___You understand what guest columns and editorials are, and how they differ from regular columns and editorials. ___You understand that guest columns and editorials can bring more of the public over to your way of thinking. ___You understand that guest columns and editorials can show your side of controversial issues. ___You understand that guest columns and editorials can re-open public dialogue on issues that have fallen out of the public mind. ___You understand that guest columns and editorials can counter your opponents' arguments against your group or initiative. ___You understand that guest columns and editorials can be tied to the start of an initiative, organization, or program. ___You understand that guest columns and editorials can be tied to a season. ___You understand that guest columns and editorials can be tied to an upcoming or current event. ___You understand that guest columns and editorials can be tied to an upcoming holiday. ___You understand what sort of audiences you can target with a guest column or editorial. ___You have found out the publication's policy on guest editorials and columns and, if necessary, sent out a pitch letter. ___You have selected a writer for the piece. ___You know the format requirements for guest columns and editorials. ___You have decided on the main message of your piece and kept it in mind while writing. ___You have started off by stating the subject of the controversy or issue in simple terms, as clearly as possible. ___You have explained why your side of the disagreement is right. ___You have used documented facts to back up your case as much as possible. ___You have made sure your arguments are clear, logical, and easy to follow. ___If necessary, you have presented a counter-argument to your opponent's position. ___If possible, you have asked the reader to take some sort of action. ___You have checked your work carefully for errors. ___You have gotten additional, objective opinions from as many people as possible. ___You have used this feedback to come up with the final version of your guest column or editorial. ___You have submitted your piece for publication. ___You have followed up with a letter to the newspaper thanking them for letting you write your piece. Contributor Chris Hampton
