Freelance Writing

Course CodeBWR102
Fee CodeS2
Duration (approx)100 hours
QualificationTo obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of $36. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested.

Master Freelance Writing for Newspapers, Magazines, Books, Advertising and Publishing

  • Online course | Self-paced | No deadlines or cut off date.
  • Develop essential freelance writing skills, including grammar, punctuation, clear and concise writing, and communication.
  • Learn about the publishing industry, manuscripts, copyright, contracts, and preparing work for publication | Writing for newspapers, magazines, books, advertising, public relations, and press releases.
  • 10 lessons | 1: 1 Expert Tutor Support and Feedback | Written questions | Practical exercises | Practical project to plan and develop a manuscript for a small book.

 

 


Lesson Structure

There are 10 lessons in this course:

  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.

Who will find it useful to study freelance writing?

  • Aspiring freelance writers
  • Bloggers and content creators
  • Journalists and aspiring journalists
  • Copywriters and marketing professionals
  • Authors and creative writers
  • Social media managers
  • Communications and PR professionals
  • Business owners and entrepreneurs
  • Students and recent graduates
  • Professionals looking to start a writing side business

Why study freelance writing?

Many professional writers begin as freelance writers for newspaper, magazines, business, or advertising companies. Learn to tailor your writing to a target audience, plan your writing, and to write what publishers want to publish.  This course teaches you not only how to write, but also what to write, and how to go about selling your work. Graduates of this course will gain:

  • improved communication skills, particularly with respect to clarity, conciseness and correct grammar
  • understanding of the 'writing business' and a clear idea of where opportunities exist for obtaining work as a freelance writer
  • ideas for approaching potential clients to obtain work
  • a better understanding of the processes involved in publishing books, magazines and newspapers, from generating concepts to seeing the finished publication on sale.

What do our students think about our Freelance Writing course?

(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

Yes [this course is a valuable learning experience]. I have never had the benefit of a writer give feedback on my work. That along with structure and content lessons have been beneficial.

~ Bradley Clark - Freelance Writing

"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, Freelance Writing.

"The Freelance Writing course has been one of my most favourite due to the ease & flexibility of correspondence. I have found the staff always helpful and friendly. I appreciated that there were no deadlines and I could complete the work involved when I had time."
~ Janine

TAKE THE NEXT STEP AND ENROL NOW!

Freelance writing can be a highly satisfying and rewarding way to earn money, either as a part time or full time career. To be successful at Freelance Writing, you need good writing skills of course but also:

  • saleable ideas
  • patience
  • persistence
  • an ability to meet obligations and deadlines.

If this sounds like skills you have, then enrol now and develop your freelancing opportunities today!

There is a high demand for skilful freelance writers. Whether you want to work in education, publishing, scriptwriting, copywriting, marketing or many other careers, or work for yourself, this course will provide you with detailed knowledge on how to improve your writing skills.

Improve your writing career! 

You can enrol on the course now, but if you have any questions about the content of the course or studying with ACS, then please get in touch with us today - use our FREE COURSE COUNSELLING SERVICE to get in touch with our expert tutors. They will be pleased to help you!

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Meet some Of our academics

John Mason

John Mason is one of Australia's most prolific writers. He saw his first work published when at secondary school, where he worked on the school magazine. In 1973 he was writing a weekly column for his local newspaper and by 1975 he was a regular contributor to Australia's national magazine "Your Garden". John was engaged by Victoria's Dept of Youth, Sport and Recreation to write a book on Fun and Fitness Trails in 1978. In 1981 he saw two more books published (one in America, another in Australia), and commenced writing regularly for the Self Sufficiency Magazine, Grass Roots. John is a long term member of the Australian Society of Authors, the Garden Media Guild (UK) and the Horticultural Media Association (Australia). He has written or contributed to over 100 books, many published by international publishers and published more than 2,000 articles across a range of genres (Gardening, Education, Business, Farming, Fitness). In addition, John has contributed to and overseen the development of more than 600 distance education courses which encompass around 20 million words. He has been an avid photographer for 40 years, building a collection of over 100,000 images, which are used to illustrate his work. His marine animal photos are even used by Legoland in England, on their Atlantis ride! Writer, Manager, Teacher and Businessman with over 40 years interenational experience covering Education, Publishing, Leisure Management, Education, and Horticulture. He has extensive experience both as a public servant, and as a small business owner. John is a well respected member of many professional associations, and author of over seventy books and of over two thousand magazine articles.

Rachel Syers

Rachel has worked as a newspaper journalist for the past 15 years in a range of roles from sub-editor and social columnist to news reporter, covering rounds such as education, health, council, music, television, court, police, Aboriginal and Islander affairs, and agriculture. Her current role is Fashion Editor, features writer and features sub-editor with The Gold Coast Bulletin. She has co-authored a successful biography "Roma: From Prison to Paradise" about former prisoner-of-war turned yoga guru, Roma Blair, as well as freelanced as a writer, reviewer and researcher for Australian music and celebrity magazines such as WHO Weekly, Rave, Australasian Post and New Idea. Rachel has a B.Journalism.

Peta Jinnath Abdul

B.Sc., Grad.Dip.Ed., M.Creative Writing


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