Some journal editorials are ONLY introductions to the current issue from the editors, which is not what I cal a true "editorial."
When I think "editorial" I think of a discussion of an important issue or policy. I think that you write such an editorial as you would a formal speech:
1. State your introduction and your "thesis" about the problem.
2. Explain any needed background
3. Give each of your main points, in turn, with supporting evidence.
4. Present your conclusion that re-states or expands on your thesis. Depending on the issue, you may also include a call to action with what you want readers to do.
Thanks Bin Jiang. I did. Some are long, some short. Some are full of publicity or praises for the journal. Some use lot of acknowledgements some don't. I was just looking for an evaluation rubric?
Some journal editorials are ONLY introductions to the current issue from the editors, which is not what I cal a true "editorial."
When I think "editorial" I think of a discussion of an important issue or policy. I think that you write such an editorial as you would a formal speech:
1. State your introduction and your "thesis" about the problem.
2. Explain any needed background
3. Give each of your main points, in turn, with supporting evidence.
4. Present your conclusion that re-states or expands on your thesis. Depending on the issue, you may also include a call to action with what you want readers to do.
I quite agree with everyone's comments
from others editorials you gradually develop your too
Start from the questions: what, why, for whom. Be not two long ( ideal 1 & 1/2 page). Use positive active sentences. Find a good (means: critical & sincere) copy-editor.
I agree with earlier writers that this comes with experience but one can start looking the various editorials at middle level journals and then slowly move up towards top quality editorials. A good editorial provides opinion(s) of editor on a topic. It also gives an overview of works covered, upcoming trends and futuristic technologies etc. In nutshell Editor provides his critical observations on the works covered, gives only essence of the works covered in the issue. Some times editorial will be a bit long gives the summary of research in that area along with references. All the best for your new venture and bold steps towards inexperienced area!!!
Good editorials address a current need. For example, a journal may be receiving a high percentage of manuscripts that do not appear to be well-suited for the journal. In response, an editorial board member might write a piece detailing the qualifications of manuscripts that are a good fit for the journal, and how to write a manuscript to effectively communicate these qualifications. Another example, could be if a journal is not receiving manuscripts in a certain category (e.g., case studies). A member of the editorial board, in such a situation, could write an editorial detailing the importance of case study manuscripts and providing guidance regarding how to write a case study for publication in that particular journal. I hope those examples are helpful!
Dear Ayesha Perveen,
CHARACTERISTICS OF EDITORIAL WRITING
An editorial is an article that presents the newspaper's opinion on an issue. It reflects the majority vote of the editorial board, the governing body of the newspaper made up of editors and business managers. It is usually unsigned. Much in the same manner of a lawyer, editorial writers build on an argument and try to persuade readers to think the same way they do. Editorials are meant to influence public opinion, promote critical thinking, and sometimes cause people to take action on an issue. In essence, an editorial is an opinionated news story.
Editorials have:
1. Introduction, body and conclusion like other news stories
2. An objective explanation of the issue, especially complex issues
3. A timely news angle
4. Opinions from the opposing viewpoint that refute directly the same issues the writer addresses
5. The opinions of the writer delivered in a professional manner. Good editorials engage issues, not personalities and refrain from name-calling or other petty tactics of persuasion.
6. Alternative solutions to the problem or issue being criticized. Anyone can gripe about a problem, but a good editorial should take a pro-active approach to making the situation better by using constructive criticism and giving solutions.
7. A solid and concise conclusion that powerfully summarizes the writer's opinion. Give it some punch.
Four Types of Editorials Will:
1. Explain or interpret: Editors often use these editorials to explain the way the newspaper covered a sensitive or controversial subject. School newspapers may explain new school rules or a particular student-body effort like a food drive.
2. Criticize: These editorials constructively criticize actions, decisions or situations while providing solutions to the problem identified. Immediate purpose is to get readers to see the problem, not the solution.
3. Persuade: Editorials of persuasion aim to immediately see the solution, not the problem. From the first paragraph, readers will be encouraged to take a specific, positive action. Political endorsements are good examples of editorials of persuasion.
4. Praise: These editorials commend people and organizations for something done well. They are not as common as the other three.
Writing an Editorial
1. Pick a significant topic that has a current news angle and would interest readers.
2. Collect information and facts; include objective reporting; do research
3. State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement
4. Explain the issue objectively as a reporter would and tell why this situation is important
5. Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts
6. Refute (reject) the other side and develop your case using facts, details, figures, quotations. Pick apart the other side's logic.
7. Concede a point of the opposition — they must have some good points you can acknowledge that would make you look rational.
8. Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea into the reader's minds.
9. Give a realistic solution(s) to the problem that goes beyond common knowledge. Encourage critical thinking and pro-active reaction.
10. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark (thesis statement).
11. Keep it to 500 words; make every work count; never use "I"
A Sample Structure
I. Lead with an Objective Explanation of the Issue/Controversy.
Include the five W's and the H. (Members of Congress, in effort to reduce the budget, are looking to cut funding from public television. Hearings were held …)
Pull in facts and quotations from the sources which are relevant.
Additional research may be necessary.
II. Present Your Opposition First.
As the writer you disagree with these viewpoints. Identify the people (specifically who oppose you. (Republicans feel that these cuts are necessary; other cable stations can pick them; only the rich watch public television.)
Use facts and quotations to state objectively their opinions.
Give a strong position of the opposition. You gain nothing in refuting a weak position.
III. Directly Refute The Opposition's Beliefs.
You can begin your article with transition. (Republicans believe public televison is a "sandbox for the rich." However, statistics show most people who watch public television make less than $40,000 per year.)
Pull in other facts and quotations from people who support your position.
Concede a valid point of the opposition which will make you appear rational, one who has considered all the options (fiscal times are tough, and we can cut some of the funding for the arts; however, …).
IV. Give Other, Original Reasons/Analogies
In defense of your position, give reasons from strong to strongest order. (Taking money away from public television is robbing children of their education …)
Use a literary or cultural allusion that lends to your credibility and perceived intelligence (We should render unto Caesar that which belongs to him …)
V. Conclude With Some Punch.
Give solutions to the problem or challenge the reader to be informed.
HARACTERISTICS OF EDITORIAL WRITING
An editorial is an article that presents the newspaper's opinion on an issue. It reflects the majority vote of the editorial board, the governing body of the newspaper made up of editors and business managers. It is usually unsigned. Much in the same manner of a lawyer, editorial writers build on an argument and try to persuade readers to think the same way they do. Editorials are meant to influence public opinion, promote critical thinking, and sometimes cause people to take action on an issue. In essence, an editorial is an opinionated news story.
Editorials have:
1. Introduction, body and conclusion like other news stories
2. An objective explanation of the issue, especially complex issues
3. A timely news angle
4. Opinions from the opposing viewpoint that refute directly the same issues the writer addresses
5. The opinions of the writer delivered in a professional manner. Good editorials engage issues, not personalities and refrain from name-calling or other petty tactics of persuasion.
6. Alternative solutions to the problem or issue being criticized. Anyone can gripe about a problem, but a good editorial should take a pro-active approach to making the situation better by using constructive criticism and giving solutions.
7. A solid and concise conclusion that powerfully summarizes the writer's opinion. Give it some punch.
Four Types of Editorials Will:
1. Explain or interpret: Editors often use these editorials to explain the way the newspaper covered a sensitive or controversial subject. School newspapers may explain new school rules or a particular student-body effort like a food drive.
2. Criticize: These editorials constructively criticize actions, decisions or situations while providing solutions to the problem identified. Immediate purpose is to get readers to see the problem, not the solution.
3. Persuade: Editorials of persuasion aim to immediately see the solution, not the problem. From the first paragraph, readers will be encouraged to take a specific, positive action. Political endorsements are good examples of editorials of persuasion.
4. Praise: These editorials commend people and organizations for something done well. They are not as common as the other three.
Writing an Editorial
1. Pick a significant topic that has a current news angle and would interest readers.
2. Collect information and facts; include objective reporting; do research
3. State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement
4. Explain the issue objectively as a reporter would and tell why this situation is important
5. Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts
6. Refute (reject) the other side and develop your case using facts, details, figures, quotations. Pick apart the other side's logic.
7. Concede a point of the opposition — they must have some good points you can acknowledge that would make you look rational.
8. Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea into the reader's minds.
9. Give a realistic solution(s) to the problem that goes beyond common knowledge. Encourage critical thinking and pro-active reaction.
10. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark (thesis statement).
11. Keep it to 500 words; make every work count; never use "I"
A Sample Structure
I. Lead with an Objective Explanation of the Issue/Controversy.
Include the five W's and the H. (Members of Congress, in effort to reduce the budget, are looking to cut funding from public television. Hearings were held …)
Pull in facts and quotations from the sources which are relevant.
Additional research may be necessary.
II. Present Your Opposition First.
As the writer you disagree with these viewpoints. Identify the people (specifically who oppose you. (Republicans feel that these cuts are necessary; other cable stations can pick them; only the rich watch public television.)
Use facts and quotations to state objectively their opinions.
Give a strong position of the opposition. You gain nothing in refuting a weak position.
III. Directly Refute The Opposition's Beliefs.
You can begin your article with transition. (Republicans believe public televison is a "sandbox for the rich." However, statistics show most people who watch public television make less than $40,000 per year.)
