WHEN Tuesday, Oct. 17, 6:45-9:45 p.m. WHERE West Hollywood Gateway West Hollywood, Calif. MORE INFO Email us, or call (310) 659-5668. PRICE $65 ($50 for ) more info

Course Details

Will acupuncture help me get pregnant? Where am I going to have my baby: at home, at a birthing center, or at a hospital? What does labor really feel like? A writer can hardly ask for a more rapt audience than a pregnant woman wanting to know all she can about her pregnancy and beyond. Starting even in the preconception stage, women want succinct information about all medical and lifestyle aspects and pregnancy. They want medical studies that back up every fact, and to hear from experts that they trust about nutrition and exercise; what can make them feel better; and how to get ready for their baby. Relationships, shopping, what to wear themselves, how to dress their baby—all of these concerns fill the heads of pregnant woman.

It is hard to figure out all of the intricacies of the ever-changing realm of birth and delivery. Expand your writing into the burgeoning field of maternity magazines—there are already approximately 7 to 8 titles on the market with at least 2 to 3 more on the way. Add to those parenting magazines and women's magazines that have pregnancy columns and the possibilities are endless. Learn how to deliver clear and concise information that will help women have a more informed birth and new motherhood.

In this class you'll learn:

• How you can take your knowledge of writing for other markets and apply it to the maternity market
• How to figure out which editors to pitch, and how to tailor your pitch to get their attention
• How to find sources and experts
• What topics are in the news—safe, alternative therapies for fertility, elective cesareans, midwives, and doulas—and how to sort out the definitive information about these topics
• How to read and explain a medical study for a lay audience

Instructor Bio

Mary Jane Horton's Courses

Mary Jane Horton has been a writer/editor for 30 years. She began her career contributing to jewelry industry publications, such as Executive Jeweler and National Jeweler, while still earning her journalism degree at New York University. After college she started writing in the burgeoning health and fitness field for such magazine as Prevention, Runner's World, and Slimmer. She traveled the world for a few years writing for Fodor's guides, Meeting and Conventions, Travel Agent, Successful Meetings, Diversion, and other publications. She was a stringer for Time magazine for several years and has written for Ms., Shape, Vegetarian Times, and many other publications. In the early mid-90s, after having two children, she found her true calling at Fit Pregnancy magazine. First as associate editor and then as articles editor, she became passionate about giving women the best start possible--physically and emotionally--for the most important job of their lives. Now she is editor in chief of Plum magazine, a health and lifestyle magazine for women over 35.

Testimonials

Mary Jane is very passionate about the topic of pregnancy. She offered a great insider's view of what kind of stories pregnancy publications are looking for. She also gave us multiple resources for finding story ideas. I left the class feeling prepared and excited to pitch these niche publications. -- Jennifer Carofano, editor, Footwear News, Conde Nast Publications