Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Choose a topic
• Part 2 of 3: Write a non-fiction article
• Part 3 of 3: How to Finish a Nonfiction Story
• Tips

A non-fiction article in which an author expresses his opinion about something is also called an "editorial comment".With the help of such articles, authors can express their thoughts and ideas on various topics (from an assessment of an event to an international dispute). If you want to try your hand at writing such a nonfiction article, you need to choose an interesting topic, write a draft version of the article, complete and edit the article like a professional editor.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Choose a topic

1. 1 Be on top of the latest news. In your commentary, it is best to write about some relevant topic related to the latest events, trends or opinions. Relevance is essential when it comes to a journalistic article. News editors will be much more interested in a topic that relates to an ongoing debate or some recent event that has just happened. Agree, it's not so interesting to write about some event that happened a few months ago.
   • Browse through the news to find interesting topics to write about. If the topic you are writing about has recently been raised in the media, your comment on this will be of interest to editors, so you will have a better chance of publication.
   • If the district library is going to be closed next week, you can write an article about the importance of the library, why it is so necessary for you and those around you.
2. 2 Pick a topic that you are genuinely passionate about. An independent opinion must be expressed in the author's article. If you are not very happy with the theme you have chosen, it is probably best to consider choosing a different theme. When you come across a topic about which you have your own point of view, try to shorten your opinion and transform it into a simple, clear statement. Try to condense this opinion into one or two sentences. If you succeed, we can assume that you already have a topic and a draft article.
   • So let's take a look at an example with a library. The argument can be made: the library is a historical center for learning and leisure activities. It cannot be closed just to accommodate a fast food restaurant.
3. 3 Pick a topic in which you are knowledgeable. For your opinion to sound convincing, you need to be well versed in what you are talking about. Perhaps you should find more information. Articles that have certain “anchor points” with reference to facts that support your arguments are ranked much higher. Go online, find the information you need, talk to people who are directly related to this topic, organize a whole archive of the necessary information on the selected topic.
   • Why is the library closing? What is the history of this library? How many people check out books from it every day? What activities are held in the library day in and day out? What circles and organizations gather in the library?
4. 4 Pick a challenging topic. It is unlikely that an interesting topic will be a fact or point of view that is easy to prove or disprove. It makes no sense to read an article about what is already obvious (for example, heroin is useful or harmful). But, for example, the topic “Treat or arrest heroin addicts” is already controversial. List the aspects of this problem and the main ideas of the argumentation to make sure that the topic is broad and controversial enough to be “promoted”. With regard to the library example, there are several main points to be drawn:
   • The library is the center of learning and entertainment in your area, as there is no community center and only one general school.
   • Perhaps you have some experience of your own with this library that relates to current events and activities taking place at the library.
   • Think about possible alternatives, how to compromise to keep the library open. Develop proposals for local authorities on this matter.

