Course Details

From Glamour to Good Housekeeping, women's magazines are among the most lucrative and high-profile markets, which is why this is one of our most popular classes. In this intensive workshop, you will learn how to wow editors in the so-called "pink ghetto" with the stories they want (and need). Each week, you'll produce a different story, each a type of article which is a mainstay at women's magazines. You'll also workshop pitch letters, editing them to perfection to ensure they get read by the editors of your dream publications. Your goal in this class is to send articles out immediately after workshopping them. Though subject to change, the pieces that you will complete usually include a short service piece, a q & a, a quiz, a personal essay, a long service piece, and a human interest piece (an "as told to" or narrative).

In this class, you can expect to learn:

• How to write in the voice of the magazine in which you want to be published
• Which editors to pitch stories to
• Which sections of the magazine are easiest to break into and most "freelancer-friendly"
• How to write perfect pitch letters
• How to find sources
• How to rewrite and self-edit
• How to network in the industry

By the end of class, students can expect to have:
A complete portfolio of publishable articles that will impress any women's-magazine editor.

• Your instructor's lectures are posted once a week: you can read them online, print them, or download them at your convenience. Supplemental material-readings, examples, or handouts-may also be available.
• Students post completed assignments on the course bulletin board, where the class gives feedback. Students ask questions, share resources, and support each other, creating a conversation that continues all week.
• A regular chat time allows your class to converse as a group via instant message. Transcripts are available when you can't attend, or if you want to review the discussion. 
• Technical support is available from mediabistro staff.

Instructor Bio

Julia Dahl's Courses

Julia Dahl has been a freelance writer for six years. Her articles have appeared in Salon, Slate, The Columbia Journalism Review, Redbook, Marie Claire, Guernica, Seventeen, the New York Post, Time Out New York, Organic Style, Quick & Simple, the Washington City Paper, The Real Deal, and Good Housekeeping. Julia began her career at Entertainment Weekly, where she did everything from work the red carpet to fact-check all night. After EW, she became an editor at Redbook, and then Marie Claire. Julia has a BA from Yale, and a masters in journalism from American University.

Testimonials

Julia is a seasoned expert in her field and her approachable demeanor put all members of the class at ease. This was a terrific course! -- Andrea Sarubbi

"I finished the course with 5 solid writing assignments that are all circulating with editors at major magazines now, and I've found a network of writers with whom I plan to stay in touch." -- Jennifer Rudolf

"Julia was an exceptionally great instructor. She's very knowledgeable in this market and very generous in sharing her insights. Julia took great care in giving meaningful and encouraging feedback on everyone's work/assignments." -- Erin Harrington

"My first piece just came out in Woman's Day, and I've sold 3 more stories for inclusion in upcoming issues. The course has already more than paid for itself, and Julia has been a warm, accessible instructor with a real willingness to stay in touch with her former students." -- Nicole Rosenleaf Ritter

"Julia was everything a teacher should be -- knowledgeable about women's magazines and a true inspirational mentor. I've read a lot of books on magazine writing and was amazed how much more I learned from this class." -- Wendy Land

"Julia is amazing. She's smart, knowledgeable, and so personable. She's the ideal instructor. I couldn't have learned more." -- Debbie Williams

"Julia had a no-nonsense, no BS approach that I appreciated. I've been writing for a long time but didn't know what areas I should focus on. Julia helped guide me in the correct direction." -- Lisa Molinaro

"Julia gave us great insight into the world of freelancing for women's magazines. I ended up selling my first assignment to Pregnancy magazine, and Julia helped me revise it along the way." -- Michele Wallach

"Julia really goes the extra mile and made us all feel more confident pitching the big glossies. In fact, I've already sold a piece to Self." -- Kelley Vick

"Julia is a working professional writer who freely shares her expertise and experience with the class. Her writing critiques are gentle but right on target, and she is generous in recommending specific places to send your own writing." -- Abigail Gary