The Salt Lake Tribune is committed to creating a space where Utahns can share ideas, perspectives and solutions that move our state forward. We rely on your contributions to do this.
While we encourage Utahns from all walks of life to submit, we want to ensure that submissions help us reach our goals to strengthen civic discourse, fight polarization and solve problems. We welcome ideas in multiple formats and will consider essays, illustrations, videos and other proposals.
Please note that all submitted op-eds are considered at the editor’s discretion, and publication is not guaranteed. Those who submit should expect to hear back from the Voices Editor within a few days of submitting, and those that are accepted are likely to go through a few rounds of edits.
If you or someone you know would like to share your unique perspective or expert analysis, please consider the following questions before submitting:
Is both the author and topic local? Think about what topics are impacting Utahns now. What information can you provide that they cannot find elsewhere? If it’s a national issue, what is the local tie?Is the topic timely? Sometimes, issues are evergreen. But we’d encourage you to think about what topics are impacting Utahns now.Is the argument clear? Will the reader understand your position immediately? Is there a clear call to action? If you’re concerned about being able to write, reach out to the Voices editor to talk about alternate formats, like a Q&A, a video, an illustration, etc.Does the author have strong personal authority? Everyone has an opinion. Think of topics on which you are uniquely qualified to speak on. Can you base your point in lived experience? Are you an expert in a particular area? Think about how you can leverage that experience and/or expertise to build trust with an audience.Has the topic been over- or under-covered? News happens fast, and we have an obligation to act quickly. Consider what’s impacting Utahns now and how your commentary can provide the audience with information they can’t find elsewhere.Requirements
Please ensure you also understand and have met the following requirements. Unless otherwise specified, the word “commentary” applies to both op-eds and letters to the editor.
Commentaries must be exclusive to The Tribune, meaning it has not been sent to — or published — anywhere else.Commentaries must adhere to word counts. Op-eds are 800 words or less. Letters to the editor are 300 words or less.Commentaries must not include name-calling or personal attacks.Commentaries must be timely and Utah-related.Commentaries must have in-line links to facts, data, quotes and references.Open letter formats will not be accepted. Contributors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest. If you’re currently running for office, please review our candidate guidelines below.Please understand that The Tribune is working to elevate voices not always seen in our work and new contributors may be prioritized.By submitting a commentary, you consent to your name, headshot and words being shared on The Salt Lake Tribune’s platforms, where comments are open to the public.Letters should be sent letters@sltrib.com. Submissions must be 300 words or less and must include the author’s full name, address, phone number and email address. Authors must also include in-line links to all quotes and facts used. Only the name and city will be published. Please note that all submitted letters are considered at the editor’s discretion and publication is not guaranteed. The Salt Lake Tribune will edit letters for grammar, style and clarity. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to respond to each submission. Letters should be sent letters@sltrib.com.
Op-eds should be sent to voices@sltrib.com. Written submissions should be 800 words or less and must include in-line links to all quotes and facts used. Please disclose any potential conflicts of interest in the topic of your submission. Contributors should include a recent photograph of themselves and a sentence or two of biographical information that includes any experience or expertise in the subject matter addressed. Sending text in the body of an email is preferred, as attachments do not always arrive in a usable form.
Elections
Election-related commentaries should adhere to the above guidelines. During election cycles, in an effort to be fair, there are additional guidelines for both candidates and readers. Please note that all submitted commentaries are considered at the editor’s discretion, and publication is not guaranteed.
Candidates:
Candidates in a political race may only publish one op-ed or letter to the editor per election. For example, a candidate may publish one op-ed or letter during a primary election and again during a general election. Candidates already in office may submit additional op-eds or letters for consideration if they are not election-related and serve constituent interest.The Salt Lake Tribune may solicit op-eds and letters from other candidates in a race before publishing one candidate’s submission.Final drafts are due 30 days before ballots are mailed.No candidate op-eds or endorsement commentaries or votes will be published after ballots are mailed.Readers:
You may only submit one commentary or letter-to-the editor endorsing a candidate per race.No commentaries or letters to the editor endorsing a candidate will be published after ballots are mailed.Questions? Concerns? Ready to share your perspective? Send a note to voices@sltrib.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
