An editorial is a first-person essay that asserts an author’s stance on a topical issue. It often argues for or against the status quo, and is usually formatted to highlight political, cultural or economic events of significance. A well-written editorial can be a powerful way to bring awareness to an important topic.
A good editorial is unbiased, although it may lean more toward one side of the argument than another. It also presents sound arguments to support the stance. A great editorial is not only compelling, but it also demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the topic. It is also respectful of the views and opinions of all parties.
The editorial page of a newspaper (often called the “Op-Ed” page) is where readers can see the publication’s opinion on topics of interest. It is usually written by members of the community, not journalists with the publication. For example, a midwife could write an editorial on the need for safe maternity care for low-income women in her area.
Similarly, an academic journal article might feature an editorial on the importance of qualitative research in the field. Editors of journals invite experts who have an opinion on a topic to write a guest editorial. It is essential to know the audience of an editorial when writing it, as this will influence the language and points you make. An editorial that is well-written, and appeals to the audience of a media publication, can open doors to freelance opportunities.