Editorial is an opinion piece that reveals a publication’s position or stance on an issue. It shares a personal viewpoint and can include a call to action, as well as supporting facts from credible sources. The goal is to engage readers, stir their emotions and inspire them to act.
An editorial should be contemporary without being populist, and it should have a clear voice, not merely be a list of viewpoints. It should make an argument and persuade its audience, ideally through a sound analysis of happenings and counterarguments.
The editorial should also be able to answer the question, “So what?” – not just identify problems but provide realistic solutions. It should also demonstrate a deep understanding of the topic and a strong conviction. It should also avoid a sense of indecision by clearly choosing a side and defending it.
It’s also important to remember that some of your audience may disagree with you, especially on controversial issues. It’s best to be prepared for that by including counterarguments in your editorial. Lastly, it’s a good idea to proofread your editorial and have someone else read it over. This helps catch any typos or grammatical errors that could take away from your message and look unprofessional.