Pull in other facts and quotations from people who support your position.
Concede a valid point of the opposition which will make you appear rational, one who has considered all the options (fiscal times are tough, and we can cut some of the funding for the arts; however, …).
IV. Give Other, Original Reasons/Analogies
In defense of your position, give reasons from strong to strongest order. (Taking money away from public television is robbing children of their education …)
Use a literary or cultural allusion that lends to your credibility and perceived intelligence (We should render unto Caesar that which belongs to him …)
V. Conclude With Some Punch.
Give solutions to the problem or challenge the reader to be informed.
CHARACTERISTICS OF EDITORIAL WRITING
An editorial is an article that presents the newspaper's opinion on an issue. It reflects the majority vote of the editorial board, the governing body of the newspaper made up of editors and business managers. It is usually unsigned. Much in the same manner of a lawyer, editorial writers build on an argument and try to persuade readers to think the same way they do. Editorials are meant to influence public opinion, promote critical thinking, and sometimes cause people to take action on an issue. In essence, an editorial is an opinionated news story.
Editorials have:
1. Introduction, body and conclusion like other news stories
2. An objective explanation of the issue, especially complex issues
3. A timely news angle
4. Opinions from the opposing viewpoint that refute directly the same issues the writer addresses
5. The opinions of the writer delivered in a professional manner. Good editorials engage issues, not personalities and refrain from name-calling or other petty tactics of persuasion.
6. Alternative solutions to the problem or issue being criticized. Anyone can gripe about a problem, but a good editorial should take a pro-active approach to making the situation better by using constructive criticism and giving solutions.
7. A solid and concise conclusion that powerfully summarizes the writer's opinion. Give it some punch.
Four Types of Editorials Will:
1. Explain or interpret: Editors often use these editorials to explain the way the newspaper covered a sensitive or controversial subject. School newspapers may explain new school rules or a particular student-body effort like a food drive.
2. Criticize: These editorials constructively criticize actions, decisions or situations while providing solutions to the problem identified. Immediate purpose is to get readers to see the problem, not the solution.
3. Persuade: Editorials of persuasion aim to immediately see the solution, not the problem. From the first paragraph, readers will be encouraged to take a specific, positive action. Political endorsements are good examples of editorials of persuasion.
4. Praise: These editorials commend people and organizations for something done well. They are not as common as the other three.
Writing an Editorial
1. Pick a significant topic that has a current news angle and would interest readers.
2. Collect information and facts; include objective reporting; do research
3. State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement
4. Explain the issue objectively as a reporter would and tell why this situation is important
5. Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts
6. Refute (reject) the other side and develop your case using facts, details, figures, quotations. Pick apart the other side's logic.
7. Concede a point of the opposition — they must have some good points you can acknowledge that would make you look rational.
8. Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea into the reader's minds.
9. Give a realistic solution(s) to the problem that goes beyond common knowledge. Encourage critical thinking and pro-active reaction.
10. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark (thesis statement).
11. Keep it to 500 words; make every work count; never use "I"
A Sample Structure
I. Lead with an Objective Explanation of the Issue/Controversy.
Include the five W's and the H. (Members of Congress, in effort to reduce the budget, are looking to cut funding from public television. Hearings were held …)
Pull in facts and quotations from the sources which are relevant.
Additional research may be necessary.
II. Present Your Opposition First.
As the writer you disagree with these viewpoints. Identify the people (specifically who oppose you. (Republicans feel that these cuts are necessary; other cable stations can pick them; only the rich watch public television.)
Use facts and quotations to state objectively their opinions.
Give a strong position of the opposition. You gain nothing in refuting a weak position.
III. Directly Refute The Opposition's Beliefs.
You can begin your article with transition. (Republicans believe public televison is a "sandbox for the rich." However, statistics show most people who watch public television make less than $40,000 per year.)
Pull in other facts and quotations from people who support your position.
Concede a valid point of the opposition which will make you appear rational, one who has considered all the options (fiscal times are tough, and we can cut some of the funding for the arts; however, …).
IV. Give Other, Original Reasons/Analogies
In defense of your position, give reasons from strong to strongest order. (Taking money away from public television is robbing children of their education …)
Use a literary or cultural allusion that lends to your credibility and perceived intelligence (We should render unto Caesar that which belongs to him …)
V. Conclude With Some Punch.
Give solutions to the problem or challenge the reader to be informed.
Thank you all for your valuable feedback. The question was about writing a research journal editorial. I was looking for some valid resources for that apart from expert opinions as I could not find much. Of course it is an inductive approach to read available editorials and derive rules of the game. Also editorials' take different shape based on the discipline they cater.
Thanks again.
