Editorials are a form of news media that share opinions on current events and topics of interest. They are designed to inform, educate and entertain. Unlike standard news articles that provide objective information, editorials are opinion-based and aim to persuade readers by using rhetorical strategies like ethos, pathos and logos.
They can be written by journalists working for the publication or may be submitted by outside experts. Journal editors often write editorials to highlight connections between papers in a particular issue or to provide insights into their own perception of the state of a field. They also write editorials to celebrate individuals who have accomplished significant achievements, for example by publishing an editorial on a prominent midwife who has contributed to the advancement of the profession.
Some editorials are designed to be critical of political policies, institutions or leaders while others highlight and criticize specific works of art such as movies, theatre and books. Critical editorials aim to raise awareness of issues and make people think about how they can be changed.
While there are many different types of editorials, all should adhere to newswriting standards. They should be concise, clear and well-structured. The use of jargon or technical description should be limited unless it is essential to the topic. Editorials should also be proofread carefully to avoid errors that can undermine the credibility of the piece. Lastly, it is important to consider the response of other readers when creating an editorial.