The essentials of freelance journalism

Actions Panel

The essentials of freelance journalism

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Monday, January 5, 2015 · 6:30 - 9:30pm GMT

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

Learn how to generate fresh ideas, pitch them to editors and get paid for doing it

Whether you're new to freelance writing or just considering it as a possible sideline, this crash course covers everything you need to know about the journalism industry. Featuring inspiring talks from Guardian writer Stuart Heritage, award-winning features writer Will Storr and freelance journalist and blogger Bim Adewunmi, this lively, large-scale seminar offers up-to-the minute advice from working writers on everything from sourcing stories to getting paid.

You'll learn how to identify the right publication for an idea, tailor your concept to their audience, pitch with professionalism and craft memorable articles that both readers and editors will love. The course also covers issues such as how to deal with rejection and the loneliness of working from home. With lots of practical tips and plenty of time for Q&A, you'll leave with a realistic understanding of what it takes to be a freelancer, and feel more confident about pitching your ideas to editors.

This course is for you if...

  • You're considering freelance feature writing, either as a career or sideline, and are looking for insight into how the journalism industry works
  • You're a journalist who would like to learn how to increase your chances of getting your pitches commissioned
  • You're a journalism student or graduate looking for a realistic overview of what is expected of a freelance writer, and how to find paid work in the field
  • You have ambitions to break into freelance journalism but don't know where to start

Course description

Mixing presentations and discussions, this informative and entertaining evening focuses on the practicalities of freelance features journalism – from generating fresh ideas to analysing the market for opportunities and pitching to commissioning editors. There will be regular opportunities to ask questions, ensuring your individual concerns are addressed. Topics covered include:

  • How to generate ideas and put a fresh twist on a pedestrian subject
  • How to dissect magazines and newspapers to spot pitching opportunities
  • An introduction to different formats, from comments pieces to longform features
  • Tips and tricks to bring your writing to life
  • Where the money is: which publications pay the best (and which won't or can't pay at all)
  • Diversify your freelancing: from turning an article into a book pitch, to branching out into photography
  • What editors look for in a pitch – and in a writer
  • How to increase your chances of getting re-commissioned
  • The realities of modern-day freelancing (where did all the staff writing jobs go?)
  • Social media – how to promote your articles and create a community around your writing
  • Top tips – lessons learned from three successful freelance writers

Tutor profiles

Stuart Heritage is a freelance writer who mainly writes about film, TV and music. He founded and wrote the award-winning satirical celebrity blog Hecklerspray for five years from 2005, and has been writing blogs, liveblogs, interviews and features for the Guardian since 2009. In addition to this, he co-runs www.luvandhat.com and has also written for several television programmes, none of which he is prepared to reveal because none of them were very good. Stuart has also written for the NME, Radio Times, Cosmopolitan and Vice. He's also on the telly sometimes, but often not (he blames his haircut).

Bim Adewunmi is a freelance journalist, editor and blogger, specialising in popular culture, feminism and race. She writes for the Guardian and New Statesman and blogs at www.yorubagirldancing.com. Bim tweets too much and watches too much telly, but she also enjoys reading and eating, and she especially likes handsome men who also enjoy reading and eating. Find her on Twitter here.

Will Storr is an award-winning journalist, novelist and photographer. The Independent have called him a "versatile, imaginative, committed long-form journalist with a populist touch." His stories appear in broadsheet newspaper supplements such as the Observer magazine, The Sunday Times Magazine and Guardian Weekend. He is also a contributing editor at Esquire magazine and GQ Australia. Will has been named New Journalist of the Year and Feature Writer of the Year, and in 2012 he was presented with the One World Press award and the Amnesty International award for his work for the Observer on sexual violence against men. Find out more about Will on his website.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

Sales Ended