Mentor-Editor Guidelines
when requesting a match

1. You may request a Mentor-Editor match any time in the month after completing a full OpEd Project workshop, by submitting this form. You have access to the Mentor-Editor Program for one month after the final date of your workshop. For example, if your workshop ended on January 1, your access will expire on February 1. If you use this Program within the month, we will extend your access for two additional months (three months in total). You can request up to 3 matches per month, with a cap of 5 matches in a three-month period. NOTE: If you are a Public Voices Fellow, you have access to the Mentor-Editor program for three months after the active coaching portion of the fellowship ends.

2. To initiate the match, you must submit a solid draft op-ed with your request. It must meet The OpEd Project's definition of an op-ed: a timely, evidence-based argument of public value. It should be approximately 650-750 words. If you submit a draft that is longer than 1000 words, we will not initiate a match. We encourage you to follow the structure discussed in the workshop in order to have the best experience with your Mentor.

3. We do our best to make matches happen within a week, and often much faster, however, please be advised that there are occasional variances due to our mentors’ unpredictable schedules. In the event that you do not hear from us about your match within one week (7 days), you may contact us at mentoreditormatches@theopedproject.org. If you are on a tight deadline, or if your op-ed is very time-sensitive, we suggest that you join our Ask A Journalist webinars (every Thursday at 5 pm EST), where you have the opportunity to get live feedback and ask questions. These are "pay what you can” and you can also request free access.

4. The Mentor-Editor policy is "one match at a time." This means we will only match you with one Mentor on one op-ed at a time. Only when that match is complete you can submit another request. Completion of the match is defined as: when the Mentor has provided feedback and the exchange is over—and ideally, you have pitched your op-ed.

5. Mentor-Editors commit to providing positive critical feedback in a tone that encourages and inspires. We ask Mentor-Editors to do everything they possibly can—in the manner they feel most appropriate—to support and empower you. They may comment on broad ideas, suggest copy edits, or both. In most cases, this involves providing feedback on your op-ed draft, and a few back-and-forths to answer questions.

6. The Mentor-Editor will provide feedback and encouragement in a one-time, one-op-ed interaction (unless the Mentor-Editor and the alum both wish to continue the dialogue). On average, Mentors spend 1-2 hours on a match, although on occasion they form longer relationships.

7. If you want help with your pitch, you must include it with your submission and specifically request feedback on it. Mentor-Editors will not pitch for you, but they will give you feedback on your pitch. Pitching happens fast—be sure to follow up! For guidance on how to pitch, where to submit, and when to follow up please visit our website.

8. Although Mentor-Editors may occasionally share personal contacts, you should never expect this.

9. This program was founded to support your voice—please do not use it for ghostwriting, and do not turn in drafts by anyone other than yourself.

10. Remember to THANK your mentor! Our Mentor-Editors are volunteering their time to help you. Some of them are pulling time out of their workdays in between deadlines, or reporting from the front lines. So please thank them. Even if you don't use their edits. And if you get published, or if their support has been in any other way helpful to you, please tell them so (CC us, if you'd like!). What goes around comes around, and gratitude is powerful juju.