Home Studies Course: Freelance Writing
How Do You Get Started as a Freelance Writer?
This course answers just that question; taking you through a tried and proven learning program, under the mentoring of a professional writer.
COURSE STRUCTURE
There are ten lessons covering:
1. Introduction to freelancing
Scope of freelance writing (types of writing, where to begin, styles, etc). getting help, finding resources & contacts, understanding industry terminology.
2. Basic writing skills
What is communication, types of communication, types of language, clear wording, concise wording, parts of speech, grammar, punctuation.
3. The publishing world
Periodicals, books, remaindering, copyright, publishers advertising conditions, public lending rights, contracts, selling.
4. Manuscripts
Types of printing, preparing a type script, etc.
5. Planning what you write
Mechanics of writing, developing an idea, sentence structure, precis, planning what you write, building a paragraph.
6. Newspaper writing
Newspapers, regular columns, fillers, short features, etc.
7. Magazine writing
Travel writing, magazine articles/features, determining potentially marketable articles.
8. Writing books
Non fiction, fiction, short stories, determining what to write and developing an idea.
9. Writing advertising
Writing a press release, writing an advertisement, writing for public relations, etc.
10. Special project
Planning and developing a manuscript for a small book.
Duration: 100 hours
Aims
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Discuss the nature and scope of freelance writing.
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Evaluate your basic writing skills and identify deficiencies needing attention in order to be successful at freelance writing.
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Develop a concept for freelance writing which has potential for selling.
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Identify commercial opportunities to sell writing to publishers.
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Describe the preparation of a manuscript for submission to a publisher
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Write commercially viable items for publishing in a newspaper.
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Write commercially viable items for publishing in a magazine.
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Plan for production of a commercially viable book manuscript.
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Write commercially viable advertising.
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Apply all skills and knowledge so far developed to the production of a complete manuscript.
How to Get Published
There is no rule regarding what will sell and what publishers will publish, and things may change rapidly as readers' interests change in response to many other factors.
The two most important kes to succeed though are:
- Persist -Your first articles are the hardest to get published. Often it takes months or years to get a start
- Write for the Market, not your own gratification. Many potential authors never succeed, because they never compromise and recognise the fact that a publisher will only publish what is commercially viable.
Some writers express complete disinterest in what publishers want, and consider the business aspect of writing rather undignified or contemptible. Most successful writers are more realistic, and realise that they, like the great artists Michelangelo, Matisse and Dali, are also in the business of making a living. Therefore, a writer is well-advised to put aside ideas of the sanctity of art and to consider what it will take to make a living. To do that, the writer must be aware of the marketplace, of who might want, buy and read what he or she produces
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THE ACS AFFILIATES NETWORK
ACS belongs to an international network of colleges, schools and Institutions that provide internationally accredited and recognised courses. All are recognised members of the International Accreditation and Recognition Council; and all deliver courses developed by an international team of highly qualified and experienced academics, led by author and editor, John Mason Fellow IOH and PLA, Member ASA, IOH, IHA, NIAA, ISHS. Courses have been developed over 30 years by experts from the Australia (Victoria, Queensland, NSW), UK, England, Scotland, New Zealand, India and America. Students come from over 70 countries. Courses have been and continue to be influenced by feedback and input from around the world; making these courses more internationally relevant, adaptable, and flexible for needs of students from anywhere. The courses are highly practical and relevant anywhere, any time, focussed on developing problem solving skills, industry familiarisation, networking and communication skills and the overal capacity to adapt to change -something that is inevitable in todays world, and all too often not adequately catered for in other institutions.
Choose to study with an ACS accredited school, college or institution in order to maximize career opportunities, employment awareness and job success. These colleges can be found in Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, Singapore, India and the USA.
Home Studies Writing Course, with Australian Correspondence Schools. Learn Writing Skills, Publishing Practices and Media Industry Business for improved writing; by Distance Education or online, at home.