A Fast Track Approach to Making Money as a Freelance Writer (Self-Directed)
| Designed for individuals interested in becoming a freelance writer. This course provides methods that work and help budding writers to put their careers in high gear or assist individuals desiring a new career to get started. This course demonstrates proven methods other writers have used through strategies of getting organized, establishing themselves as a writer, soliciting work, implementing networking, and selling themselves as a writer. With the ultimate goal to become a successful freelance writer.
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Upon completion of this course students should be able to do or have done the following:
A.) Know how to get organized
B.) Implemented strategies to establish themselves as a freelance writer
C.) Have submitted at least one article or story
D.) Know how to present (and sell) themselves as a professional writer
E.) Understand some of the basics of networking
F.) Learn what First North American serial rights are
G.) Know how to prepare a professional query letter
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Student will demonstrate their understanding of how to get started by taking a test on organization and structure
2.) Student will have submitted at least one story or article for evaluation employing editing and producing a clean copy technique for evaluation
3.) During the course of their study, the student will perform their first act of becoming a professional writer by approaching and or soliciting at least one market
4.) The student will go to a writers group or some other social function that will allow them to present themselves as a writer and start employing networking skills
5.) The student should establish a submission’s chart, get (or make)business cards and other tools designed to assist them in their quest of becoming a successful freelance writer
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During the first week, organization and structure will be discussed. Students will learn how to chart their submissions and set up a preliminary chart for this purpose. Other basics such as tools needed and how to effectively manage their time will be addressed. Their assignment will be to submit their submissions chart for evaluation.
This week students will embark on putting their goal into action. Tips on writing successful query and cover letters are addressed and how to submit their work. Markets most receptive to new writers, such as local newspapers and small presses are highlighted. Student prepares a sample query letter and submits it to the instructor for evaluation. Student charts are returned with helpful suggestions.
The student''s query letter assignment is returned with comments and suggestions. Students learn the basic principles of editing as considered standard by the Associated Press, a widely recognized form among the journalistic/writing world. Students do a couple of mini exercises with intentional errors and employ the rules of editing AP style. A discussion of when a “byline” in lieu of payment is beneficial, is briefly addressed. Students prepare and submit their first “clean copy” piece of writing for evaluation.
The subject of dealing with rejections, writers block and dry spells are addressed this week. Students perform mini exercises designed to unlock the writers block and learn how to pace their submissions to give their career greater continuity. Students assess and determine what are reasonable expectations for them individually and what would help them accomplish their goal as a professional writer. Student’s writing is returned and graded. Student prepares to approach a local publisher, such as a local newspaper or community newsletter.
Contact Hours: 8
