writing for magazines - the works

Broadcasters are storytellers, newspapers are fact-gatherers and organizers of information and news, magazines are kind of a hybrid of both.

Everette E. Dennis

 

Do you want to write articles for magazines but are not sure where to start? Our course, Writing for Magazines, is for those who enjoy sharing their views and experiences with readers. We will look at what excites editors and readers, how to structure articles and stories for maximum effect, how the magazine writing marketplace works, and how to write terrific query letters and writing samples. You will receive constructive input on your own work from your tutor and your peers, you will also provide feedback to others in class. From start to finish, this course will help you conceive and write compelling articles for publication.


orientation week

familiarisation week
week 1
What is magazine writing? Discover the types of magazines, what makes magazine writing different from newspaper writing, and begin to analyze the “ideal” audiences of different magazines.
week 2
Finding ideas and a market. We all have specialized knowledge — find out what you can write about and where you can send your articles.
week 3 Elements of the article. We’ll discuss the basic plan for writing an article—from creating a “hook” to outlining your ideas.
week 4

Query letters. Write a concise and catchy letter to a magazine editor, explaining your article idea.

week 5 Writing the article. It’s time to do the research, interview sources, and write an in-depth article.

week 6

Editing and recycling. Learn how to re-use material for multiple articles at different publications.
week 7 Descriptive writing. Writing creatively for personal experience essays.
week 8 Legal stuff. What you need to know about payments, contracts, copyright laws, etc...
week 9 Sending out your work. We’ll review the entire process and start sending out queries.