How to Write an Editorial or Opinion Piece for Associated Content

As the Associated Content Ambassador for the opinion/editorial page—I don’t know, for some reason I’ve earned this reputation around here for being opinionated or something—I feel it is part of my job to give a little advice on writing for the editorial page. It’s a tricky thing, of course. More so than any other part of Associated Content, the editorial page should be exempt from too many rules. This is the place where you should feel free to express yourself in practically any way you want. However, like the old adage about free verse poetry, it’s not much of a challenge playing tennis without a net.

I have neither the need nor the ability to tell anyone how to express their opinion. You should find your own style. But an opinion that exists in a vacuum is of no value to anyone but the person expressing it. In other words, if you have a lot of opinions to share you want to make sure your readers come back for more. You can’t expect to keep getting lucky with your topics. A good writer can turn even a boring subject into a fascinating editorial.