How to Write an Editorial
The Editorial is the introduction that draws readers in, offering a glimpse of what lies within the issue. Think of it as the thread that weaves all the articles cohesively, showcasing the relevancy and value of the issue’s content.
WHAT ARE CALLS FOR PAPERS?
The Editorial is written by the Editor, an editorial board member, or a distinguished guest editor.
Editorials are popularly considered to be summaries of issues. However, they are more than just summaries; they are personal messages from the author to the readers (and indexers). They should resonate with a strong, clear message that highlights the significance of the issue’s contributions.
KNE CLUE: HOW TO CHOOSE A JOURNAL
The Editorial is your chance to showcase the value of each article and the entire collection. It must be concise yet compelling, ideally between 400 and 500 words.
Highlight the themes, structure, and emerging trends in the field. Share opinions on key issues related to specific themes or the broader field. By emphasising these unique insights, you’ll attract readers, boost citations, and improve indexing chances.
Content of an Editorial:
Highlight Key Themes: Provide an overview of the main themes presented across the various articles in the issue. Discuss how these themes connect, interact, or contribute to a broader understanding of the subject.
Address Challenges and Knowledge Gaps: Pinpoint the specific concerns that each article addresses. Use the editorial to frame these issues within the wider context of the field, showing how the papers contribute to improving understanding in these areas.
Present Balanced Opinions: Avoid bias and ensure that your opinions are well-supported by evidence from the articles in the issue or other relevant literature.
Contextualise the Issue: Highlight why this collection of articles matters now and how it contributes to ongoing debates or future research.
Style of an Editorial:
Authoritative and Scholarly Tone: Aim to convey your arguments and insights in a way that is both convincing and maintains intellectual rigour while ensuring that the text is approachable.
Create a Catchy Title: Choose a compelling, attention-grabbing title that will interest both specialists and general readers.
Engage Non-Specialist Readers: Consider the editorial’s readability for those outside the academic discipline. This broadens the editorial’s reach, ensuring that it grabs the attention of not only experts but also a wider audience interested in the journal’s topic.
Clarity and Simplicity: Use clear and straightforward language that makes the editorial accessible to a wide audience, including non-specialists and students. Avoid excessive jargon to help readers appreciate the value and contributions of the issue.