Editing Op-ed (section)

== Structure and features ==
Op-eds feature a concise structure, with an average of under 700 words, and typically begin with an introduction.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Writing Effective Op-Eds |url=https://communicators.duke.edu/writing-media/writing-effective-op-eds/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=Communicator Toolkit |language=en-US}}</ref> They begin with a hook to engage readers, usually something outlandish or exaggerated for the shock factor. Then the author usually ties the intro together with a story related to them or an experience they had. Following this is the body, which has a tone that is usually persuasive and conversational, often divided into three or four sections, each presenting evidence or arguments supporting the thesis. They then tie the op-ed together with a conclusion or [[Closing statement (debate)|closing statement]] where a [[Call to action (political)|call to action]] is made.

Op-eds are written by a wide range of authors, including [[journalist]]s, academics, [[politician]]s, and [[Activism|activists]]. Publications invite guest contributors to present various viewpoints, despite the viewpoints often being contradictory to the editorial's position on certain topics.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Seguín |first=Bécquer |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/jj.9128010 |title=The Op-Ed Novel: A Literary History of Post-Franco Spain |date=2024 |publisher=Harvard University Press |doi=10.2307/jj.9128010 |isbn=978-0-674-26010-8}}</ref> Today, op-eds are widely read across both traditional and digital platforms, and writers range from academics and activists to politicians and celebrities.

The op-ed is known for the diverse opinions of its columnists and can include media in a variety of forms including:
*[[Seminar]]
*[[Essay]]s
*[[Poetry]]
*[[Political cartoon]]
*[[Advertising|Advertisements]]
*Speeches
*[[Blog|Blog post]]