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Writing an article for your local newspaper

Another way to spread the word is to author an “opinion” piece in your local newspaper. Almost every newspaper accepts these pieces for its editorial page. Like everything else in the media, access to this page is competitive, so make your article compelling.

Follow these suggestions for getting your piece in print:

1. Find out which newspapers in your area accept unsolicited op-ed articles.
2. Check with the newspaper beforehand to see if it has guidelines or suggestions regarding the length of the article.
3. Suggest to a prominent figure in the community that she/he adapt or co-author the article. The author’s position affords him/her some credibility with respect to the article’s topic.
4. Make sure the author’s name is included between the headline and the body copy of the article.
5. At the end of the article, in parentheses, there should be a one-sentence identification of the author.
6. Prepare a short cover letter to the contact person at the newspaper, explaining the nature of the article that you are submitting.
7. Follow-up with phone calls to the opinion page editor.

Share news of your activities on the CHARACTER COUNTS! Local News Blog or send your stories and photos to our national office at CCNews@jiethics.org.