How to Write an Editorial

Want to learn how to write an editorial? This post covers everything you need to know! We’ll look at what an editorial is, explore the different types of editorial writing, and explain how to write one. Read on to learn more.

What Is an Editorial?

An editorial (often known as an op-ed) is an opinion piece that focuses on a current event, social issue, or other topic of importance. Editorials come in many formats – you might watch them on TV, listen to them on the radio, or read them in digital or print newspapers and magazines. The written editorial is probably the most common editorial format.

Editorials are usually written in the first person and express an individual’s opinion on an issue. Whereas a news report should be objective, an editorial can be very subjective. The author of an editorial will raise awareness of an issue, present an argument, and try to persuade the reader to take action or adopt their way of thinking.

Sometimes a freelance writer will pitch an editorial idea to a newspaper or magazine. Other times, the publication will commission editorial pieces from their in-house writers or guest writers. These might be thought leaders, experts in their field, or even celebrities with something to say.

The language used in editorials is often persuasive and sometimes emotionally evocative. This editorial from the newspaper The Guardian on Putin’s reelection in Russia in March 2024 begins with the sentence, “Under the repressive, paranoid leadership of Vladimir Putin,” which leaves readers in no doubt of the author’s opinion of the Russian president’s regime.

What Are the Different Types of Editorial?

There are four generally accepted types of editorial: interpretive, critical, persuasive, and praising. Let’s take a look at each one in more detail.

1. Interpretive Editorial

This type of editorial interprets or explains a news story to help readers become more familiar with the topic. It raises awareness, gives the background to a story, and positions an event in its wider context. In this example of an interpretative editorial, the author examines and explains the policies and major players in the 2024 European elections.

2. Critical Editorial

Critical editorials share opinions on political policies, institutions, leaders, theater, works of art, and more. As well as highlighting problems, they often suggest solutions.

The language in a critical editorial can feel very personally targeted, whether negatively or positively. For example, reviews of the stage musical Hamilton vary. They include this very positive opinion from The New York Times:

One of its greatest accomplishments is that it leaves no doubt that these scrappy, adrenaline-charged young folks, with their fast way with rhyme that gives order to chaos, have every right to be in charge of the story here.

Meanwhile, over at National Review, their editorial opinion verges on the political and is quite negative:

In short, Hamilton’s fatal flaw is its focus on emotions rather than substance. In this, it is emblematic of the wider progressive Left.

And a contributor to Metacritic makes this very negative comment, among other unfavorable opinions:

Oversimplification of complex figures. The musical condenses complex historical figures like Hamilton and other Founding Fathers into false caricatures…

3. Persuasive Editorial

This type of editorial attempts to convince readers that the writer’s view is correct, or that they should take action or change their behavior. Like many forms of persuasive writing, persuasive editorials often use the three rhetorical appeals: ethos, pathos, and logos. They appeal to readers’ need for authoritative content, to their sense of logic or reason, and to their emotions.

This editorial on individual responsibility for climate change action comes from a leading environmental campaign group, Greenpeace. It’s full of words and phrases designed to encourage action. The opening line – with emphasis added – says:

The most effective action to take as an individual is to urge leaders in business and government to stop global warming getting worse, as quickly as they possibly can.

It goes on to further persuade by listing reasons why climate change action is important and by providing several calls to action.

4. Praising Editorial

Praising editorials tend to focus on a person or an organization and show appreciation for their work, their positive qualities, or their contribution to society. Or sometimes, all three.

This praising editorial from The Guardian discusses the work done by a group of female researchers who are adding well-researched entries to Wikipedia for notable women who have previously been overlooked. The writer’s admiration is clear from the terms used, such as heroism, challenge, transforming, and phenomenon. 

How to Write an Editorial

Here are our top tips to help you write an editorial:

Conduct Thorough Research

Whether you’re deciding on the topic for your editorial or following a commission brief, you should always conduct thorough research. Readers are more likely to engage with your argument if it’s clear that you understand the full context surrounding the topic and aren’t just repeating what has already been said.

There may only be seven plots in English literature (Christopher Booker, The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories), but you’re writing an editorial, not a novel – try to offer new ideas or perspectives! Decide on your unique stance on the topic and then look for credible sources to back up your arguments. And always remember to fact-check. Your reputation as a writer is dependent on creating accurate, reliable content.

Create an Outline

Getting started is often the trickiest part of writing an editorial. Don’t rush straight into writing; start by drafting an outline and note down any initial thoughts you have. This will help you keep your ideas organized and speed up the writing process without sacrificing quality and coherence. Your outline should include:

• An introduction (which summarizes your argument) 
• Your main supporting points
• The main counterarguments
• A conclusion and call to action

And if staring at a blank page or screen is freezing your creative juices, don’t worry. Writer’s block is a normal part of being a writer! Take a look at our helpful tips on overcoming writer’s block.

State Your Argument Clearly

Every editorial should start with a thesis – a statement that summarizes your argument. In journalism, this is known as the lede or lead. Your thesis statement, or lede, should be clear, coherent, and persuasive. The goal is to make sure the reader understands your argument in the first few sentences. Otherwise, they may lose interest and stop reading.

Support Your Argument

Once you’ve determined your thesis, find three or four main points to back up your opinion. Editorials are meant to be persuasive. Take a firm stance and make sure you have plenty of well-researched evidence to support your argument. Use the active voice to ensure your writing is direct and easy to understand.

Address Counterarguments

As you write, bear in mind that some of your readers will disagree with you. And if your subject is controversial, they’ll disagree passionately! Consider the other side of the argument and try to address it within your editorial. You can address counterarguments as you go or dedicate a paragraph to refuting them.

Proofread Your Article

Proofreading involves reading your work thoroughly to catch any typos, grammar mistakes, and punctuation errors that make an otherwise well-crafted piece of writing look unprofessional.

If you proofread your own writing, leave some time between finishing your draft and starting to proofread it. It’s not easy to spot your own mistakes, because your brain knows what it expects to see. When you are proofreading, take some breaks to give your eyes and brain a rest. High-level concentration is tiring and will affect your writing. Major writing software like Microsoft Word usually has built-in spelling and grammar checkers. They can be useful up to a point, but don’t rely on them completely. Nothing can fully replace the human eye for detail!

It’s also a great idea to produce a style sheet if you’re writing independently or learn how to follow the major guides if you have a commission from a media outlet. Style guides are there to help with consistency of spelling, punctuation use, vocabulary choices, tone, and much more.

How Can I Become a Great Freelance Writer?

Practice makes perfect, so make time to keep writing to polish your creative and debating skills. Many people find it helpful to take a course, and we have just the one for you! Our Becoming A Freelance Writer course covers everything you need to know to kick-start a career or to brush up your existing skills. You can even try two lessons at no charge!