How to Write a Newspaper Column

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Writing a newspaper column provides space for a columnist to share their opinions or analyze a chosen topic using their own voice. While a newspaper column does afford a lot of room for freedom, there are certain conventions that should be followed to write an effective column. By learning how to present your subject in an interesting way and how to present your writing in a straightforward manner, you can write a successful newspaper column that engages your audience.

Writing a Newspaper Column

Choose a current event or topic you’re interested in. Form your opinion about the topic and come up with a unique perspective or angle. Create a catchy title and introduction to hook your readers. Write in first person using a conversational tone and make the column 400-800 words long.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Developing and Sharing Your Views

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  1. As a newspaper columnist, you’re charged to have distinct opinions and a voice. Your voice could be humorous or dark, for example. [1]
    • A good way to find your voice is to read newspaper articles that report just the facts, and then freewriting a response. Do this with 5 or 6 articles, then chart how you reacted. You might notice that you consistently take a sarcastic tone or an optimistic one.
    • Your editor will also be able to help you refine your voice, so don’t be afraid to reach out.
  2. What distinguishes a newspaper column from an article is that a column inserts an opinion where the article only reports facts in an objective way. Forming an opinion is a good way to speak your voice.
    • A good way to test your opinion is to ask yourself, “Will someone have a strong reaction to my article?” If the answer is yes, you’ve successfully formed an opinion. If your stance doesn’t elicit any reaction, then you’ve probably written a very neutral piece.
    • Make sure you can back that opinion up with researched evidence. This will help persuade your readers to buy into your opinion.
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  3. A good way to develop a voice and opinion is to draw from your own personal experiences. Including anecdotes from your own life will not only make you more relatable to your reader, but also more credible. [2]
    • If you’ve had a situation where prescription drug costs buried you financially, start off your column with an anecdote about this time in your life before you lay out your fiery opinion on the high cost of prescription drugs for seniors.
  4. Since a column is based on your opinion, incorporate your voice by using “I.” This will remind the reader of your presence and will help establish which opinions presented are yours.
    • Instead of saying, “The facilities for race horses are inadequate,” use first person to make the statement more compelling. For example: “The facilities that I, as a trainer, have visited don't meet the horses needs, which affects their performance and well-being.”
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Choosing Your Column Topic

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  1. Your readers will be most interested in topics that are dominating the news, such as politics or pop culture, and not some obscure event that’s no longer relevant. [3] Stay on top of the news cycle and be ready to jump in with your own opinion. [4]
    • Scan newspaper and magazine headlines to see what events are most popular. These reoccurring issues are ones that the general public will be interested in.
    • Often newspaper columns are about politics, but they can draw on social issues also, such as prison conditions.
  2. Providing your readers with a fresh approach to a story can make your column appealing. Thinking about new angles for a topic on current events will be sure to speak to readers. [5]
    • Don’t be afraid to include yourself in your topic. Look at your own personal history for a way to contribute something unique to your column. [6]
    • Dive into the details and see where they take you. Looking closely at details may provoke a new idea.
    • Focusing on local angles is a great way to make your column relevant to your reader. [7]
  3. Have the conviction to suggest a solution or two for the opinion you’ve stated. Readers are looking for answers when they pick up a newspaper column, and it’s your job as the columnist to provide them. [8]
    • If, for example, you’re going to say, “Social media use by students during school hours is crushing student productivity,” you’d better be prepared to offer a solution to get students to put aside social media and concentrate on the tasks at hand.
    • If you’ve got a strong point of view on a particular topic, but have no solutions to offer, you should wait to write the column until you’ve got more concrete solutions.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Engaging Your Audience

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  1. They often include numbers, fun adjectives, and a promise to the reader. [9] This will help set the reader's expectations and grab his or her attention.
    • For example, “Getting Stains Out of Your Carpet” is a mundane title that’s not likely to capture your reader’s attention.
    • Alternatively, “3 Unusual Household Items That’ll Get Red Wine Stains Out” is more interesting because it gives the reader a promise.
  2. Make that first sentence count by enticing the reader with your words and ideas. Remember that your opening also lays the foundation for your argument, so make sure it’s relevant.
    • Attention-grabbing opening lines include: dramatic anecdotes, controversial statements, irony and wit, references to new studies, or statements that contradict conventional wisdom. [10]
  3. As you write your article make sure every paragraph can answer the question: “Who cares?” Explain why your topic is relevant to your readers and how it will positively or negatively affect them. [11]
    • For example, if you’re writing against a new tax proposal, explain to your readers that this new policy will increase their taxes.
  4. While you shouldn’t throw all the writing rules out the window, you should avoid jargon, technical language, and complex sentence structure. By writing in a more conversational manner, you’ll be able to communicate your point to your audience more effectively.
    • Try writing in shorter sentences or using contractions to adopt a more conversational style.
    • Pretend that you’re writing to a friend and address the reader directly.
    • Try talking in your head as you write and then read it aloud afterwards to see how it sounds. [12]
  5. Using active verbs comes across as more authoritative and it’ll help cut down on wordiness. Since you’re trying to convince a reader of your opinion, using strong, active verbs will help you do this.
    • Stating that, “It is believed by the city council that the townspeople were misled by the mayor” is wordy and leaves the author wondering if the city council is an authoritative source. Instead, try writing that, “The city council believes that the mayor misled the townspeople.” You can note how the active voice sentence is more authoritative and straightforward.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Formatting Your Column

