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This course is ideal for: Anyone craving a new income writing original content for magazines, online publications and more.
You will:
Explore the freelance industry and where ideas come from
Learn how to structure compelling articles
Receive direct feedback on your own writing
Get expert advice on research, interviewing and pitching
Start earning an income as a freelance writer!
“I am now able to earn more money working from home with complete flexibility than I did in my previous roles that were difficult to juggle with family life. I’ve never felt so valued in my work.”
– Brooke Lumsden, Freelance Writing Stage 1 graduate
| Where | Starts | Duration | Presenter | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online with tutor Learn from anywhere at your convenience. | Monday 27 July 2020 Any time during the week |
5 weeks (Allow 3-4 hours per week) | Cat Rodie | $450 |
Preparation and research is key for a freelance writer. You will look at the huge range of magazines and websites in the industry and how important it is to research and target the right ones to maximise your strike rate as a writer. You’ll also learn the differences between features, columns, stock pages, Q&As and opinion pieces. You’ll receive feedback on analysing a magazine.
Ideas can come from anywhere. You’ll find out which ones work as feature articles and how to use news hooks, trends, celebrity happenings, events, dates and more to make your stories relevant. You will also learn how to find a new angle for an existing topic, as well as the growing popularity of content writing/marketing and how you can get this type of work. You’ll receive feedback on writing a hook and lead paragraphs.
Every good story needs a strong structure – the skeleton on which to add your own style. You will learn the essential elements needed for every article and the importance of intros, breakout boxes, expert opinions and more. You’ll analyse many articles to identify the appropriate styles, what works and what does not and receive feedback on a 500-word profile piece.
To create a balanced article (and not simply an opinion piece), research and relevant quotes (from experts or case studies) are essential. You'll discover the best ways and places to source information for your stories, as well as the mechanics of interviewing – where to find your subjects, what questions to ask and some ethical considerations with using quotes. You’ll receive feedback on your story idea and research/case study goals.
Arguably the most important step of the process is bringing it to the wider audience – through publication in a newspaper, magazine or website. To do this, you need to pitch your story idea (or completed story) to an editor. It may seem daunting, but this course will give you the confidence to pitch like a pro. Successfully selling your articles is a skill in itself and it’s what will turn freelancing into a regular income! You’ll receive feedback on your sample pitch.
Josefa Pete
Freelance Writer
Brad Kelly
Freelance Writer
Lisa Schofield
Freelance journalist and corporate writer
When you enrol in Freelance Writing Stage 1:
Watch our video tour of the online classroom.
Freelance Writing Stage 1 provides you with all the foundation skills you need to start pitching stories and building a portfolio of written work. But many graduates also want support in the “real world” – and that’s where our online Freelance Writing Masterclass Program comes in.
Exclusive to graduates of the stage 1 course, the program is like an apprenticeship, giving you valuable mentoring, feedback and more as you start out as a freelance writer. As a member, you have unlimited online access to a library of extra tutorials to add to your skills and confidence. You can also get feedback on your pitches and ask AWC founder Valerie Khoo questions in the monthly Ask Me Anything video sessions. With extra support and advice from an exclusive members group, it's the perfect way to keep up the momentum following Freelance Writing Stage 1.
| KNOWLEDGE: | We’ve condensed a decade’s worth of learning in this highly practical five-week course. |
| CONFIDENCE: | Knowing how the industry works, how to interview and how to approach an editor is half the battle. |
| INSPIRATION: | Come up with stories and angles for just about anything, anywhere. |
| MOTIVATION: | There are hundreds of publications and websites that require freelance content – and many graduates get pitches approved even before they finish the five weeks! |
“Before the course I had lots of ideas, I just didn't know what to do with them. The course boosted my confidence enormously. Since completing the course I've had several pieces selected for publication. It feels so good being paid to write!”
– Ruth Dawkins
“The course was uber inspiring – it's like someone turned on a switch in my mind and BAM! … The Australian Writers' Centre bought me a ticket to my own show and I haven't stopped writing since! I sent off my first pitch within four days of completing the course. Bravo and thanks!”
– Janelle Walters
“Having not been formally trained as a journalist, it made this dream of mine achievable. We all have a voice of value. The course has given me tools to use it.”
– Aisha O’Donoughue
“It was interesting to see different takes on the same assignments. I also liked the ease of doing the work and listening to the tutorials in my own time, while still having the structure of assignment deadlines.”
– Barbara Skeggs
| Where | Starts | Duration | Presenter | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online with tutor Learn from anywhere at your convenience. | Monday 27 July 2020 Any time during the week |
5 weeks (Allow 3-4 hours per week) | Cat Rodie | $450 |
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