Part 2 of 3: Write a non-fiction article

1. 1 You should immediately start with the main thing. In a journalistic article, unlike an essay, the main problem should be expressed in the first two lines. Organize your arguments point by point, get the reader interested in your topic, then summarize what you think can be done to solve the problem. Try something like this:
   • “Once in childhood in winter, when the days were very short, and for a walk you had to wrap yourself in a bunch of clothes, my sister and I went to the library. We spent our days in art classes among the bookshelves of this historic building. Unfortunately, next month this library may suffer the same fate as many other (already closed) public institutions in our area. I think this is the last straw. "
2. 2 Use colorful details and examples in your story to grab the reader's attention. Usually, the reader will remember interesting details, not dry facts. Of course, the article should contain reliable facts, but be sure to include some bright and fascinating details in the article so that they remain in the memory of the reader. Try to give real-life examples so the reader can see that this is a topic worth reading and thinking about.
   • In the example about the library, you can write that it was founded by some famous politician / writer / artist, because he felt that the residents needed a place to read and discuss. You can tell the story of a librarian who worked in this place for 60 years and read every book of fiction in this library.
3. 3 Give the reader an incentive as to why they should be concerned about this question. If the reader understands that the topic you are writing about does not really affect him, he is unlikely to carefully read your arguments and comments on this matter. Make the topic personally touch each reader. Explain why this topic, along with your recommendations, comments, and ideas, will affect the lives of your readers. For example:
   • If this library is closed, then more than 130,000 books and films will be moved to another library, which will force people to travel to another city, overcoming a long distance (for example, 70 km). Children will not have access to half of the books because the school always sends children to the library to borrow textbooks there for a year. Etc.
4. 4 Make this article a personal appeal. This means that it is not the bare facts that need to be included in the article, but your personal appeal and request. Give personal examples and arguments that will help you defend your position. Show all your humanity in the article so that readers support you and be inspired by your ideas. Show them that you are a real person who is really well versed in this topic.
   • Again, let's take the library example. You can tell a story about how you read your first book in this library, how you developed a good friendship with a nice woman who issued library cards, how the library became your refuge in various difficult life situations.
5. 5 Use a valid voice in your article and avoid jargon. Your goal is to motivate the reader to learn about the topic and do something, not just think about it and forget it. Therefore, you need to use an active voice. But keep in mind that too technical jargon will scare away the reader, because the article may seem pretentious to him, and he himself may just get confused.
   • An example of the passive voice: "It is hoped that the district authorities will revise the plans to close the library."
   • Example of a valid pledge: "I hope the authorities understand what this wonderful library is for our area and its residents, and reconsider their dire decision to close this learning, development and leisure center."
6. 6 Plan ahead and ask the library director if an appointment can be made at the library. Choose a date and time, and print invitation flyers to discuss the future of the library with others. In addition, you can even invite a reporter to record people's opinions, for photos that will grab attention.
7. 7 It is important to recognize that there are people who will have a different opinion. This will make you more attractive and deserving of respect in the eyes of others (even if you feel like you are just fools on the other side). Think about what methods of opposition will be the most correct. For example:
   • Of course, those who want to close the library are right that they are fighting to boost our economy. Businesses are closing down everywhere because people just don't buy goods. But to think that closing the library will solve the economic problem is undoubtedly wrong.
8. 8 Organize a solution to the problem. The opposition, which only rants, but does not offer any solutions (at least steps towards a solution), is unlikely to be heard and supported (in contrast to the appeal of the opposition, which offers ways to solve the problem). Be prepared to discuss possible solutions to the problem and the compromise that you think both parties can make to achieve the best result.
   • For example: “If we are members of the community, we have the opportunity to preserve our library. Through fundraising and petitions, I think it will become clear to the local authorities that the closure of this historic site needs to be reconsidered. If the authorities allocated part of the funds that they plan to spend on the new mega-center, and invested them in the development of the library, this wonderful attraction would not have to be closed. "

Part 3 of 3: How to Finish a Nonfiction Story

1. 1 End the article with a strong statement. To end the commentary, you need a final paragraph, in which you need to repeat your argument once again and draw brief conclusions from your article, which will remain in the reader's mind even when he puts down the newspaper. For example:
   • “Our city's library is not only a home for many works by authors from all over the world, but also a place where different communities can meet, where there is an opportunity to study, discuss, appreciate and inspire. If the library closes, as the authorities plan, our community will lose not only the city's beautiful landmark, but also the development center. "
2. 2 Consider the number of words. Keep your paragraphs and sentences short and clear. In general, express your point of view with short but informative sentences. Each newspaper has its own rules, but usually a maximum of 750 words per publication is allowed, this limit cannot be exceeded.
   • Newspapers almost always edit publications, but usually your point of view, style and writing format are preserved. However, this does not mean that you can post a long boring comment and expect it to be shortened to your liking. Newspapers often miss a part that does not fit the word limit.
3. 3 Don't waste time coming up with an original headline. The editors themselves will create a title for your comment (regardless of whether you submit it with the article or not). Therefore, there is no need to waste time and come up with a title.
4. 4 Leave your contacts for feedback. Provide brief information about yourself that connects you to the topic you have chosen, and also write information about yourself that will strengthen your credibility. You also need to add your phone number, email address, and postal address.
   • An example of a curriculum vitae related to the theme of the library: Dmitry Samoilov is a book-hungry Ph.D. in writing and political science. Lives in the city…. The library is his whole life.
5. 5 Suggest any graphics you have. In fact, usually comments and nonfiction articles are accompanied by a minimum of images.But now the application of online publications, photos, videos and other information that pertains to the topic is becoming more common. Initially, in the letter, indicate that you are attaching an illustration to your article, which must be scanned and printed along with the article.
6. 6 Ask the editors of the newspaper for recommendations. Each newspaper has its own requirements and recommendations regarding the submission of the publication and the information that should be attached to it. Check the website or, if you have a hard copy, find the information in the Comments section. Usually the publication is sent by email.
7. 7 Feedback. Don't be discouraged if you don't get an instant response from the editors. It is important to send a thank you letter (or make a call) a week after the article was submitted. Editors are usually very busy, if they received your letter at the wrong time, they could accidentally miss it. A call to the editorial office or an e-mail will not only provide an opportunity to establish contact with the editor, but also provide you with an advantage in the competition.

Tips

• If it's appropriate for your topic, you can use a little humor, irony, and witty language.
• If you are raising an issue nationally or internationally, send it to different newspapers, not just one.