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Perfect Pitching
Target, craft, and sell magazine stories through query letters
Course DetailsIn 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.
In this seminar, you can expect to learn:
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: Instructor BioJay Cooke's Courses Advanced Travel Writing – San Francisco  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 is engaging and 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 start my freelance career. -- David Hennessy"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." -- Genevive Bjorn "If you have the slightest interest in being a travel writer, understanding editors, and learning the business side of writing, then this is your class and Jay is the instructor for you." -- Christy Rey "Jay explained the most reasonable method and effective schedule for pitching stories I've heard to date. He was knowledgeable about both the travel industry and market, as well as travel media and outlet opportunities. Well done!" -- Mary Lee Shalvoy "Jay is a fabulous teacher with tons of personality, enthusiasm, and practical knowledge. The class provides a broad perspective on the industry, as well as very specific tips." -- Margaret Huang, director, Atomic Public Relations "I appreciated Jay's superb business smarts and willingness to share the inside tips and realities. His class had very well-organized lessons, judicious critiques, and everything geared toward the goal of becoming a professional writer. I'd consider anything I wrote successful if it passed muster with Jay." -- Sara Miller "Jay's energy and humor were infectious. 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 willing to share the secrets of the trade. 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 "Jay teaches what he knows -- and he knows a lot. His class is loaded with practical insight and precious nuggets of advice that will help launch a freelance career." -- Michael Coren, former CNN.com science editor "Jay's 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 already received 4 commissions from ideas generated in the class. This course exceeded my expectations." -- C. Edrich "Jay is a great instructor with a tremendous amount of experience. He was encouraging, patient, and really organized in his approach. I hope to take another class with him!" -- Roopika Saran "Jay's charisma, knowledge of the travel industry, and ability to direct students to helpful information for their careers is superior to the common teacher out there." -- Michael Margherita "I really enjoyed Jay's interactive teaching style. He kept the group engaged and got the creative juices flowing." -- Kelly Staples |
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