There are countless magazines, newspapers, and websites that need a continual supply of short nonfiction pieces—articles, essays, etc. And they need material on every subject under the sun. How do you get them to publish (and pay for) your work?You need to bait the hook properly. Here you will learn how to generate saleable ideas, turn them into pitches, and match them to the most appropriate people and places. It’s like fishing, and you don’t always get a bite, so to maximize your chances, you need to be repeating the process regularly. You will work under the guidance of a successful freelance writer, who will help you identify your best ideas and prepare them for “casting into the waters.”This course shows you the process of getting your short nonfiction pieces published, and helps you craft a winning pitch letter.Course components:LecturesWriting and receiving feedback on a pitch letter (each student presenting work two times)Hit Send: Publishing Short Nonfiction is open to writers of any level. Students must be 18 years or older.Course Syllabus:The Pitching Life: Perks of the pitching life. Setting your goals. What is your expertise and/or platform? Pitching basics.Who Wants My Writing?: Finding a home for your work. Narrowing the field. Doing reconnaissance. Listening for voice and tone. Moving up the ladder.Getting The Job (And Getting It Done): Understanding the editor's dilemma. Making contact. Query letter basics. The art of the successful pitch. Query letter FAQs. Before you hit send. Handling it when you hear “No". What to do when it's a “Yes."The Work of the Working Writer: Getting paid and how much. Contracts, rights, negotiating for more. Should you accept a fee of $0? Conducting research. What it means to deliver the goods. Working with an editor. Getting “killed". Promoting yourself. Making time for the work. Keys to success.Content may vary among individual classes.Important:Schedule posted is the Start and End date of the class. You may access the class at any time, day or night, within the schedule provided. Please see Online Class Delivery for more details.Registrants will receive email instructions and information on how to access the online classroom.
Overview
Taught by
Gotham Writers Workshop
