The Washington Post (WaPo) is one of the most highly respected papers in the country. Founded in 1877, it is the largest paper published in Washington, D.C., and has received countless Pulitzer and Worth Bingham prizes. Securing content in WaPo is a PR professional’s dream, but often unattainable. If you throw an email pitch at a reporter, it is likely to be deleted without so much as a second thought. So how do you place content in this coveted publication? Here are a few options.
Submit an Op-Ed
One way to secure content in WaPo is to submit an op-ed. An op-ed expresses the opinion of an author who does not usually write for the publication. WaPo is very specific on the qualifications of op-eds they accept. To start, pieces should be shorter than 750 words, although the submission box allows for 800 words.
They accept content on any topic, from anyone. You do not have to hold a certain title to submit an op-ed, however, if you do, there is a place to note that in the “comments” section. A very important note WaPo makes is that they do not accept content that has been submitted or posted elsewhere, including personal blogs. All content must be original.
There is no need to follow up if you do not receive a response. If you do not hear back from editors after one week, it likely means they did not choose to publish your piece.
Submit a Letter to the Editor
Although much shorter in length, letters to the editor are often a good way to get published in WaPo. These pieces are opinionated as well, relating to issues of concern from readers, or responses to articles in the publication.
WaPo prefers letters that are fewer than 200 words and relate to content that has already been published in the paper. Anonymous letters will not be considered, and the writer must disclose any bias he or she might have in relation to the subject – personal or financial.
Similar to op-ed submissions, letters to the editor must also be original and cannot appear elsewhere.
Submit to Outlook
Another option to secure coverage in WaPo is to submit it to the Outlook/PostEverything section. This section is separate in the print paper but grouped together with op-eds in the online edition. Outlook is similar to the Op-Ed section, however, Outlook authors typically have professional or personal experience with the subject that gives the writing a unique and inside perspective.
Outlook submissions can be up to 1,500 words long, although editors like a variety of lengths and topics. Keep your topic catchy and fresh, something that will grab the readers eye, and be ahead or in line with the news.
Outlook/PostEverything submissions can be sent to outlook@washingtonpost.com.