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INTRODUCTION
An editorial is a specialized form of scholarly communication in academic journals and publications, presenting expert opinions and critical analysis on specific topics. It serves as a platform for informed commentary, contributing to the intellectual discourse within professional and academic spheres. Often, they offer critical perspectives on original articles published in the same journal. Additionally, editorials provide concise overviews of topics not requiring extensive narrative reviews and highlight recent developments of interest to the journal’s readership. This format allows for timely and focused dissemination of expert insights, facilitating ongoing scholarly dialogue.1
The National Center for Biotechnology Information defines editorial (article type) as: “Work consisting of a statement of the opinions, beliefs, and policy of the editor or publisher of a journal, usually on current matters of medical or scientific significance to the medical community or society at large. The editorials published by editors of journals representing the official organ of a society or organization are generally substantive.”2 Editorial articles exhibit distinct characteristics that distinguish them within academic discourse. Primarily opinion-focused, they often reflect the perspectives of the author or publishing organization, offering a subjective viewpoint rather than strict objectivity. Editorials serve dual purposes: informative and directive, aiming to enlighten readers about specific issues while encouraging critical thought and problem-solving. Moreover, they play a crucial agenda-setting role, addressing pertinent societal or disciplinary concerns. By initiating or guiding discussions on topical issues, editorials contribute significantly to shaping academic and professional dialogue. This format allows for the timely dissemination of expert insights and the stimulation of intellectual discourse within the field.3
Recommendations and guidelines exist regarding writing randomized trials, letter to the editors, case reports, and case-based reviews.4567 Although editorials are a very common type of article, standardized guidance in writing such articles is relatively scarce.89 The current article aimed to provide a primer, along with a checklist, on writing editorials for authors, reviewers, and editors.
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METHODOLOGY
The methodology for this study was grounded in established recommendations for conducting literature reviews and searches.1011 A systematic literature search was performed using the following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) keywords: ‘Medical Writing,’ ‘Editorial,’ and ‘Academic Writing.’ The search criteria were limited to articles published in English, with priority given to those published within the seven years preceding September 15, 2024. To ensure the quality and relevance of the sources, abstract-only items, unpublished data, and theses were excluded from the review. This approach allowed for a comprehensive yet focused examination of current practices and guidelines in editorial writing within the academic medical field.
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WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF EDITORIALS?
Editorials can provide/create opinion on a specific point or a previously published article. Those particularly focusing on controversial issues are important in terms of initiating debate in academia and draw attention to the significance of the topic. These articles also have the potential to bring about changes in opinions. Criticisms in editorials have the potential of increasing intellectual diversity, providing different perspectives on new research areas, methodologies or scientific debates, and contributing to the reconsideration of specific approaches (e.g., management). Editorial articles in scholarly journals can provide guidance to the scientific community and non-native English-speaking experts/researchers, contributing to the academic development.
Editorial articles serve as a medium through which readers gain insight into the journal's editorial policy.19 From the editors’ perspective, editorials provide a valuable platform for direct communication with readers and potential contributors. Moreover, they offer an opportunity to highlight particularly innovative or outstanding papers; thereby drawing attention to significant contributions in the field.12 This dual function of editorials-representing the journal’s stance and facilitating editorial communication-underscores their importance in academic publishing. Emphasis placed on editorials in certain journals can vary. To better guide authors, it is essential to regularly revise/upgrade journal instructions, and to inform authors about the priority articles.13
Editorials encompass various types, each serving a distinct purpose in academic discourse. These can be broadly categorized into critical, explanatory/interpretative, and commendatory editorials.14 Critical editorials may express disagreement with opinions or conclusions presented in research articles. Explanatory or interpretative editorials often provide insights into new diagnostic or treatment methods, or elucidate recent discoveries in the field. Commendatory editorials can appreciate authors for their exceptional contributions, highlighting particularly impactful or innovative work. This diversity in editorial types allows for a range of academic dialogue, from constructive criticism to the celebration of scientific advancement.
Year in Review editorials provide a comprehensive overview of significant developments in a specific field over the past year. Written by experts, these pieces summarize major research findings, policy changes, and emerging trends, offering analysis and context. They serve to inform readers about key events, provide insights into the field’s direction, and often include future predictions. These editorials are valuable for professionals seeking a concise update on their discipline and create a historical record of the field's evolution. They typically appear in academic journals or professional publications at year’s end or the beginning of a new year. There are notable examples of such editorials in The Lancet, New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), and Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The purpose of these editorials are to sum up major developments and research trends, highlight gaps and challenges, and provide critical points within their respective fields from the past year. It is crucial to ensure that the practice of artificially boosting 2-year impact factors through Year in Review editorials is avoided, as this undermines the integrity of ethical citation practices and distorts the true academic value of published work.
