NPR

Former New York Times Editor On Writing To Get Someone's Attention — And Maybe Changing Their Mind

Former editor Trish Hall has written a new how-to book, "Writing to Persuade: How to Bring People Over to Your Side." She joins host Lisa Mullins to talk about the book.
"Writing To Persuade" by Trish Hall. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

As a former editor, Trish Hall has seen a lot of bad submissions to the New York Times Op-Ed page.

She’s now written the how-to book, “Writing to Persuade: How to Bring People Over to Your Side.” Hall joins Here & Now‘s Lisa Mullins to talk about the book.

Times’ Op-Ed Pieces Mentioned On Air

Book Excerpt: ‘Writing to Persuade: How to Bring People Over to Your Side’

by Trish Hall

For almost five years, as the person in charge of Op-Ed for The New York Times, I was immersed in argument, in passion, in ideas. I oversaw a dozen editors who read submissions from both the august and the unknown, all eager to be heard. Two assistants, looking for gems, pored over the hundreds of unsolicited manuscripts that arrived each week. I too read

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
Here's How To Set Your Reading Goals And Read More Books In 2024
Experts say it's better to set a goal you can stick to and make reading more of a community affair.
NPR4 min read
Tyla Is The New Face Of African Pop. She's Aiming To Take Over The Whole World
The South African singer brought a homegrown genre, amapiano, to new ears with a viral hit and a Grammy. With her debut album, she wants to prove the world is ready for a full-blown African pop star.
NPR12 min read
Chevron Owns This City's News Site. Many Stories Aren't Told
Chevron operates a major refinery in Richmond, Calif. It also owns the city's dominant news site, putting its own spin on events, and runs similar sites in Texas and Ecuador.

Related Books & Audiobooks