What word count range are you looking for?

Generally, 700–900 words (up to 1,000 is still in-range). That’s typically enough space to make a strong argument without losing readers. Online publishing allows flexibility, but writers should use as much space as needed—no more—and avoid filler or “throat clearing” before getting to the point.

Should writers stick to the word count when submitting, or write long and expect edits?

Stick to the word count unless you have a compelling reason it truly needs more. Submissions that are much longer create significant editing burden and can delay feedback. Aim for under 1,000 words unless you can make a strong case for exceeding that.

How long should contributors expect to wait for a response after submitting (even just an acknowledgment)?

With current staffing and submission volume, if we’re interested, you’ll typically hear back within about two weeks. Time-sensitive pieces may move faster, but contributors should assume their piece should still feel timely one to two weeks after submission.

Who is your readership, and do you run op-eds about pending legislation?

The audience is best described as Massachusetts’s “engaged citizenry”—not just Beacon Hill insiders, but people who pay more than average attention to state policy and civic life and are looking for substantive, “meaty” pieces. On pending bills: you can write about legislation, but the piece shouldn’t just be a call to pass Bill X. Use the bill as part of a broader argument about the issue and debate—avoid “contact your lawmaker and urge a yes vote” style advocacy language.

What scope of topics works best—Boston, Massachusetts, New England, federal?

Massachusetts-wide is the sweet spot (it’s in the name Commonwealth Beacon). Boston topics can run, but we’re mindful of the “Boston bubble” and aim for statewide relevance and balance. National/international issues are generally not the focus unless they’re clearly connected to Massachusetts.

Are you open to embedded media (photos, video, graphs)? And how many links are too many?

Yes—media can be welcome if it meaningfully strengthens understanding. For photos, contributors must ensure proper rights/permission to publish. For links: they can help readers dig deeper, but don’t overwhelm—there’s no magic number, but ~5–6 key links is a good target.

What topics do you wish more people would submit op-eds about?

We’d welcome more pieces on the economy, business, employment, higher education (we get many K–12-focused submissions, fewer higher ed pieces), local/municipal government issues—as long as the topic isn’t so town-specific it belongs only in a local outlet; it should be generalizable to broader statewide or multi-community challenges.

Is there a preference for solo vs. jointly written op-eds?

No preference—co-authored pieces are fine within reason. Three to four authors is pushing the outer edge; five to six starts to feel unwieldy and more like a coalition statement than a genuinely co-written op-ed.

Do you only want pieces about what’s “in play,” or can writers argue for issues being ignored (or bring history/analysis)?

“In play” should be taken broadly—a strong argument about an issue being ignored can be a great fit, including calling out Beacon Hill for neglecting it. We also welcome historical perspective and pieces that don’t fit the classic op-ed mold—more like an essay—as long as it’s compelling, well-written, and engaging (even if it’s not tied to a specific Massachusetts policy action).

Do you have a policy limiting how often a writer or organization can be published?

There is no formal rule, but we’re mindful of not running the same voices or organizations too frequently.

Do you prefer working with PR representatives or directly with authors?

We’re more inclined toward pieces that come directly from authors. PR-submitted pieces can raise questions about messaging or “spin,” though we do publish pieces that come through communications shops. Bottom line: you don’t need a PR intermediary—reach out directly.

If someone works with MassINC’s policy team, are there special guidelines for submitting to CommonWealth Beacon?

CommonWealth Beacon operates independently within MassINC (parallel tracks: journalism vs. research/policy). Having a relationship with the policy side doesn’t disqualify a submission, but it also doesn’t provide priority. Pieces that reference MassINC research are treated similarly to pieces drawing on other policy organizations’ work.

How are podcast topics decided, and do you accept pitches?

Yes, we welcome pitches for topics and guests. Don’t use the op-ed portal—email Michael Jonas, Laura Colarusso, or Jennifer Smith.

How long do op-eds stay in a prominent spot on the website? Do they get removed?

On the homepage, the opinion section has three slots; pieces get pushed down as new ones publish. We aim for one new opinion piece each weekday, so a piece typically stays featured for about three days. After that, it remains accessible via the opinion landing page and search—it doesn’t disappear and remains available long-term.