Editorial journalism represents newspapers’ institutional opinions that can influence politics and public debate. It is characterized by a distinctive style, collective voice, and separation from news reporting, playing a powerful role in shaping political discourse despite being under-researched.3 Drawing parallels with modern health journalism, both fields aim to influence public opinion and policy, though health journalism typically strives for objectivity alongside advocacy. Like editorials, health reporting can shape public debate and policy decisions, but it faces similar challenges in maintaining credibility and adapting to the digital age while addressing complex, often controversial topics.15
Narrative medicine and advocacy journalism intersect when healthcare professionals use storytelling to influence public opinion and policy on health issues. This practice has a rich history, from Thomas Wakley’s use of The Lancet in the 1800s to expose hospital corruption and cholera epidemics, to modern physician-writers like Atul Gawande and Jerome Groopman who combine medical expertise with compelling narratives. Healthcare professionals have both the opportunity and responsibility to engage in this form of advocacy, using their unique perspectives to contribute to public dialogue on healthcare reform and policy.16
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WHO WRITES EDITORIALS?
Invited experts often write editorials. Journals invite experts as guest authors to contribute their views. Experts in the field or academics with knowledge on specific topics may write editorial articles in academic journals or specialized publications. In this context, the editorial author’s background and reputation designate the credit that is perceived by readers. Another important determinant is the reputation of the journal. For example, editorials published in The Lancet, Nature, and Journal of Korean Medical Science are regarded highly credible. Their credibility is related to the use of a thorough peer-review process, high standards for editorial independence, transparency, and scientific rigor, as well as building trust over a long time.
Reviewers of an article may also write editorials regarding that article. They are expected to provide an in-depth analysis of the topic under discussion and guidance to the reader. The reviewer may alert the editor(s) that an article needs further clarification for readers or warrants a strong criticism, a full description on a highly topical analysis or reflect on some newly implemented innovation is worthwhile.17 Editors, particularly the editor-in-chief or other senior editors, may write an editorial to address a specific topic or introduce a new journal issue. Overall, the author of an editorial should have an expert opinion on the topic or be knowledgeable about an issue of importance.
The author(s) may use artificial intelligence effectively and ethically while composing the editorials. They can use artificial intelligence as a tool for proofreading and editing. For example, Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) should not be relied upon as the sole source of information or analysis, since critical thinking and analysis are needed for academic writing. Artificial intelligence, which is seen as the fourth industrial revolution, can be beneficial when used by skilled authors.1819
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MAIN STRUCTURE OF EDITORIALS COMMENTING ON A PUBLISHED ARTICLE
Index article analysis
Editorials written to comment on a published article should analyze the index article in detail. The methodology, interpretation of data, and conclusions should be evaluated. It should be checked whether the conclusions meet the results derived.
Title
A concise and compelling title should be provided. Being conversational (e.g., using question mark), creating unique phrases, and listing all relevant keywords are some ways to increase the attractiveness of the title. Logically, the term “editorial” is not required in the title.
The introduction and objective
After a concise and compelling title which does not require the term “editorial”, the objective of the editorial should be provided within a brief introductory paragraph. This approach allows readers to be prepared what they are going to read and provides them with a brief insight of the article. The title of the index article should be clearly articulated.
