PRIVATE EDITORIAL COACHING
Frequently Asked Questions
+ Who can request a Private Editorial Coach?
Our Private Editorial Coaching service is for members of The OpEd Project community who are seeking individualized expert guidance while developing their public voice, and who want more dedicated editorial support than we can provide through our Fellowships, Workshops, or Mentor-Editor Program. Our Private Editorial Coaching service is exclusively for members of The OpEd Project community. If you are not already an alum or fellow, please register for an OpEd Project ”Write To Change The World” workshop before requesting an Editorial Coach.
+ Who are THE Private Editorial Coaches?
Private Editorial Coaches are experienced journalists, columnists and editors who have been vetted by The OpEd Project and are part of our mission of inclusive leadership. All clients are matched with a fantastic Coach based on availability and areas of interest.
+ Can I request a particular Coach?
If you are an alum or Fellow with a preexisting relationship with one of our team, you can request to work with them in the interest form on this page. Note that not all of our Facilitators and Coaches are active Private Editorial Coaches, and requested matches are not guaranteed and will depend on availability. The vast majority of coaching clients do not request a specific Coach and have a stellar experience.
+ What editing package should I purchase?
The current packages available are 10 and 25 hours to be used in 3 months, and 50 hours to be used in 6 months. If you are unsure of which package to choose, you can start with a smaller package to get a feel for the pace and process of working with an Editorial Coach. If you wish to continue after completing that initial package, you can purchase a new package and request to continue with the same Coach, although this is not guaranteed and would depend on the Coach's availability.
+ What kind of support can my Editorial Coach provide?
Coaches will provide feedback and encouragement on the development of your ideas and themes, edits on your writing, and advice on the strategy and logistics of pitching your piece. Please note that Coaches will not pitch op-eds on your behalf.
+ Can I share an editing package with someone?
Private Coaching is designed for highly personalized, one-on-one coaching, not group editing. To ensure the best experience for you and your Editorial Coach, all communication about your work in this context should take place between you and your Coach only. If you are looking for group editing, join our 'Ask A Journalist' office hours (every Thursday at 5:00 pm EST) where you can submit a draft or pitch, get live feedback and ask questions.
+ Can I purchase a package of hours as a gift for someone?
Yes! The recipient who will work directly with an Editorial Coach needs to confirm their interest and review our expectations by submitting the interest form on this page. After that, they’ll be sent a link to purchase a package and anyone can complete payment.
+ What is the best way to organize my time with my Editorial Coach?
Time goes by fast and we want to make sure you use your full package, which is why we strongly recommend you schedule a weekly or biweekly 30-minute phone call with your Coach. You can use the call to seek support for any of the following:
Refine broad ideas into concise, powerful, and publishable arguments
Brainstorm newshooks to make your ideas timely
Identify key evidence to strengthen your argument
Review line edits your coach provided on your outlines or drafts
Garner advice on pitching so you can pitch pieces yourself once you are ready
Please note that the structure of your editorial package is ultimately up to you and your Coach.
+ What if my Coach and I are not a good match?
Once matched, you and your Coach will have an initial 20-minute call to discuss goals and interests to ensure it is a good fit - with no obligation. If you and the Coach agree to move forward, your coaching period will begin according to a mutually agreed schedule. If either of you does not feel the match is a good fit, you must reach out to alegria@theopedproject.org within one day of your introductory call to request an alternative Coach.
+ Where have other Private Coaching clients published?
Our clients have been published in the LA Times, The Hill, New York Times, Inside Higher Ed, Newsweek, Better, USA Today, Harvard Business Review, US News, Washington Post, Forbes, Truthout, The Hill Reporter and many more.
+ Can you guarantee I will get published in a specific outlet?
The OpEd Project's Private Editorial Coaches are world-class journalists, editors and thought leaders, and are very well-positioned to guide you, your ideas and your writing towards publishing success(es). Nonetheless, we can never guarantee publication in a specific outlet.
+ Can I get a refund for unused hours?
No, unused hours will expire and are non-refundable. The reason for this is to encourage action, and also to respect our Coaches’ time.
+ Can I continue after I complete my editing package?
If you wish to continue the coaching experience after completing your editing package, you can purchase a new package and request to continue with the same Coach, although this is not guaranteed and would depend on the Coach's availability.