Submissions can be emailed to commentary@chicagotribune.com.
Please note the following:
• Op-eds should be a minimum of 600 words and a maximum of 900 words.
• We consider finished drafts only, not idea pitches. All submissions should include a short note containing your name, address, phone number and credentials, i.e. your qualifications to write on the particular subject.
• Op-eds must be wholly exclusive to the Tribune. We don’t want previously published pieces or pieces that have been superficially localized.
• If you don’t hear back from us within three business days, we have decided to pass on publishing your op-ed. You’re then free to submit it elsewhere.
• We don’t pay for op-eds.
We are looking for:
• Insightful commentary and opinion on the issues of the day.
• Well-written essays, both weighty and whimsical.
• Well-reasoned, expert analysis. You must have some expertise in the field of discussion.
We are not looking for:
• Ax-grinding, spleen-venting tirades.
• Direct rebuttals of or responses to news stories, editorials or other op-eds. (The letters to the editor section is the forum for those, and you can send a letter — max 400 words — to letters@chicagotribune.com.)
• Self-serving advocacy pieces.
You must have some expertise in the field, or in the case of an essay, some direct personal experience. The volume of submission is such that we will only contact you if we plan to use your submission. We cannot accept telephone or mail.
We edit and/or trim articles as little as possible, but we reserve the right to do so as necessary.