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.
Letters should be sent [email protected]. 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 [email protected].
Op-eds should be sent to [email protected]. 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:
Readers:
The Salt Lake Tribune does not generally consider anonymous submissions. However, we may consider publishing an op-ed anonymously or with only the author’s first name if there is demonstrated concern for the author’s safety or well-being. If anonymity is granted, the author must work with the editor to confirm their identity and fact-check the op-ed. Anonymous op-eds should meet all other requirements for consideration.
The Salt Lake Tribune may consider requests to remove previously published op-eds from The Tribune website if the author demonstrates it puts their safety and well-being at risk. If the op-ed was written by multiple authors, The Tribune may reach out to each author to confirm they approve the change to their byline. Final decisions will be made by CEO and Executive Editor Lauren Gustus.
Questions? Concerns? Ready to share your perspective? Send a note to [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!