the kryptonite of op-eds. Read it out loud, have a friend look it over, heck, even offer to proofread your goldfish's grocery list (just kidding... mostly).
Tip: Train your eye to catch repeated ideas.
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How Do I Know What Topics the Globe is Interested In?
Skim through their opinion page! See what kind of issues they're tackling and try to find a fresh angle on a current event, or introduce a new topic altogether.
How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting Published?
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
Write about something you're passionate about. Your enthusiasm will shine through and make your op-ed more engaging.
How Long Should I Wait Before Following Up on My Submission?
Give it a few weeks. If you haven't heard back by then, a polite email inquiry is perfectly acceptable.
How Do I Deal With Rejection (Because Let's Be Honest, It Might Happen)?
Rejection stings, but it doesn't
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