Do you feel the time has come for you to weigh in on the question of gun control? Abortion? Border security? Or maybe an issue more mundane like whether there should be a uniform dress code at the local high school. And perhaps you aren't satisfied voicing your opinions to a wall or shouting from the rooftops and you want to rally the minds of others to join your way of thinking. If so, then writing opinion pieces may be for you.

Opinion pieces are also referred to as “Commentaries” and “op-eds” — the latter reflecting their placement opposite the editorial page of newspapers. Writing opinion pieces and having them published is not simply a matter of putting your thoughts to paper. Length restrictions are rigid and vary — typically in the range of 300 to 700 words; timeliness is critical; arguments must be intelligent and persuasive without appearing dogmatic; and of course, the piece must be well written. There is much more you need to know if writing opinion pieces is to become an outlet for your nonfiction writing — all of which will be presented in Chapter 15.