I've been told by the editor of an inspirational magazine that a short
article I wrote would make a good "op ed piece" for some other
publication. What does that mean?

Hi,

I have found the following information concerning Op-Ed pieces:

""Op-ed" stands for "opposite the editorial page." In larger papers
like the New York Times, the op-ed page is the page after the
newspaper's editorials and letters to the editor. Smaller papers may
combine all three on one page: editorials, op-eds, and letters to the
editor...While it varies from paper to paper, an op-ed is usually
about 750 words."
Getting an Op-Ed Piece Published
http://www.action.org/op-eds.html

"An op-ed is an opinion piece written by a reader on a topic that is
relevant to the newspapers' audience. Depending on the newspaper, the
topics of op-eds can range from a hotly debated national issue to a
problem only important to the readers of a small town newspaper.
The author of an op-ed piece will almost always have explicit
experience or knowledge with their topic; as a result we rarely find
younger or senior citizens published. This is not to say that
newspapers are biased against the insights of the young and the old,
but the majority of writers who have special standing on a relevant
topic are middle aged professionals."
What is an Op-Ed?
http://www-pps.aas.duke.edu/courses/op-ed/whatis.html

"There are two types of Op-ed pieces, a column and a piece by a guest
writer. A column is by one person and guaranteed space on a regular
basis. Interestingly that person does not report to the
editor but to the publisher of the paper. The editor or assistant
editor generally reviews op-ed pieces submitted by outside writers.
The other Op-ed piece is submitted by a freelance writer. You will
need to write a compelling piece if you wish to publish it.
Kennedy School of Government
http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/ksgis/oped/Secure/whatis.htm


Tips for writing an Op-Ed Piece can be found here:
Kennedy School of Government
http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/ksgis/oped/Secure/write.htm
and
http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/ksgis/oped/Secure/market.htm

More links to resources about Op-Ed Pieces can be found here:
Kennedy School of Government
http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/ksgis/oped/Secure/other.htm

More information about writing and publishing Op-Ed pieces can be
found here:
DeWitt Wallace Centre Op-Ed Resource
http://www-pps.aas.duke.edu/courses/op-ed/


I hope this answer is to your satisfaction!
If you have any more questions, please ask for a clarification!

Kind regards,
paul_b_18-ga