Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin
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Statesman Editor Shares Insight on Editorial Writing

While there is no "scientific evidence" that editorial writing influences politics, the fact that Governor George W. Bush's presidential candidacy triggered a flood of op-eds into the Austin American-Statesman's editorial office demonstrates a common belief in their power, said Statesman editorial page editor Arnold Garcia during an October brown bag talk.

Garcia said he has been inundated with op-eds on every topic imaginable from writers across the nation whom he suspects are seeking audience with Bush. While Bush's candidacy spurred an increase, "because (Austin is) the state capital, there has always been a heavy flow of op-ed pieces," Garcia explained.

The limited amount of space in the editorial section of the Austin American-Statesman makes adhering to the rules of editorial writing crucial, said Garcia. A large portion of the Statesman's op-eds are written by nationally syndicated professionals or are solicited by the editorial staff. The remaining space is dedicated to unsolicited entries. "The space is finite," said Garcia, as he described the steep competition in the selection process.

Garcia advised op-ed writers to "put on a happy face" and use a "sales" mentality. He stressed the importance of focusing on subjects that reach a broad spectrum of readers and warned against complex or obscure topics. "Newspaper readers don't have a lot of time. If you don't grab them in the lead, you've lost them," he said.

Garcia encouraged LBJ School students to submit op-eds and offered the following tips:

  • Write about a timely subject that is generally appealing and accessible by a large number of readers.

  • Address the topic head on, explaining to the reader why he or she should care about it.
     
  • Write in short declarative sentences.
     
  • Avoid using academic jargon and obscure vocabulary -- never use footnotes.
     
  • Limit entries to 800 words or less.
     
  • Be patient; if an entry isn't selected, don't get discouraged from submitting others.

October 30, 2000

News and Events • Fall 2000 News Briefs

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October 19, 2000

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