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

NPR3 min read
There's Still A Chance To See The Northern Lights From Lower Latitudes
The solar storm that's pushing sightings of the Northern Lights to lower latitudes is forecast to continue into the coming days, but its impact has likely peaked.
NPR3 min read
WNBA Teams Will Travel On Chartered Flights For The Next 2 Seasons, The League Says
Before, teams could travel on chartered flights during the postseason and for back-to-back games in the regular season. Many players said the change will make recovery easier and make them feel safer.
NPR2 min read
Controlled Demolition Planned At Baltimore Bridge Collapse Site
After weeks of preparation, crews are scheduled to conduct a controlled demolition Sunday to break down the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland.

Related Books & Audiobooks