A op-ed (which stands for “opposite the editorial page”) is an article that presents an opinion on something that can be backed up with research. They are used for advocacy and to disseminate research to a broad audience. They may be a reaction to current news, or they may anticipate events that are likely to happen. They are a great way to get exposure for your research when it is unlikely to be picked up as a news story.
They can be written for a general readership rather than a specific peer-reviewed journal, so they need to be accessible and reader-friendly. The topic should be relevant to the reader, and there needs to be a call to action that is clear and persuasive. It is important to be honest, and avoid being too biased or presumptuous – be careful not to come across as a know-it-all. Experienced op-ed writers will often acknowledge the ways in which their opponents are right, and show that they are willing to learn from them.
Write with your audience in mind, and remember that the audience for an op-ed is usually much broader than the Claremont Consortium. The best op-eds have a personal voice, and they cover topics that resonate with readers. They will be interested in a piece that explains why they should care about the subject. Make sure to include concrete examples of why the topic matters, and use active voice when possible, as it is more direct and more engaging for the reader.