Intermediate Magazine Writing

Course is closed.

DURATION/TIME
6 weeks
Mondays, 7-10 p.m.
Sept. 18-Oct. 30 (no class on 10/2)

LOCATION
West Hollywood, Calif.

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

PRICE
$425 ($400 for )
more info

Course Details

OK, so you've been published in a few local magazines with small circulations, but now you feel like you're ready to step into the big leagues. You want to write for the kind of pubs that you actually like and read—and you finally want to be paid more than lunch money for your efforts. In this intensive course, designed for intermediate writers, you'll learn all about the kinds of stories major mags look for, how to break in, how to come up with winning ideas and eye-catching pitch letters, and ultimately how to write a sellable piece. Part lecture, part workshop, this intensive class is designed to motivate you to stop thinking about writing for the magazines you love—and start doing it. Procrastinators need not apply.

In this class you will learn:

  • An overview of the marketplace from a writer who's in the front lines
  • The different types of articles magazines need freelancers to write
  • Which magazines are likely to go for your story (and which are not)
  • How to come up with captivating stories
  • How to package your stories so they're magazine friendly
  • How to write awesome pitch letters and, even more importantly, how to get them read
  • The secrets to a successful and satisfying magazine article
  • Instructor Bio

    Jonathan Small's Courses

    No courses available at this time.

    Jonathan Small
    Jonathan Small is a writer and editor based in Los Angeles. He is currently editorial director of Break Media, overseeing daily operations of Break.com, Holy Taco, Cage Potato, Chickipedia, and Wall Street Fighter. His advice column "Ask Him Anything" appears monthly in Cosmopolitan, and his weekly blog, "Diary of He", appears on Redbook's website. He contributes to Blender, Fit Pregnancy, Marie Claire, Maxim, Men's Fitness, The New York Daily News, The New York Times, TV Guide, and Women's Health. Jonathan is also co-author of the book The Best Places to Kiss in Southern California. He has appeared as a guest on CNN, NBC, CBS, MSNBC, UPN, and radio's WOR, and CBS News Radio in New York. Jonathan was also executive editor of Stuff and Twist, and has worked as a senior editor at Glamour, Fitness, and Child.


    Testimonials


    That precious Jonathan actually cares about his students! (A man who listens and gives feedback -- my heart be still!) Jonathan is doesn't play favorites. He knows his stuff. He cares. -- Sarah Vance, freelance copywriter


    "Jonathan is clearly the cream of the crop among freelance writers and editors. I don't know which was more valuable: the behind-the-scenes intelligence from his time at legendary Glamour magazine, or his hard-won wisdom from the freelancer's side of the page. The man clearly knows his stuff, has done it all and written it all, and the most amazing thing is that he's utterly unselfish in sharing ideas and advice. [Writing for Men's and Women's Magazines] is a must-attend for those wanting to break into the world of glossy covers." -- Cynthia Willman, promotional writer


    "The advantage of taking a course through mediabistro...is that these courses are taught by industry professionals who are currently in demand. [Still,] Jonathan was surprisingly humble, which made him easy to talk to." -- Eileen Parker, freelance journalist


    "Jonathan is tough, but in a good way; if you can get a piece by him, you can probably get it by an editor. (And wouldn't you rather rewrite in class than read rejection letters?) I took his magazine writing course as a way of getting back into freelancing after a number of years in corporate communications. I slaved over a query to AARP Magazine until Jonathan was happy with it, even though other writers had told me that this publication 'with the largest circulation in the world' was an impossible goal for someone with no current clips to show. But the query did the trick: The article was just published." -- Shelagh McFadden, freelance journalist

    AvantGuild* Discounts on mediabistro.com courses are just one of the wonderful benefits of being in AvantGuild, our premium membership program. For just $59 a year, you'll receive instant access to our How to Pitch articles and other premium articles, transcripts from selected seminars and panels, and discounts on virtually everything we do (including eClasses and the Freelance Marketplace)! Click here to join now.