5 Tips to Enhance Your Editorial Writing Perspective
Contents
- Read and analyze editorials
- Practice writing regularly
- Adopt an editorial mindset
- Expand your vocabulary
- Welcome feedback and criticism
When it comes to enhancing your editorial writing perspective, the road isn't as steep or winding as it may first appear. Just as a photographer alters their lens to capture a different angle, you can adjust your writing lens to view your content from a fresh perspective. Here are five solid tips to guide you on this journey of discovering how to improve perspective in editorial writing.
Read and Analyze Editorials
Just as a budding artist learns by studying the works of the masters, you can improve your editorial perspective by reading and analyzing a wide range of editorials. Don't just skim them—take the time to really understand each piece.
Source Diverse Editorials
- Start by exploring a variety of sources, like 'The New York Times', 'The Guardian', 'The Washington Post', or even your local newspaper. This will expose you to varied writing styles, tones, and perspectives.
- Don't limit yourself to print media. Check out online platforms like 'Medium' or 'HuffPost' that are known for their rich editorial content.
Dissect the Editorial
Once you have a few editorials in your hand, it's time to put on your detective hat. Look for the structure of the argument, how the writer builds up to their point, the kind of language used, and the overall tone of the piece. This will help you understand the mechanics of a well-structured editorial.
Take Notes
While analyzing, keep a notebook handy. Jot down phrases or arguments that strike you, or any unique techniques you notice. These notes will essentially serve as your cheat sheet when you start writing your own editorials.
Remember, it's not about copying another writer's style—rather, it's about understanding how they shape their perspective in their writing. This exercise will help you find your own voice and develop a unique editorial perspective that distinguishes you from the crowd.
Practice Writing Regularly
Just like learning to play a musical instrument or mastering a sport, improving your editorial perspective needs practice—consistent, regular writing practice. There's no magic shortcut here! Let's break down how you can incorporate this into your routine.
Create a Writing Schedule
Establishing a writing routine is half the battle. Choose a time of day when you feel most creative and stick to it. Whether it's early morning with a cup of coffee or late at night when all is quiet, find your sweet spot and guard it like a treasure.
Write, Write, Write
No matter what, write something every day. It doesn't always have to be an editorial; it could be a journal entry, a letter, or even a social media post. The goal is to keep your writing muscles flexed and ready.
Embrace the Rewrite
Remember, the first draft is just that—a draft. Don't shy away from rewriting parts of your editorial or even the entire piece. Each rewrite is an opportunity to refine your perspective and present your argument in a clearer, more compelling way.
Set Goals
- Try setting a word count goal for each writing session. It could be as modest as 500 words a day or as ambitious as 2000 words. The actual number isn't important—it's the habit of writing that matters.
- Challenge yourself with different types of editorials. One week, you could focus on opinion pieces and the next, switch to descriptive editorials. This will stretch your writing skills and help you adapt your perspective to different formats.
Ultimately, the more you write, the better you'll get at it. So, keep at it, and you'll soon start to see improvement in your editorial perspective.
Adopt an Editorial Mindset
Now that you're in the habit of writing regularly, it's time to start thinking like an editor. This mindset is all about crafting compelling narratives, understanding your audience, and presenting your views in a balanced and engaging manner. Let's see how to do it!
Know Your Audience
Before you put pen to paper, take a moment to think about who will be reading your editorial. What are their interests? What issues do they care about? Understanding your audience is paramount in shaping your perspective and ensuring your editorials resonate with them.
Develop a Critical Eye
One of the keys to effective editorial writing is the ability to critically analyze events, opinions, and arguments. This doesn't mean being negative—it means questioning assumptions, looking at issues from multiple angles, and always striving for balance in your perspective.
Stay Informed
Being up-to-date with current events and developments in your field is a must. Knowledge is power, and the more informed you are, the better you'll be able to shape your editorial perspective and engage your readers.
Be Objective
While editorials are inherently opinionated, it's important to base your views on facts. This not only adds credibility to your writing but also helps you develop a balanced and informed perspective.
So, don't just write—think like an editor. And with time and practice, you'll find your editorial perspective becoming sharper and more refined.
Expand Your Vocabulary
Now that you've adopted the editorial mindset, it's time to spice up your writing with a richer vocabulary. Don't worry—you don't need to swallow a dictionary for this! Let's look at some practical ways to broaden your word choice.
Read Widely
A powerful way to build your vocabulary is by reading as much as you can. Explore different genres, authors, and topics. You'll naturally come across new words, phrases, and ways of expressing ideas. Remember, variety is the spice of life—and it's also the spice of a strong vocabulary.
Use a Thesaurus
Yes, you've heard it right! A thesaurus can be a writer's best friend. Whenever you're stuck for a word or want to avoid repetition, turn to a thesaurus. Just remember—use it to inspire, not to confuse your readers with fancy or complex words.
Learn a Word a Day
Make learning new words a daily habit. There are many 'word of the day' apps and websites which can make this fun and easy. The key here is consistency—before you know it, you'll have added hundreds of new words to your repertoire.
Practice Using New Words
Learning new words is one thing, but using them is another. Try to incorporate new words into your writing as much as you can. It might feel awkward at first, but with practice, you'll become more comfortable and your writing will become more vibrant and engaging.
Remember, a rich vocabulary is more than just big words—it's about finding the right word for the right context. So, dive into the world of words and watch how your editorial perspective flourishes.
Welcome Feedback and Criticism
Let's face it, nobody likes to hear that they could do better. But as an editorial writer, feedback and criticism are tools you can use to sharpen your skills and improve your perspective in editorials. Here's how to make the most of it.
Embrace Constructive Criticism
First off, remember that not all criticism is bad. Constructive criticism is meant to help you grow. It points out areas of improvement without undermining your efforts. When you receive such feedback, resist the urge to become defensive. Instead, consider it a stepping stone to becoming a better writer.
Ask for Feedback
Don't wait for feedback to come to you. Be proactive. Ask your peers, mentors, or editors for their thoughts on your work. This not only shows your commitment to improving but also opens up avenues for learning that you might not have discovered on your own.
Learn from the Critiques
Once you receive feedback, it's important to actually learn from it. Understand the points raised, and identify how you can incorporate the suggestions into your future work. Remember, the goal isn't to become perfect—it's to become better.
Stay Open-Minded
Lastly, stay open-minded. Everyone has a unique perspective to offer, and sometimes a fresh set of eyes can provide insights that you might have missed. Plus, having a flexible mindset will make the process of receiving feedback less daunting and more rewarding.
By welcoming feedback and criticism, you're not just improving your writing skills—you're also learning how to improve your perspective in editorial writing. So, the next time someone offers their thoughts on your work, greet it with a smile and a thank you.
If you enjoyed our blog post on enhancing your editorial writing perspective and want to dive deeper into the world of editorial submissions, don't miss the workshop 'Editorial Submissions: Shoot Development To Publication' by Jose Espaillat. This workshop will guide you through the entire process of editorial submissions, from developing your shoot concept to getting your work published. It's an excellent resource for creatives who want to elevate their editorial writing and photography skills.