How to Write a Standout Byline (and Get It Published)
Writing op-eds and bylines is a powerful way to share your expertise, perspective, and ideas. Whether you’re weighing in on a trend, sharing advice, or telling a personal story, contributed content can make a real impact.
But getting your piece published isn’t always easy. It takes a strong pitch, a well-developed draft, and knowing where to send it. Here's how to write a standout byline and get it in front of the right people.
Write a strong, relevant piece
A standout op-ed or byline does a few things: it grabs attention, it’s easy to read, and it leaves readers thinking. Following years of pitching my own ideas and working with clients to conceptualize, craft, and place their stories, here’s what I’ve found works best:
A clear, relevant point: Above all, your piece needs to have a clear, focused message. It’s not just about offering your perspective—it’s about backing it up with substance. That could be research, data, or personal anecdotes. Make sure your topic is timely—something that’s on people’s minds or trending in conversation right now. Relevance is key.
Engaging, straightforward writing: Skip the jargon, and get to the point! You want readers to feel like they’re having a conversation with you, not reading a textbook. Use an approachable tone and make sure your sentences are easy to digest.
An authentic perspective: Bring your own experience to the piece. Whether it’s professional expertise or a personal story, authenticity sets your work apart from the rest. Readers are more likely to connect with—and remember—a piece that feels genuine.
Something to walk away with: Readers should finish your piece feeling like they’ve learned something or gained a new perspective. Whether it’s a solution to a problem, a fresh take on an issue, or something actionable, make sure your piece leaves a lasting impression.
How to pitch your byline: getting editors to say "yes"
Once your piece is ready, it’s time to pitch it! You can go about this a few different ways.
Share a full draft or an abstract: Some editors prefer to see a fully finished piece to gauge your writing style and point of view. If your draft is polished and you feel confident about your idea, go ahead and send it! Alternatively, you can pitch an abstract first—a short email that summarizes the topic, why it matters, and how it fits with the publication’s editorial focus. This gives editors a chance to express interest before you commit to writing the whole piece.
Soft-sound editors you have a relationship with: If you’ve worked with editors before, a "soft sound" can be a great way to gauge interest without committing a lot of time. Instead of sending a full pitch, try reaching out with a quick email like, "Hi [Editor’s Name], there’s been a lot of conversation around [TOPIC] lately, and I’ve been thinking about [IDEA/PERSPECTIVE]. Would this be a good fit for your audience right now?" This approach shows you’re respectful of their time while still offering a relevant idea.
Tailor your pitch: No matter how you approach it, make sure to tailor your pitch to the specific publication. Editors want to know you’ve done your homework and that your piece fits with their editorial focus. A personalized pitch will show that you understand their audience and editorial tone, which increases your chances of success.
Where to pitch your op-ed or byline
Once you’ve crafted a compelling piece, it’s time to send it out to the right places. Here are some of my go-to outlets for contributed content:
Business Insider: Great for business and tech-related op-eds. If your piece covers trends, leadership advice, or market analysis, this could be a perfect fit.
Fast Company: Focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of work. If your piece is forward-thinking or solution-oriented, Fast Company is a solid choice.
The Muse: Aimed at young professionals, The Muse covers everything from career advice to workplace culture. If you’re writing something that speaks to professional growth or personal development, they might be interested. The editors at The Muse are some of the best I’ve worked with!
Trade publications: Every industry has its own trade publications, and they’re a goldmine for expert commentary. Whether it’s tech, finance, or real estate, pitching your byline to a trade publication can help you reach a more specific audience.
Last, but certainly not least—consider LinkedIn!
If you can’t get your piece published—or just want to share your thoughts with your network—posting to LinkedIn is a great option. It’s an ideal platform for sharing insights directly with professional connections and industry peers, building your credibility along the way. Plus, if your article performs well, you can always pitch an updated version to outlets later—backed by the added benefit of an engaged readership! I’ve been fascinated to see how LinkedIn thought leadership has become a core component of both Exec Comms and Employer Brand programs over the last few years, helping our clients build visibility and raise awareness about priority teams and open roles.
Landing a byline is all about having a clear point of view, making your writing engaging, and knowing how to pitch it effectively. Whether you’re aiming for well-known outlets like Business Insider and Fast Company or publishing on LinkedIn, the key is to stay consistent and keep honing your voice. The more you publish, the more you’ll grow your audience—and your impact.