In the pre-open access publishing model , editorials were authored upon specific requests from the section editors of a specific journal. The section editors usually defined the guidelines for the editorial, which was authored by a figure considered an expert in his / her field.
In our days editorials, specially in open-access journals, can be authored without any invitation , just following three simple rules : (1) A thorough coverage of the pre- existing literature ; (2) Critical review of all presented ideas; (3) Proposals for future studies.
@ Ayesha Perveen, may I share one editorial I have recently done?
Article Editorial: Spatial Heterogeneity, Scale, Data Character, and...
I must say that this editorial is a naturally occurring, while I was working on something else; see the acknowledgement. I believe every piece of writing must have some key messages to convey.
Depending on the journal, a good editorial (opinion piece) should have a short but comprehensive introduction, background with supporting evidences and informative conclusion.
Thank you Nyakno Jimmy George. I see some editorials presenting references at the end while other as a simple piece of opinion, some with facts and figures about the journal and others very specif to the edition theme. Actually there is a good deal of variety based on the domain and style of the journal. I wonder if we can develop a rubric for a good editorial.
An editorial about what findings or research would be a bit dry and cold, but an editorial about implications of some research would be living and profound. Or an editorial about the state of the art would be a bit dry and cold, but an editorial about research vision would be living and profound. Herewith some tips about scientific writing in general: Presentation Scientific Writing and Publishing for GIScience Researchers
Editorial is a writing genre whereby a particular writer, usually the editor, expresses a newspaper's or publishing house's views and policies on an issue of specific interest. Characteristically, a good editorial should have:
1) A clever use of reasoning strategies brightly representing alternative views expounding the targeted issue,
2) Evaluate moral values based on facts,
3) Represent a sense of prose as being very perceptive, thoughtful, and responsible,
4) Motivate readers and grab their interests,
5) A focused central theme.
Would not repeat what has already been stated.My input is that a research journal editorial may highlight the key questions valid for the journal from its location standpoint. For instance an editor working in Algeria or Brazil or Pakistan will have varying priorities. Whereas there can be universal themes, applicable to all, there are always themes particular to a region. This adds the local flavour and may make the difference between average and good editorial. Regards.
@ Ayesha Perveen By the five editorials, I meant those you like most, those you wanted to set as a mirror for your own writing, NOT all kinds of editorials. One must learn from other writings, which is the most efficient and effective way, although there are some writing principles or tips:Presentation Scientific Writing and Publishing for GIScience Researchers
I agree that editorials should be short, succinct, to the point, and address the topics relevant to the audience of the journal. It should address, but not necessary, the current common theme but with a new view/angle and contain relevant information. It might contains references, if possible.
Like any effective writing and speech, it should also follow the structure that Michael W. Marek spelled out above.
It should be less than a 1,000 word.
Some journals as this one attached use the word Preface to refer to Editorial.
I think that a good editorial should be interested in its originality and the presence of ideas.
I understand that Editorials are normally invited submissions usually involving someone from the Editorial board. They are written by experts in the specific theme of the editorial usually about a recent topic of interest. A reader would expect the same to be crisp in nature, with a good logic flow, which will update or introduce to an interesting topic in a short time.
Editorials present views and opinion of the editors of the journal ususally dealing with the policy of the journal or any current issue requiring discussion.@ It should be concise but at the same time give enough food for thought in an authoritative and scholarly manner.
Ideally, an Editorial in a daily or a magazine or an academic/research journal is written by an in-house senior staff or by an external expert on invitation. It is a concise piece of opinion/statement on a burning issue which consists of around 1000 words. Generally, it concludes with a solution or way-forward to the prevailing problem, if any. An Editorial irrespective of whether it's in a newspaper or magazine or any academic/research journal; doesn't carry either any sub-title/sub-heading, table, graph, chart, figure as well as references. If these are included in an Editorial, it ceases to be an Editorial and it turns into an Article. A few publications carry a small photograph of the person who pens the Editorial.
But some journals even published by WHO, Oxford, etc. carry references which is not universally a standard practice. Some international journals published by reputed institutions and international publishers don't have references in their respective Editorials. At the same time, the more than a century-old AAAS- American Association for the Advancement of Sciences, Washington DC, which brings out six peer-reviewed journals, says an Editorial shouldn't have more than five references.
(I'm a professional Editor, based in New Delhi.)
Maybe it should be interesting and easily understandable short writing may contain comparison for general researchers/people to understand.
There should be three elements fulfilling three different functions:
a) catching the reader's attention and giving him a motivation to read the whole piece,
b) informing about the essential theme of the journal,
c) giving an overview of the content.
Obviously Samir Ibrahim is entirely right; this all should be done in a concise and compelling way.
a) is with the reader, b) with the writer, c) with the object of communication. Having this basic structure in mind, its easier to write a short and effective editorial.
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