Freelance Writing

Course Code	BWR102
Fee Code	S2
Number of Assignments	10
Duration (approx)	100 hours

Comment from a student in this course:

"I found the course to be extremely helpful. It has given me the confidence and the skills to present my work to publishers"    D. Bond

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.

 

Aims

• Discuss the nature and scope of freelance writing.
• Evaluate your basic writing skills and identify deficiencies needing attention in order to be successful at freelance writing.
• Develop a concept for freelance writing which has potential for selling.
• Identify commercial opportunities to sell writing to publishers.
• Describe the preparation of a manuscript for submission to a publisher
• Write commercially viable items for publishing in a newspaper.
• Write commercially viable items for publishing in a magazine.
• Plan for production of a commercially viable book manuscript.
• Write commercially viable advertising.
• Apply all skills and knowledge so far developed to the production of a complete manuscript.

Many professional writers start out by freelancing.
Learn how to write, what to write, and how publishers buy from freelance writers.
Ten lessons cover everything from good grammar, to planning and writing newspaper and magazine articles, advertisements, books and more. Emphasis is placed on things which are important to publishers who might buy your work. Tutors concentrate on your ability to properly structure an article, and to be both concise and clear in your use of words. Graduates of this course should:

• Have improved communication skills, particularly with respect to clarity, conciseness and correct grammar.
• Be familiar with the "writing industry"; having a clear idea of where opportunities exist for obtaining work as a freelance writer.
• How to go about approaching potential clients to obtain work.
• Have an understanding of the processes involved in publishing books, magazines and newspapers; from generating concepts to seeing the finished publication on sale.

Here's what one of our students has said:

(NB: Comment from student questionnaire, held on file)
"(The course) has helped me focus on writing and increased my confidence. Provided me with valuable information and improved skills so that I can move forward in my ambitions".  Justine