From Tim Harrower's Inside Reporting

1. +
Writing editorials and columns
Editorials and columns provide
personality and passion to a paper
 Editorial – usually from 300 to
500 words; comments on
 Editorial cartoon
current events; appears to – combines art
express the opinion of the paper
and commentary
of current events
 Column – signed
opinion

2. +
Writing editorials and columns
Columns: The options are endless
 Topical commentary
 Reaction to
events Advice for columnists
 Personal meditations
 Personal life
• Develop a distinctive
 Slice of life voice.
 Storyteller • Do your own reporting.
• Choose worthy topics.
• Avoid jumping on
bandwagons.
• Always have a backup.

3. +
Writing editorials and columns
How do readers recognize this
story is an opinion column?
 Column logos
 Different headline font
 Initial cap

4. +
Editorial / Commentary Formula
 Keep it tight
 Have a point and get to it! Do not ramble. Recap key
events and summarize your case.
 Keep it relevant
 Select a timely, newsworthy topic that genuinely matters to
readers – or explain why it should.

5. +
Editorial / Commentary Formula
 Take a stand!
 Offer a solution to the problem. If not, you’re just rambling
for no reason!
 Attack issues, not people
 Avoid name-calling and mudslinging. If someone’s actions
are a problem, attack the actions without taking cheap
shots.

6. +
Editorial / Commentary Formula
 Don’t be a bully
 Sway and persuade, don’t bluster and bludgeon.
 Control your anger
 If you’re extremely steamed, go ahead and write it – then
throw it out and write it again without the shrillness.

7. +
Editorial / Commentary Formula
 Write a strong lead and a solid finish
 Grab our attention at the start then reward us with a
conclusion that smartly caps the case you have made.
 Oh yeah…
 DON’T RAMBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!