How to write longform journalism with Polly Toynbee

Learn how to write insightful journalism that readers will want to take their time with

In recent years, an appetite for in-depth reporting and essays has developed alongside the popularity of social media. Digital publishing means page space is no object, allowing for new approaches to digital storytelling that incorporate multimedia and encourage longer dwell-times.

Featuring tutorials from inspiring journalists and editors – including leading Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee, writer and author David Goldblatt, Guardian senior reporter Rob Booth and BBC Online features editor Giles Wilson – this intensive one-day seminar shows writers how to produce and pitch compelling works of longform journalism. Topics covered include structural tips for more effective storytelling, ways to build an engaging narrative for readers, and the best methods to use longform writing for in-depth social commentary. You’ll also learn how to employ the unique advantages of the digital age to increase readers’ dwell-time, as well as how to incorporate infographics and video into your work. A must for anyone interested in the power of storytelling and the future of journalism.

This course is for you if...

• You’re a journalist or aspiring journalist who wants to improve your longform writing
• You’re a student seeking advice on writing essays and longform comment pieces
• You’re a blogger looking to move into longform writing

Course description

This large-scale event features talks from experienced journalists and editors who will share advice on how to research, write and pitch longform features, essays and multimedia pieces. Topics covered include:

• How to spot a potential longform story
• Why and when longform works as a format
• How to build a compelling narrative that will keep readers gripped until the end
• Planning and structure techniques for longform features
• How to maintain momentum and keep your readers’ attention
• Incorporating multimedia into longform reporting
• Getting into the market: pitching tips for longform writing
• Migrating a feature from longform writing into a podcast
• How to balance targetting the expected story and being open to the story that you find
• Exploring the difference between the detail and texture you need for long read reporting and news reporting

Tutor profiles

Polly Toynbee is a columnist for the Guardian. She was formerly BBC social affairs editor, columnist and associate editor of the Independent, co-editor of the Washington Monthly and a reporter and feature writer for the Observer. She won the Orwell Prize for journalism in 1998 and in 2007 was named ‘Columnist of the Year’ at the British Press Awards.

David Goldblatt is a sports writer, broadcaster, sociologist, journalist and author. He is best known for his book The Ball is Round, which was described as the ‘seminal football history’ by Simon Kuper.

Giles Wilson is a BBC features editor responsible for BBC News Online’s highly successful Magazine section, its Ouch Disability team, BBC Trending, correspondent blogs, the picture desk and production team.

Rob Booth is a senior reporter at the Guardian. He previously worked on The Sunday Times and edited Building Design, the architecture newspaper. He has worked on investigations including Wikileaks cables, Qatar migrant labour abuse and Prince Charles’ influence.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website