Would you like to see your words in print, but don’t know where to start? Perhaps you’re a new journalist seeking to establish yourself, or an expert with a flair for writing and specialist knowledge that you’d like to share with others?

Freelance journalism is an ideal launchpad into a writing career. Whether you decide to devote yourself full-time or alongside your other endeavours, there are opportunities to be had. For the novice, however, knowing where to start can be a daunting prospect.

In this comprehensive masterclass with the Guardian columnist and highly experienced freelancer Coco Khan, she will guide you through the steps you need to grow and nurture your fledgling career, and, crucially, you’ll learn the difference between surviving and thriving as a freelance writer.

Course content

What to expect from life as a freelance journalist
How to spot and pitch strong stories to editors - and then get paid to write them
Building and maintaining relationships with editors
The difference between surviving and thriving - and why both matter
Expanding your portfolio without compromising your values or self
Q&A

This course is for ...

Beginners who want to take their first steps into professional writing
Early-career writers who are looking to diversify their work to make their career more financially sustainable

Tutor Profile

Coco Khan is a columnist, feature writer and commissioning editor. Before arriving at The Guardian she was a freelancer for many years, and continues to work with magazine titles in the UK and US. She tweets @cocobyname.

Course Details

Date: Monday 24 April 2023
Time: 6pm-8.30pm BST

A catch up recording will be shared after the class and will be available for two weeks.

This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.

6pm GMT | 7pm CST | 10am PT | 1pm ET

You will be sent a link to the webinar 24 hours and 30 minutes before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you do not receive the access link.

We aim to make Guardian Masterclasses accessible to all. If you require any adjustments to enable your participation in this course, please get in touch with us at masterclasses@theguardian.com.

This event will be hosted on a third-party live streaming platform Zoom, please refer to their privacy policy and terms and conditions before purchasing a ticket to the class.

Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you where you do not attend or if you cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.

A beginner’s guide to freelance journalism with the Guardian’s Coco Khan