How can I write op-eds or opinion pieces in UK newspapers?
Posted by CarrieQuinnForever@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 9 comments
I have some specialised knowledge about specific tech topics that I want to share with people to educate and bring awareness. Doesn't matter if it's pro-bono or not. But not really sure how to go about it. Could people suggest which publications (online or offline) I should reach out to and how? Would be very useful. Thanks.
Lammtarra95@reddit
Write your own blog. Don't publicise it until you get the hang of things. If you are any good, it will get noticed and if you wish, you could monetise it for at least the same pittance you'd get from most papers.
And then if you do want to make the leap into print, you will have a track record of writing a blog with X million readers. You might at that stage find it preferable to write a book instead.
octohussy@reddit
I’ve got a close mate who does an occasional op-ed. Usually in the Guardian. She writes about science and human rights activism.
From what she’s mentioned, there’s a lot of networking involved, but also being part of online “discourse circle”. Been a while since I asked her about it, but essentially it seemed like a lot of Twitter, seminars, and Oxbridge grads. If you don’t meet that criteria, it wouldn’t hurt to hoy a publisher a potential article - however, if it’s rejected, it shouldn’t be taken to heart.
My friend (from a shite area of Newcastle) often bemoans the fact that popular scientific journalism is abysmal as most big publications won’t hire people who are confident breaking down jargon so that it’s understood by normies, without misrepresenting facts.
BuBBles_the_pyro@reddit
Write a piece and then send it in, they will use it or not. The easier you make things for people, the more likely it is to happen.
Who to send it to is up to you, you could try specialist magazines or national papers, they will all have a contact page.
CarrieQuinnForever@reddit (OP)
Great idea, thanks!
AF_II@reddit
Do you have examples of writing you can show them? e.g. you've already written for industry publications, relevant blogs, etc? Even a couple of viral linkedin posts would help.
Actually writing for them is usually just a matter of figuring out the right person to email and sending them a pitch, but the chances of them saying 'yes' is significantly higher if you have a publication track record.
CarrieQuinnForever@reddit (OP)
No but trying to get started on that
hhfugrr3@reddit
Try making contact with journalists who cover your area and offering your services, preferably with some ideas you think they can use - something current and relevant is good. I'd try journos who are active on twitter, Blue Sky and Threads. then looking at emailing people you see writing in the papers who aren't online a lot.
I've done a few of these things but only where they've approached me first, I've never gone looking for them. They come about for me because journalists have become aware of me on Twitter & seen I had something to offer. They need content for their websites, as well as print copy, so they're always looking for stuff to publish.
Candid-Bike-9165@reddit
Perhaps reach out to a local paper and go from there?
AutoModerator@reddit
Please help keep AskUK welcoming!
Top-level comments to the OP must contain genuine efforts to answer the question. No jokes, judgements, etc.
Don't be a dick to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on.
This is a strictly no-politics subreddit!
Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.