Want to pitch to the New York Times' Opinion Desk? Here's how.

Want to pitch to the New York Times' Opinion Desk? Here's how.

 

Why the Opinion Section Still Matters


The landscape of editorial storytelling at The New York Times has evolved, and so have the opportunities for sharp, original voices. 


As features like the Home section fade into legacy status, the Opinion section has become one of the most dynamic spaces to engage readers — amplifying lived experience and nuanced social commentary from diverse perspectives. 

When pitching to the Opinion desk of the New York Times, editors are looking for op-eds that balance personal insight with a broader public relevance — essays that challenge assumptions and add something new to the national conversation.

 




Submissions should be concise (usually under 1,200 words), clear, and timely. Pieces can be sent through The Times’ digital submission portal or emailed directly to opinion@nytimes.com, ideally with a brief note introducing your argument and why it’s urgent right now.  Before pitching, read the current Opinion section closely: study the tone, focus, and authorship patterns.

Think: What perspective has *not* yet been heard? The most successful pitches reflect both voice and value — an argument that feels undeniably of the moment, yet timeless enough to linger.

To submit your guest essay, please complete this form. When submitting your essay: 
  • Explain the professional or personal background that connects you to the argument or idea in your essay. 
  • Include sources (in hyperlinks in the text or in parentheses) for key assertions made in your essay. 

A member of our staff will read and review every submission, but because of the large number of messages we receive, we may not be able to respond to everyone individually. Unfortunately, we have to reject many excellent essays and ideas. If you do not hear from us within three business days, you should feel free to submit your work elsewhere.


Here are several current editors in The New York Times Opinion section, with the most up-to-date contact and social information available:

Primary Editors

  • Kathleen Kingsbury – Opinion Editor. Oversees the entire Opinion section and is the main contact for submissions to editorial and op-ed teams.nytimes+2

  • Patrick Healy – Deputy Opinion Editor. Involved in editorial board reorganization and high-impact op-ed decisions.

  • Mara Gay – Editorial Board Member and contributor to editorials; covers politics, civil rights, and public policy.

  • Brent Staples – Editorial Board Member specializing in race, education, and policy.

  • Jesse Wegman – Editorial Board Member often writing about legal affairs.s

  • Farah Stockman – Editorial Board Member; focuses on social justice and global affairs.

Recently Added Contributors and Audio/Video Editors

For the fastest direct response regarding op-ed submissions, use opinion@nytimes.com and craft a succinct subject line referencing your topic. Social media profiles can signal your expertise, but formal pitches go by email or the NYT submission portal.

Always verify editor roles and emails before pitching, as masthead assignments can shift after newsroom changes. Review the NYT Opinion site for the latest columns and voices to match your pitch with the right editor.

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