October 16, 2019 It's hard to get heard sometimes.
If your voice has been missing from important workplace conversations, then there is a particular imperative—a necessity—in adding it. The raceAhead audience consists of leaders in various fields—who are also experts at being underrepresented. And that particular experience of being marginalized needs to become part of the broader discussion—it compels readers to consider new viewpoints, fosters conversation, and serves the broader community.
With that in mind, raceAhead would like to invite guest essay submissions, which we plan to publish on a semi-regular schedule. We're looking for 600-to 750–word essays that help break down barriers, offer actionable insight into how to embrace and promote diversity, and that provide a platform to better understand people who are underrepresented at work.
As Ellen puts it: These essays should "contribute to a deeper understanding of a marginalized group and/or a more inclusive workplace."
As a commentary editor for Fortune, I've noticed there's a wide understanding of what an op-ed should like, and raceAhead would like to help anyone who is looking to publish their opinions across editorial platforms increase their odds of acceptance.
So here are few tips to getting your opinion published:
• Let's start with your argument. Writers, while you may have strong opinions on various topics, pick one, and hone the piece around it. Opinion pieces are typically short, so it's important to be clear, focused, and pointed. (As this helpful guide from Duke University puts it , "Be satisfied with making a single point clearly and persuasively.") It's not just about writing concise sentences, avoiding jargon, using the active voice—every paragraph should relate directly to your core argument. You should be able to summarize the argument in a few lines. If you struggle to, that's usually an indication of an unfocused argument. (Here are some good starting questions, courtesy of the American Independent Business Alliance.)
• The reader should finish the piece with a clear idea of where you stand on a specific issue. That said, it's also important to place that issue within a larger context. The reader should understand why, at this particular moment in time, the argument you are making matters. Consider how, as this New York Times op-ed tip sheet highlights, your piece will "advance the discussion."
• And while portraying a strong opinion is at the core—it can't be just your opinion. Include research that backs up your claims (and, please, don't forget to source!), consider opposing viewpoints, add in quotes from authoritative or noteworthy leaders on the subject. The argument should make a logical case (and here are some questions offered by Indivisible that can help with that).
• It's important to understand who the target audience is. Different publications accept different op-ed styles. Some require a recent news peg, others require a certain angle (like a business angle for business-oriented publications), and yet others prefer subheads. And within that publication's readership, who exactly are you trying to reach? When offering recommendations, be specific as to who they are for.
• And, while doing your research for publications to place your opinion, don't overlook the new media platforms (like LinkedIn or Medium). Consider reaching out to local newspapers as well—speaking to a direct community can have considerable impact.
So, is there something you think is important to say to the raceAhead audience?
Send it our way.
Ellen.McGirt@fortune.com
Tamara.ElWaylly@fortune.com
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