Perfect Pitching

Target, craft, and sell magazine stories through query letters

Course is closed.

WHEN
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 7-10 p.m.

WHO
This class is taught at the Intermediate/Advanced level.  Students are expected to have at least one year of journalism experience.

WHERE
real estate offices
2191 Market Street, Suite C (2nd Floor)
San Francisco, Calif.

MORE INFO
Email learnwest@mediabistro.com, or call (310) 659-5668.

PRICE
$65 ($50 for )
more info

Course Details

In freelance writing, the query letter is important: it's your writing sample, business plan, and article outline wrapped in one. It's also your single most important marketing tool, whether breaking into targeted markets, establishing new beats, or looking to re-collaborate with editors. A well-crafted query can be the difference between landing a gig and getting lost in the shuffle. And it's all to be written in a tight, succinct package of about 300 words.

 

While query writing can be daunting, there are proven methods for success. We'll identify components that all successful queries must have, learn some tricks, develop some templates you can adapt for multiple queries, and debunk some myths that might be holding you back.


Come to class with some story ideas and, by using live examples of winning and losing queries that span a range of genres, we'll workshop the ideas into fine-tuned, targeted queries that are highly sellable and will separate you from the pack.
 

In this seminar, you can expect to learn:

  • The four essential parts of all queries
  • Query keys and query clunkers
  • Why templates are a query writer's best friend
  • What editors look for in a query, and ways to get them to notice you
  • The essential importance of following up
  • Ways to streamline your query writing efficiency and boost your offers—and your earnings
  • How to plan and execute a successful pitch push
  • Why rejection is a good thing, and ways to profit from it
  • Three Golden Rules of Query Writing
  • Five steps to Perfect Pitching
  • Brainstorming tips for all writing genres
  • The self-syndication path to success

This seminar will provide you the formula for brainstorming story ideas, targeting markets, and taking your queries beyond the rough draft stage toward strong, winning queries you can sell—and sell again.  

 

By the end of this seminar:

You'll have a series of templates and a proven path to follow on your road to furthering your freelance writing career.

Instructor Bio

Jay Cooke's Courses

Advanced Travel Writing – San Francisco
Breaking into Travel Writing – San Francisco (Seminar on September 13)
Intro to Travel Writing – (Class starts September 24)

Jay Cooke
Jay Cooke is commissioning editor (US East) for Lonely Planet, where he develops and manages 15+ travel guides, writes and edits print and digital content, creates and develops partner content and manages the syndicated column.


His writing and commentary has been featured in National Geographic Traveler, Business Traveler, the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Francisco Bay-Guardian, Cooking Light, Wired, Rick Steves Radio, Traveler's Tales, Publishers Weekly, The New York Times and others.


Jay is the founder and CEO of OutwesterMedia, a travel content and media consultancy firm. He blogs on the world of travel at www.outwester.com.

Testimonials


Jay Cooke is an engaging and energetic teacher who really knows his stuff. He is eager to share his vast wealth of knowledge with his students. The class gave me both the tools and the kick in the pants I needed to get out there and start my freelance career. -- David Hennessy

"I made my tuition back plus a little more. I sold my homework assignment from week 3 before the course ended, and I sold two other pieces that I brainstormed while doing Jay's optional homework assignments. This course did three things for me: (1) Taught me the basics of travel writing; (2) Got my creativity flowing; (3) Provided highly valuable feedback on my work, including suggestions about where and how to pitch." -- Genevive Bjorn

"Jay was amazing! The class was extremely informative and fun. He is a fabulous teacher with tons of personality, enthusiasm and, of course, practical knowledge. The class was a very comprehensive intro that provides a broad perspective on the industry, as well as very specific tips. The handout is rich with info -- and so much was covered in a short amount of time. Tons was covered and it was the best $65 and 3 hours I have spent in recent memory." -- Margaret Huang, Director, Atomic Public Relations

"Jay Cooke's travel-writing seminar was first rate. His energy and humor were infectious, but even better was his useful information for novice as well as experienced travel writers. He shared his knowledge, and never once talked down to the class--even those who were
exploring travel writing for the first time." -- Tom Honig, executive editor, Santa Cruz Sentinel

"Jay is truly an inspirational speaker. Not only does he have practical experience, but he's also willing to share the secrets of the trade. It was surprising how much useful information can be acquired in such a short amount of time. I live six hours away from San Francisco, and I'd be happy to drive that distance again for an opportunity to attend one of his classes." -- Betsy Husband, freelance writer/photographer

"Jay teaches what he knows -- and he knows a lot. His seminar is loaded with practical insight and precious nuggets of advice that will help launch a freelance career. Highly recommended." -- Michael Coren, freelancer, former CNN.com science editor

"Jay Cooke's class, Advanced Travel Writing, rocked. His teaching style allowed everyone in the class to feel comfortable and relaxed, which in turn, had us excited about learning as much as we could. His tips were great, the exercises productive, and we all left the class psyched and ready to get out there and start pitching, writing and traveling. -- Lisa Cecconi

"I've been working as a travel writer for several years but wanted to do this class to see how others approach the job and validate my own methods. I learned more than I expected! I'm now thinking differently about my work and have implemented what I learned from the course. I've already received 4 commissions from ideas generated in the class. This course exceeded my expectations." -- C Edrich

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