Editorial is a type of journalism that shares an educated opinion on a current topic or issue. It is often a lighter tone than news articles and speaks to opinions that are hotly debated.
Editorials can take many forms and have a variety of purposes. In academic journals, editorials can critique a previous article published in the same journal, provide a concise review of topics that do not warrant a full-length invited review, and comment on “hot” or very recent developments that are considered important to the academic discipline represented by the journal.”
Businesses use editorial content to share their perspective on industry issues and trends. By utilizing this form of content, brands build trust with their audiences and position themselves as knowledgeable entities that can help solve problems within their industries.
When creating editorial pieces, make sure to cite all of your sources. This will help to demonstrate that you have researched the topic and are not just rehashing someone else’s opinion. In addition, be mindful of the length of your editorial. Op-eds are typically limited to 750 words, so your editorial should be no longer than that. Using a personal story can also make your editorial more compelling. For example, if you are writing about the plight of a child in poverty, tell us what that experience has meant to you personally.
The best editorials are based on research and backed up with evidence. However, not all research is created equal. When deciding on what research to cite, look for those that are cited frequently in the literature. This will ensure that your audience has access to the most up-to-date information. Lastly, it is always good practice to include one or two contrasting perspectives to balance out your own viewpoint.
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