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 papers cohesively, showcasing the relevancy and impact of the issue’s content. Therefore, it is a crucial part of every issue.
The Editorial is written by the editor, an editorial board member, or a distinguished guest scholar with a wealth of experience. Regardless of the author, it must be concise yet compelling, ideally between 400 and 500 words.
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.
The Editorial is your chance to showcase the value of each article and the entire collection. 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
- The main themes of the various articles and how they can connect with each other.
- Challenges or knowledge gaps that each article discusses
- Opinions, but make sure you can substantiate them and that you provide a balanced overview of the issue or topic
Style of an Editorial
- The tone needs to be authoritative and scholarly, and your text needs to be concise and convincing
- Have a catchy title. This article will be published with its own DOI, which will be citable and contribute to the author’s impact and reputation. So, why not make it an engaging and attention-grabbing item and maximise your impact?
- Write clearly and use simple language. The editorial needs to be accessible to non-specialists (and indexers) so it is easy for them to engage with it and appreciate the value of the issue itself
Remember that Editorials are the first impression a reader gets of the issue; as the saying goes, the first impression should be the best impression.