Service 02
Editorial writing shaped by research, not templates
A well-written opinion piece changes minds. A well-reported feature changes understanding. At Seideldexa, we treat editorial writing as a craft that demands the same evidentiary rigour as investigative journalism, applied to formats that prize voice, narrative structure and reader engagement.
Every piece we write begins with original research. Whether the format is an 800-word commentary or a five-part narrative series, we build the argument from primary sources, verified data and on-the-record expertise. The result is writing that earns the reader's trust because every claim can be substantiated, and every perspective is grounded in observable fact rather than assumption.
Our Process
Four stages from concept to finished piece
1. Briefing and angle development
We discuss your subject, intended audience and the editorial angle you want to take. If you have a thesis, we test it against available evidence. If you have a topic but no angle, we propose two or three directions based on preliminary research. You receive a written brief within 48 hours that defines the angle, tone, target word count and delivery date.
2. Research and source gathering
Depending on the format, this ranges from desk research and expert interviews (commentary) to field reporting and document review (long-form features). We gather the material needed to write with authority. For series work, we map out the narrative arc across all installments before writing begins.
3. Writing and internal review
The first draft goes through our internal editorial review before you see it. We check factual accuracy, argumentative consistency, structural coherence and readability. You receive a polished draft, not a rough outline. Inline notes flag any claims that require your approval or additional input.
4. Client review and finalization
Two rounds of revisions are included. We address your feedback on tone, emphasis, structure and factual content. The final piece is delivered in your preferred file format, ready for publication with no further editing required on your end.
Who commissions editorial writing
Our editorial clients range from think tanks and advocacy organizations that need research-backed opinion pieces to magazines and digital publishers seeking reported features. We also write for corporate communications teams that want thought leadership content grounded in genuine expertise rather than marketing language.
What unites these clients is a shared priority: they need writing that is both compelling and defensible. A commentary that states an opinion without evidence is just noise. A feature that tells a story without verified facts is just entertainment. We deliver work that functions as both good writing and reliable journalism.
Understanding the formats
Commentary and op-eds (800-1,200 words) take a clear position on a current issue and argue it with evidence. They are structured for impact: a sharp opening, a supported argument and a conclusion that leaves the reader thinking. Typical turnaround is five to seven business days.
Feature articles (1,500-3,000 words) combine narrative storytelling with reported facts. They explore a subject through human stories, data, expert perspective and original observation. Features require more research time and typically take ten to fourteen business days from briefing to final delivery.
Long-form pieces (3,000-5,000 words) are extended explorations of complex subjects. They demand significant research, multiple interviews and careful structural planning to hold the reader through a sustained narrative. Allow two to three weeks for this format.
Article series (3-5 pieces) tell a connected story across multiple installments. The series format works well for subjects too large for a single article, allowing each piece to stand alone while contributing to a cumulative argument or narrative. Series projects run three to five weeks depending on scope.
Voice, tone and editorial standards
We adapt our writing voice to match your publication or brand, but we never compromise on factual accuracy to fit a narrative. Before writing begins, we agree on the editorial guidelines that govern the piece: style manual (CP Style, AP, house style), attribution standards, citation format and any language or terminology preferences specific to your audience.
If the piece is a commissioned opinion, the position must be one we can support with evidence. We do not write advocacy dressed as analysis. If we cannot find sufficient evidence to support the intended thesis, we tell you before the draft stage and work with you to adjust the angle. This saves time and protects the credibility of both the piece and the publication. For guidance on content rights and usage, see our article on media rights and fair dealing in Canada.
What is included in every editorial project
Angle development
Collaborative shaping of the editorial angle, argument structure and narrative approach before writing begins.
Original research
Desk research, expert interviews, data analysis and source verification tailored to the scope and format of the piece.
Internal editorial review
Every draft passes through our internal fact-check and editorial review before reaching you, ensuring polished, accurate work from the first read.
Publication-ready text
Final deliverable formatted to your specifications: Word, HTML, rich text or plain text with headlines, subheads and structural elements in place.
Source notes
An accompanying document listing the sources consulted and the factual basis for key claims, available for your editorial records.
Two revision rounds
Adjustments to tone, structure, emphasis and factual content across two rounds at no extra cost.
What to bring to the briefing
The most productive briefings happen when you arrive with a clear sense of the audience and the outcome you want. You do not need a fully formed thesis or a detailed outline. We handle the structural and argumentative work. But knowing who will read the piece and what you want them to take away from it gives us the direction we need to write with purpose.
If you have relevant background materials, internal research, previous coverage of the topic or style guidelines from your publication, share them during the briefing. These materials shorten the research phase and help us calibrate tone and terminology from the start. If your piece needs to align with a broader editorial calendar or campaign, let us know the publication date so we can plan accordingly.
What is not included
Our editorial writing service covers research, writing and revision. The following fall outside the standard scope:
- Ghostwriting where authorship attribution is concealed (we write under your byline with a clear contractual basis, but we do not pretend the work was produced by someone else within your organization)
- SEO optimization, keyword insertion or content written primarily to rank in search engines
- Illustration, photography or graphic design (we can recommend visual collaborators)
- Distribution, syndication or social media promotion after delivery
Editorial writing pricing
All prices are in Canadian dollars and include Ontario's 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST registration: 725891403RT0001). Pre-tax amounts shown for accounting purposes.
| Format | Word Count | Price (excl. HST) | Price (incl. 13% HST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commentary / Op-ed | 800-1,200 words | $398.23 | $450.00 |
| Feature article | 1,500-3,000 words | $840.71 | $950.00 |
| Long-form piece | 3,000-5,000 words | $1,592.92 | $1,800.00 |
| Article series (3-5 pieces) | Varies | $2,831.86 | $3,200.00 |
A 30% deposit applies to long-form pieces ($1,800) and article series ($3,200), as these exceed the $2,000 threshold. Commentary and single feature articles are invoiced in full upon delivery. Business clients on approved credit receive Net 30 payment terms. See our terms of service for the complete engagement terms.
Frequently asked questions
Can the piece be published under our organization's byline?
Yes. Upon full payment, all rights to the work transfer to you, including the right to publish it under any byline you choose. Many clients publish our work under a staff writer's name or as an organizational statement. The contractual arrangement is transparent between us; how you credit the piece publicly is your decision.
How do you handle revisions that change the original angle?
The two included revision rounds cover adjustments to tone, emphasis and structure within the agreed scope. If revisions require a fundamentally different angle or thesis, that constitutes a new assignment and we will provide a separate quote. We define the scope clearly in the initial brief specifically to avoid this situation.
What is the typical turnaround for a feature article?
A standard feature article (1,500-3,000 words) takes ten to fourteen business days from approved brief to final delivery, including research, writing, internal review and one round of client revisions. Commentary pieces are faster at five to seven business days. Long-form and series projects run longer depending on the research scope.
Do you write content for corporate blogs or marketing purposes?
We write thought leadership and analytical content for organizations, but we do not produce marketing copy, advertorial content or SEO-driven articles. Our strength is research-backed editorial writing that builds credibility through substance. If your need is closer to marketing, a content agency would be a better fit.
Can you match our publication's existing style guide?
Absolutely. We work with CP Style, AP Style and custom house guides. Share your style manual during the briefing and we will follow it throughout the project. If you do not have a formal style guide, we default to Canadian Press style and can help you establish basic conventions for consistency across your editorial output.
Need a piece that stands on solid ground?
Share your topic and we will propose an angle within 48 hours.
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