Whether you’re at the beginning of your journalism career, or want to brush up your technique, this online masterclass will transform your writing abilities.

Led by journalist Samanth Subramanian, this class covers the essential skills of feature writing – from pitching story ideas to editors to crafting compelling articles for different publications.

During the class, you’ll develop an idea for a story you want to write, with opportunities for feedback during the class. Plus, you’ll receive insider advice on the business of freelancing, including tips on the journalism industry and how to get paid for your work. Book your place now and spend the day soaking up insights from one of the Guardian’s most talented feature writers.

Course Content

An overview of the different types of features
Planning your reporting and carrying out research
Advice on obtaining and carrying out interviews
The principles of structure – including the three-act technique
How to pitch story ideas to editors
How to tailor your writing to different publications and audiences
The business of writing – how to get paid for your work
Practical exercise with opportunity for feedback – how to turn your idea into a compelling feature for a specific title
Q&A and discussion

Course preparation

You’re encouraged to bring along an idea for a feature that you want to write, which you’ll work on during the class. Alternatively, you can bring along a piece of longform writing that you’re struggling with.

This course is for ...

Aspiring journalists who want to develop their feature writing skills
Early career journalists who are looking to expand their knowledge of pitching, freelancing and crafting compelling feature articles

Tutor Profile

Samanth Subramanian is a journalist who has written for numerous publications, including the Guardian, the New York Times, New Yorker, Wall Street Journal, Granta and more. He is also the author of This Divided Island: Stories from the Sri Lankan War. See his Guardian profile here. He tweets @Samanth_S.

Course Details

Date: Saturday 7 August 2021
Time: 2pm-5pm (BST)

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.

You will be sent a link to the webinar two hrs before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you have not received the access link within one hour of the scheduled start time.

All Guardian Masterclasses are fully accessible but please contact us at masterclasses@theguardian.com if you have any queries or concerns.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

How to write a Long Read: Long-form journalism with Samanth Subramanian