Secrets of Writing an Editorial

Readers do not easily forget effective editorials.

Editorials – not just for newspaper columnists and journalists. You may not realize it, but if you write articles for a blog or other website, you’ve probably written an editorial or two. If you’ve written about your own thoughts and opinions about anything – a new tech trend featured on Mashable, the latest Google algorithm adjustment, or SOPA – featured in the news, you’ve written an editorial.

The term, editorial, refers to a persuasive piece of writing that evolves out of a journalist’s, or any writer’s for that matter, reaction to a straight news story. The writer hopes to influence his readers to think a certain way. Effective editorials are forceful, direct, and absorbing. Whether they like what the editorial says or not, readers do not easily forget a good one.

Writing an Effective Editorial

Some writers don’t take issue with any current events in the news, but hope to inform readers about complex issues, requiring careful interpretation and detailed explanation. Some may hope to promote philanthropic activities through their editorials, commend individuals and activities that worthy of public note, or just entertain and encourage the reading audience.

Choosing the Topic

When considering a topic, make certain that it will not only pique the interest of the majority of your reading audience, but also covers a current, timely subject. In other words, develop your editorial on the buzz – something it seems everyone is discussing.

Building the Foundation

Start off by making a clear, direct proposition; one that defines what you hope to prove within the body of your editorial essay. State the proposition in a positive way. For example: All writers should know the proper use of an apostrophe rather than All writers do not know the proper use of an apostrophe. The proposition represents the foundation upon which you’ll build your argument.

Remember, this opening statement is also your lead. You need to hook the reader with an appealing lead – a provocative question, shocking statement, quotation, short anecdote, or other hook.

Developing and Writing the First Draft

The following points will help you develop and write a convincing editorial:

• Gather facts and evidence to support your proposition.
• Obtain testimony from authoritative voices and written texts that support your position.
• Use comparisons and analogies to strengthen your main idea.
• Include your own insight into the argument to further drive the point home.
• Check any opposing viewpoints and counterarguments that may come up after publication.
• Present a convincing argument that the action you propose will benefit and enrich your readers.
• Finally, if applicable, include an image or photograph to add visual strength to your proposition

Present your strongest arguments in the beginning and at the end. Talk about any counterarguments and opposing viewpoints early on in the piece and expose the weaknesses of each. Avoid excessive emotion and moralizing by keeping a positive or reasonable tone throughout the story.

Revising and Editing Your First Draft

Your editorial should present as forceful, concise, and appealing argument as possible before it goes to publication. Review your draft for effectiveness and validity of the argument before you concern yourself about mechanics and typographical errors. Use this checklist when reviewing the effectiveness of your editorial:

• Evaluate for clarity and appeal.
• Use principles. Commending, rather than criticizing wherever possible.
• Use direct language and brief paragraphs.
• Consider the timeliness and impact of your story.
• Ditch the drama. Include some tasteful humor and wit.
• Verify that you’ve acted responsibly in developing your position.

Stay tuned for an upcoming post about persuasive writing basics and how to evaluate the effectiveness of your arguments within an editorial piece.