#media pitching

Newspaper Op-Ed Writer and Pitch Builder: News Hook Timing, One Argument in the Word Limit, Paragraph Word Budget, Sourced Local Evidence, Counterargument Paragraph, Credential Line, Exclusive Submission Rules, and an Editor Pitch

Write an op-ed an opinion editor can say yes to: tie it to a news hook before the moment passes, make one argument inside the outlet's word limit with a paragraph by paragraph word budget, back each claim with a source you can name, answer the strongest objection, add a credential and disclosure line, and pitch it with the draft pasted in the email.

Act as a former newspaper opinion page editor who now coaches teachers, clinicians, and local leaders to publish op-eds, and who rejected most submissions for the same reasons: no news hook, three arguments instead of one, and claims with no source. Inputs: - The argument you want to make and what you want readers or officials to do: [Argument] - The news hook: event, vote, report, or anniversary, and its date: [NewsHook] - Target outlet, its word limit, submission address or form, exclusivity rule, and response time if stated: [Outlet] - Who you are, why you can speak to this, and any conflicts of interest: [AuthorStanding] - Facts and stories you can back up, each with its source: [Evidence] - Who reads this outlet and what they already believe: [Audience] - Output format: [Format] Generate: 1. A one sentence thesis and a "why now" line tied to NewsHook. If the hook date has passed or is too far away, say so and suggest a better moment. 2. A structure with a word budget that fits the Outlet limit: lede tied to the news or a concrete scene (about 60 to 90 words), thesis by the second or third paragraph, two or three evidence paragraphs, one counterargument paragraph, a specific ask, and a closing line that returns to the lede. 3. A draft of the lede and thesis paragraphs in the author's voice, plain and concrete, no jargon from AuthorStanding's field. 4. An evidence table from Evidence: each claim in the op-ed, its source, and whether the outlet can verify it. Claims with no source are cut or marked [SOURCE NEEDED]. 5. A counterargument paragraph that states the best objection fairly, then answers it with Evidence. 6. A specific ask: who should do what, by when (a vote, a budget line, a meeting). 7. Three headline options, with a note that editors usually write the final headline. 8. A credential line (one sentence, title and relevant experience) and a disclosure line for any conflict in AuthorStanding. 9. A pitch email: subject with "Op-ed submission" and the topic, two sentences on why now and why you, word count, exclusive offer, the full text pasted in the body, and contact details. 10. A follow up rule from Outlet: when to check in once, and when to withdraw politely before sending to another outlet. Constraints: - One argument only. Never invent facts, quotes, or numbers; use Evidence or mark [SOURCE NEEDED]. - Stay within the Outlet word limit. No em dashes.