Freelance writing for newspapers and magazines

A widely experienced Fleet Street professional will fast track you through the essential skills for writing newspaper and magazine articles. You'll be given detailed feedback on one major piece completed during the course, plus insider tips on selling your work. Please read the full course outline below before enrolling.

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Key course information

Dates
11/01/12 - 21/03/12

Day(s)
Wed

Duration
11 weeks

Time
15:00 - 17:00

Fees
Full fee: £118
Senior fee: £67
Concession: £32

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HJ010

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol. Please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some of the course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover this with you.

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course is a practical guide to freelance journalism conducted by a working Fleet Street freelance. Unlike some other courses, it is not exercise-based – although you will be expected to produce by the end of the term, a full-length feature article intended for publication. The article should demonstrate an understanding of the skills acquired during the course.
This is a fast-track course designed to bring students up to speed in their understanding of journalism as a whole so you can compete with other freelancers who will have already gone through an apprenticeship in journalism. Throughout the course, the tutor will encourage students to start thinking like working journalists, analysing current events and social trends which will have an impact on what they want to write about. It’s this mindset which will support you after the course when you start working on your own.
You will be encouraged to maximise the benefits of the course by daily homework – reading and analysing newspapers, and magazines in the areas you intend to focus on.
The course delivers techniques for researching, interviewing, assembling and presenting material with the aim of securing opportunities to sell feature articles or stories to newspapers, magazines or specialist publications. Throughout the course you will get instant feedback on your ideas, and practical help with any difficulties or obstacles you may encounter while you research your stories.
If you are having problems – speak to the tutor.

What topics will we cover?

The topics covered may include the following:
Learn how to analyse the market both in general features, news features, hard and soft features and specialised articles. You will be helped to select the best way for getting yourself into print.
Be shown how to brainstorm ideas. Successful features come from bright ideas. In fact, without a good idea, you’ll have nothing to sell. The course will help you recognise what will make a good sellable feature and where to look for inspiration.
Find shortcuts for instant research. Somebody, somewhere has the answer to almost any question you may have. This course covers a range of research resources including a special breakdown of Internet research facilities.
Be given an intensive explanation of interviewing techniques, including tips for interviewing by telephone. You will learn how to prepare for interviews by researching the subject and formulating the right questions - in the right order.
Discover the importance of the first paragraph and how a good introduction is constructed.
Learn how to plan even the most complicated article from scratch, and how to pull all the strings together. You will use a simple graphic plan to assemble a feature and make the words, ideas and facts flow easily and logically.
Practise closing the deal through role play. Once you have written a feature, you need to sell it. You will discover the best times to hit a newspaper or magazine with your article - and the times to avoid. You will find out who pays the most, and how to market your copy in the most effective way.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

-Begin analysing the market both in general features, news features and specialised articles
- Brainstorm for ideas - recognise what will make a good sellable story and where to look for inspiration
- Prepare for interviews by researching the subject and formulating the right questions - in the right order.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is tailor-made for students serious about getting their work published and will involve a rigorous approach to analysing the market. Some of the main qualities which will determine an individual’s success or failure are determination, enthusiasm, and hard work.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Group work, discussion, handouts highlighting key points. You will be encouraged to think through issues and determine answers.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Before joining the course, you should start reading three newspapers a day (a mix of tabloids and broadsheets), and as many magazines as you can afford. Familiarise yourself with the market, noticing which papers and magazines favour particular kinds of articles. Start thinking about what you want to write about and where you think you can place articles. Start asking yourself – why was this article selected….how did they get the idea….how did they do the research?

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
11/01/12 to 21/03/12	Wed	15:00 - 17:00	11 weeks	£118	£67	£32	HJ010	Started	» Select
18/04/12 to 20/06/12	Wed	15:00 - 17:00	10 weeks	£108	£61	£29	HJ011	Available	» Select
28/09/11 to 07/12/11	Wed	15:00 - 17:00	11 weeks	£118	£67	£32	HJ009	Finished	» Select