(Jan 2026) Freelance Feature Writing: From Pitch To Publication

With Caroline Butterwick

A 5 week online course on Wednesdays at 19:00-21:00 GMT from the 7th January - 4th February 2026.

Across a series of five two-hour live Zoom sessions, freelance journalist Caroline Butterwick will guide you through the process of getting articles published in newspapers and magazines.

This course will focus on:

• Coming up with ideas for feature articles and ways to find inspiration, alongside understanding what makes a compelling feature.

• Analysing publications so you understand what kind of features work for them, and who to send ideas to.

• How to craft a pitch to sell your idea, ready to send to editors.

• The craft of writing a feature itself, from research and interviewing to structuring a great feature.

• Building your career as a freelance features writer, from developing relationships with editors and contacts to finances, fees and promoting yourself.

"I absolutely loved the Freelance Feature Writing course. Caroline was an excellent trainer who broke down the daunting world of freelance journalism into manageable and easy to understand pieces. With Caroline's expert help the pitch I wrote in class went on to be commissioned by a national newspaper. For anyone looking to get into the world of freelance feature writing I couldn't recommend this course highly enough." course participant 2024

Course Highlights:

• Live Zoom Sessions: Enjoy a series of interactive live Zoom sessions where you'll learn about freelance feature writing from an experienced freelance journalist. Engage in real-time discussions and personalised feedback to enhance your writing skills, alongside lots of opportunities to ask questions.

• Writing Community: Connect with a community of like-minded writers during the live sessions. Share your progress, exchange ideas, and receive constructive feedback in a supportive online environment.

• Expert Feedback: Benefit from personalised feedback and guidance from an accomplished freelance journalist.

Tutor bio:

Caroline Butterwick is a freelance journalist based in North Staffordshire who writes regularly for national publications including the Guardian, The i Paper, Psychologies, National Geographic Traveller, BBC Countryfile Magazine, Stylist, Happiful, Breathe, Discover Britain, and the Wellcome Collection. Her features cover a range of topics, such as wellbeing, travel, and arts and culture. She’s taught creative writing classes in the community and in higher education, and is passionate about sharing what she’s learnt as a writer with others. www.carolinebutterwick.com

This course is suitable for:

• Anyone who is interested in getting their first paid article commission, but isn’t sure where to start.

• Anyone who is interested in getting their first paid article commission, but isn’t sure where to start. If you have some experience of freelance feature writing, but feel a bit stuck or would like some guidance and support to develop further, and to learn from others.

Whether starting out or more experienced, this course will support you in understanding the world of freelance features writing, from finding inspiration and securing commissions to the practicalities of being a freelance journalist.

Course Information:

The course will take place online via Zoom Online Meeting software. It is free to download and you will only need the free version to attend. Please download it and check it is working before the day of the course.

Please try and be somewhere you can concentrate and won’t be interrupted. Headphones can be useful if you have some, to cut out other noise.

Bursary Places:

We understand that not all writers are able to pay for their writing courses to further their career, and we run a Bursary Scheme as a consequence. If you feel you need a bursary, please contact us: info@writingwestmidlands.org.

Please note: you must sign up for the full course even if you cannot attend all dates. No partial course ticket is available.

Short Courses are for over 18s. If you are a young writer, you can sign up for our Spark Young Writers Programme.

Our short courses are collaborative, and you will learn as much from your fellow course attendees as from the tutor. You will be expected to play an active role in group tasks, and you will also have time to reflect on your own writing during sessions.

Course handouts are sometimes (but not always) available, and notes may be available in advance upon request. If you have any additional needs, please contact Writing West Midlands in advance of the course starting and we will try to assist you.