___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.