Meet the Editors: Tips for Writing Successful Op-Ed Pitches

Social science research has the power to influence social policy, improve human lives, and contribute to public good. Yet, research findings that are buried in academic journals often fail to have broader real-world impact. Many BU social scientists are eager to do effective public scholarship, writing op-eds for high-visibility media outlets and engaging in public conversations about cutting-edge issues. But how do you break into public writing? A panel of editors from major media sites will join us, and share their insights on how to pitch, frame, and write an effective op-ed. Our panelists are: Brian Bergstein, Editor, Boston Globe Ideas section. Brian is The Boston Globe’s deputy managing editor for the Ideas section in Globe Opinion and a member of the Globe’s editorial board He previously was executive editor of MIT Technology Review, where he helped lead the overall editorial coverage. The publication was twice nominated for the National Magazine Award in general excellence during his tenure. Kathryn Cramer Brownell, Senior Editor, Made By History, TIME. Dr. Brownell is Professor of History at Purdue University. Her research and teaching focus on the relationships between media, politics, and popular culture, with an emphasis on the American presidency. Made by History is a leading history column producing rigorous historical analysis of U.S. current events and public debates, offering an easily digestible format designed for the general public. Beth Daley. Executive Editor and General Manager, The Conversation. A Pulitzer Prize finalist for climate reporting at the Boston Globe, Beth also worked at the New England Center for Investigative Reporting as a reporter and director of partnerships. As Director of Strategic Development at InsideClimate, she worked to diversify the Pulitzer Prize-winning news outlet’s revenue stream. She attended Stanford University as a John S. Knight Journalism Fellow in 2011/2012. The Conversation is a nonprofit, independent news organization dedicated to unlocking the knowledge of experts for the public good.