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  1. Newspaper columns are typically only 400-800 words so you should get to your point straightaway. [13]
    • Get used to whittling down your initial drafts. After you read each sentence ask yourself, “How is this sentence contributing to my argument? Is every word necessary?”
    • If you find yourself unsure whether words or sentences contribute to your argument, take them out and read the article again to see if their absence alters your argument.
  2. Because newspaper columns are short, your topic and point of view must be clearly defined and focused. State your topic and opinion in the first paragraph. The following paragraphs should relate back to this idea. [14]
    • For example, if you’re writing that long-distance relationships are a bad idea, introduce this idea in the first paragraph. Present the problematic aspects of long-distance relationships in the following paragraphs to support your stance.
  3. While column writing does leave a lot of room for your own personal voice, it should be anchored in facts. Backing up your opinion with facts will help make your case for your readers. [15]
    • You can conduct research at the library or from your computer, but you can also conduct field research by interviewing people involved in your story. [16]
    • Always make sure you properly cite your sources.
    • If you include a quote be sure to name your source and their expertise. This way the reader is able to assess the reliability of that person's statement.
  4. Use Associated Press format . Journalism has its own specific writing style that ensures that all newspaper writers have consistent guidelines to follow.
    • Journalism's punctuation is very different from your normal English formatting so you’ll need to review the AP format carefully.
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Sample Newspaper Columns

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What should I write a column about?
    Janet Peischel
    Digital Media Expert
    Janet Peischel is a Writer and Digital Media Expert and the Owner of Top of Mind Marketing. With more than 15 years of consulting experience, she develops content strategies and builds online brands for her clients. Prior to consulting, Janet spent over 15 years in the marketing industry, in positions such as the Vice President of Marketing Communications for the Bank of America. Janet holds a BA and MA from the University of Washington.
    Janet Peischel
    Digital Media Expert
    Expert Answer
    Try to cover something relevant that will interest your readers, such as current events.
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  • Question
    What qualifications are needed for being a column writer?
    Community Answer
    Anyone can write a column so long as you do your research, have an opinion, and work on writing in a way that will appeal to your audience.
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  • Question
    What does a columnist do?
    Community Answer
    A columnist tries to give insight to their readers using a personal opinion or perspective.
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      Tips

      • Always check the guidelines of submission for the specific newspaper you’d like to submit a column to. Be sure to include a brief bio and cover letter with each submission. [17]
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      • Read your favorite columnist's work to help inspire you. What about their writing makes it so appealing, so useful to the reader, and so popular that readers keep coming back for more?
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      Warnings

      • Remember your libel laws. If you don't know them, learn them to avoid possible legal repercussions! [18]
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      References

      1. ↑ http://businessjournalism.org/2014/04/the-art-of-column-writing/
      2. ↑ https://styleguide.duke.edu/toolkits/writing-media/how-to-write-an-op-ed-article/
      3. ↑ Janet Peischel. Digital Media Expert. Expert Interview. 30 March 2021.
      4. ↑ https://styleguide.duke.edu/toolkits/writing-media/how-to-write-an-op-ed-article/
      5. ↑ http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar-rules-and-tips/tips-on-writing-newspaper-editorial-format.html
      6. ↑ https://letterpile.com/writing/Ten-Tips-For-Better-Column-and-Article-Writing
      7. ↑ http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/participation/promoting-interest/guest-columns-editorials/main
      8. ↑ https://letterpile.com/writing/Ten-Tips-For-Better-Column-and-Article-Writing
      9. ↑ https://goinswriter.com/catchy-headlines/
      1. ↑ https://crowdfavorite.com/how-to-write-effective-attention-grabbing-headlines/
      2. ↑ https://styleguide.duke.edu/toolkits/writing-media/how-to-write-an-op-ed-article/
      3. ↑ http://writetodone.com/how-to-write-conversationally/
      4. ↑ http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/participation/promoting-interest/guest-columns-editorials/main
      5. ↑ https://journalistsresource.org/tip-sheets/writing/how-to-write-an-op-ed-or-column
      6. ↑ https://letterpile.com/writing/Ten-Tips-For-Better-Column-and-Article-Writing
      7. ↑ https://journalistsresource.org/tip-sheets/writing/how-to-write-an-op-ed-or-column
      8. ↑ www.earth.columbia.edu/sitefiles/file/pressroom/.../OpEdGuide.doc
      9. ↑ https://www.citizen.org/sites/default/files/writingwithlibelinmind.pdf

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you’re struggling to find a topic for a newspaper column, look at current events to see what your readers will be interested in. When you find an issue that you have an original opinion on, find a unique angle to present your opinion from. For example, you could draw from personal experience or focus on how the issue affects your locality. Whatever you write about, make sure you offer a solution to the problem so readers are interested in reading your column. To learn how to engage readers and format the column so it is easier to read, scroll down!

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