Editorial is a type of article that reflects the opinions of the author and seeks to persuade the audience on a specific topic or issue. It can be found in a variety of news media including newspapers, blogs and online magazines.
In the past, editorial content was used to express a writer’s opinion on the most current issues of the day. As journalism continues to evolve into the digital age, editorial content has become more specialized. The four main types of editorial are interpretation, criticism, advocacy and appreciation.
Often, editorials are the only portion of a newspaper that offers a reader an opinion on a topic. A well written editorial can sway the audience to take one side or the other on a certain subject, or inspire action that will bring about positive change.
Writing an editorial can be a great way to hone your skills as a writer and can also be a great avenue for freelance opportunities. An example of this is the way in which my friend Zach McKenzie was able to secure a freelance writing job after writing an editorial on the lack of sober queer spaces in his city of Houston.
In addition to editorials on general topics, many journals have editorials devoted to specific papers within their issues. In this case the editorial seeks to highlight the importance of the paper and may offer perspectives on related scientific, political or social events that the journal editor deems important for its readers.
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