Guidelines for writing online opinion articles for CanadianHealthcareNetwork.ca

Commentary and opinion items are a big part of CanadianHealthcareNetwork.ca and our accompanying email newsletters. Healthcare providers are always interested in what their community peers have to say. We welcome submissions — make your voice heard!

Submit your articles to [email protected] or [email protected].

Items should be a max of 1,000 words and ideally should make an argument: "I/we believe ... because ..." It needn't be controversial (though it is great when your article is about something your peers are genuinely divided about!), but aim to be conversational.

Format:

• Text in the body of an email is fine, or attach a Word or Pages document.
• Include a headline for your commentary if you can. (Editor's tip: If you're struggling with a headline, it may be an indication that your article could use more focus.)
• Send a headshot of yourself to be featured with your article. (Selfies are fine!)

Don't worry about a deadline: our newsletters is distributed regularly so we are always working on the next one. There's no pay for such but the newsletter has good readership among healthcare providers, so your article will be seen.

To get you started, here are some writing tips:

1. Write about what you know. It will be more natural if it’s something you can talk about with enthusiasm and understanding.

2. Be clear and straightforward. Write in a plain, concise, common-sense style. Be conversational, without being wordy. Write in a way that speaks to your readers. Make it a conversation between you and your readers (not a lecture).

3. If you plan to write regularly (we are happy to consider new bloggers), develop a captivating voice and stick with it. Whether it’s quirky, angry at the world, nerdy, intellectual or thought-provoking, there has to be a distinct voice that makes the reader come back again and again.

4. Keep sentences and paragraphs short. Get to the point quickly. Use bulleted points whenever you can, for easier readability.

5. Be useful: entertain, educate, inform, deliver the news, debate an issue.

6. Capitalize on first impressions: Write headlines that crystallize your concept and include complete thoughts. For example: Boring: “Healthcare book” Better: “I am writing a tell-all book about physicians”

7. Link to information that clarifies or gives background on information and opinions in your post. Linking is an essential part of a successful article.

8. Be accurate and accountable. If you have a conflict of interest, declare it.

9. Let your personality show—it’s OK to reveal your political views or even talk about your family.

10. Don’t take yourself too seriously. This isn’t brain surgery. Don’t get pompous or dictatorial, and never lose your sense of humour.

Submit your articles to [email protected] or [email protected].