Details of and comments on the index article
Following the introductory paragraph, details of the index article (design, main findings, limitations, etc.) should be provided briefly.9 Editorial commentary should maintain a balanced approach when discussing an article, highlighting both strengths and limitations. A mixture of robust scientific content and clear language and constructive feedback that can improve scientific literature should be aimed. While a well-crafted text can enhance the editorial, it should not overshadow the core opinions or scientific points. Precise language use is crucial for clarity and readability, ensuring that the style supports rather than obscures the substance of the commentary.202122
Constructive, balanced critique is the essence in scientific editorial writing, with clear communication that prioritizes content over style. While a well-written editorial is expected to present a point of view, it should also offer the readers the freedom to reject it and create their own conclusions.14 It should be remembered that the best editorials are perceptive and thought-provoking, clear but thorough, as well as scholarly and authoritative.9
Take-home messages
An effective editorial conclusion should include concise take-home messages that reinforce key points and inspire further thought. Authors should offer practical recommendations or calls to action, guiding readers on applying the insights. The article should ideally end with a strong, memorable sentence to leave a lasting impression and motivate reader engagement with the topic.14
References
The elements of critical arguing in editorial articles should be supported by relevant evidence.1 For this purpose, an ample and appropriate literature search should be performed. After a thorough consideration on the topic, key concepts and most crucial terms should be identified. The authors may also consider alternative search terms or combinations of key terms. Choosing the most appropriate databases is another step in a diligent literature search. Editorial authors should conduct comprehensive literature searches across multiple databases to ensure broad coverage. They may apply specific limits before searching, and should be prepared to adapt their strategy as needed. A thorough review of search results is crucial to identify the most relevant sources, especially given journal restrictions on reference list length. It is important to select citations based on relevance and significance, avoiding unnecessary self-citations or unethical practices.23 This approach ensures a well-informed, balanced editorial that effectively supports its arguments with appropriate evidence.
Notes on conflicts of interest
Maintaining objectivity and fairness is essential in scholarly publications. To ensure this, the authors of an editorial article should declare any potential conflicts of interests. Such a conflict may arise from personal, financial and/or professional interest that might possibly relate to their viewpoint on the subject. This disclosure is important to prevent bias in the editorial and to ensure that readers can trust the information and opinions presented. The editors should take this important point into consideration when they are inviting an author to write an editorial. They should also check the declaration statement carefully.9
Photographs of authors
Some journals include author photographs in editorials to personalize the content, enhance credibility, and increase reader engagement. This practice can help readers recognize experts in the field and adds a level of transparency to the opinions expressed. Photos can also contribute to the journal’s and author’s branding. However, not all publications follow this approach, as some prefer to keep the focus solely on the content, believing that ideas should stand on their own merit without visual influence.
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COMMON MISTAKES IN WRITING EDITORIALS
These include adopting an overly informal tone, providing only superficial analysis of the subject article, and offering discouraging rather than constructive comments. Authors should avoid biased or irrational approaches while commenting and refrain from making unsupported assertions. Effective editorials are concise and focused, avoiding excessive length that may lose readers’ attention. The use of references should be relevant and sufficient to support arguments, while avoiding unethical author and/or journal self-citations.24 A well-crafted editorial maintains a professional tone, offers in-depth analysis, provides balanced and constructive feedback, and supports its arguments with appropriate evidence. Editorials may contain erroneous information subject to corrections and retractions. Main errors leading to retractions may be related to plagiarism, competing interests, unsupported claims, and/or factual inaccuracies such as misinterpretation of study findings. The Retraction Watch Database currently lists records of 320 items with retractions or other notices for the article type “commentary/editorial.”25
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POTENTIAL CHALLENGES AUTHORS MAY ENCOUNTER WHILE WRITING EDITORIALS
Authors may deal with a different set of challenges while writing editorials. One of them is conveying expertise and authority to readers. This is particularly tough for authors who are not widely recognized experts in the field. Another challenge is being concise and clear simultaneously. Given the limited word count for editorials, it is actually quite challenging to reach a balance between depth and brevity. Since there is also a strict reference limit, providing enough and all relevant references can be challenging as well. There could be difficulties in terms of the use of language, especially for naïve authors.
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CONCLUDING REMARKS
The Concise Recommendations for EDitorials: Enhancing Narratives and Composition Effectively (CREDENCE) recommendations aimed to provide a primer, along with a checklist (Table 1), for authors, reviewers, and editors. The recommendations can help authors gain insights into best practices for writing editorials, convey their opinions more effectively, and enhance the impact and credibility of their work in the scientific community. Reviewers taking these recommendations into account may evaluate the quality of manuscripts more consistently and provide more constructive feedback. Editors can use recommendations to uphold writing standards within their journals, ensuring that accepted papers are well-written and easy to understand. The CREDENCE recommendations can also help journals maintain high ethical standards, enhancing the journal's reputation and scientific credibility.
Table 1
Checklist for Concise Recommendations for EDitorials: Enhancing Narratives and Composition Effectively (CREDENCE)
In the second column, please state as either F/✓: fulfilled, NF: not fulfilled, or NA: not applicable.
aFor editorials discussing a previously published article.
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