How to Get Your Opinion Published in the Calgary Herald: A Comprehensive Guide
The Calgary Herald actively welcomes submissions of opinion columns and letters to the editor from writers across the community. Whether you aim to see your work online or in the print edition, following specific guidelines can significantly enhance your chances of publication. This article provides detailed insights into the submission process, requirements, and editorial expectations.
Understanding the Basics for Column Submissions
An opinion piece must present a clear argument or perspective designed to persuade readers. It should not serve as a general news feature or promotional content. Quality writing with clear language and logical organization is essential. The editorial team reviews all submissions, making minor edits for clarity, accuracy, and length while preserving the author's voice.
Key requirements for columns include:
- Submissions must be approximately 650 words, neither more nor less.
- Send your piece directly to oped.calgaryherald@postmedia.com without prior querying.
- Do not attach files; include the text in the email body.
- Provide a brief author bio at the end, optionally including social media handles or contact information.
- Disclose any personal involvement with the subject matter to ensure transparency.
The Calgary Herald does not pay fees for freelance opinion pieces and retains copyright upon publication. Authors cannot reprint content without permission. While most accepted articles appear online, efforts are made to include them in print editions, subject to scheduling adjustments for breaking news.
What Editors Look For in Submissions
Editors prioritize originality, strong argumentation, and concise writing. A piece should offer a unique viewpoint, avoiding topics recently covered in the media. Some level of expertise or in-depth knowledge on the subject is preferred, though exceptional writing and reasoning from any writer are considered.
Additional criteria include:
- Diversity of perspectives, even if they differ from the newspaper's stance.
- Use of plain language, steering clear of jargon and academic vagueness.
- Incorporation of concrete examples to support arguments, rather than abstract discussions.
- Avoidance of unfounded conspiracy theories or unverified claims.
Guidelines for Letters to the Editor
Letters to the editor are open to anyone and should be concise, with a maximum of 150 words. They can be as brief as a sentence or two. Submissions must include the writer's full name, address, and phone number for verification purposes; without this information, letters cannot be considered. Send letters to letters@calgaryherald.com.
Terminology and Expectations
Understanding editorial terminology is crucial. An editorial is written by the newspaper's staff, typically an editorial board member. An oped, short for "opposite the editorial page," refers to guest opinion pieces. A column is a regular feature by a recurring writer. The Herald cannot publish every submission and does not provide detailed feedback on rejections, emphasizing the importance of adhering to guidelines for success.
By following these tips and maintaining a focus on clarity, originality, and strong argumentation, writers can effectively contribute to public discourse through the Calgary Herald's platforms.
