The Secrets Behind Head-Turning Headlines

Course is closed.
The  Secrets Behind Head-Turning Headlines

WHEN
Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6:45-9:45 p.m.

WHERE
offices of mediabistro.com
West Hollywood, Calif.

MORE INFO
Email us, or call (310) 659-5668.

PRICE
$65 ($50 for )
more info

Course Details

Do you want to write great headlines? Well, you can start by writing a better one that that! Headlines—or heds and deks, as they are blandly referred to in the biz—are the entrance ramps to the print/web article. They are the first thing a reader reads. Unfortunately, too often, they are also the last. Good headline-writers know how important it is to grab the reader by the lapels and not let go. They understand that writing eye-catching headlines is not an arbitrary act of inspiration, but a well thought-out process that is part science, part creativity, and part instinct.

This seminar, designed for editors and writers, takes a look at The Secrets Behind Head-Turning Headlines (now, that's a little better). Part lecture, part workshop, the seminar will dissect and analyze heds and their step sisters deks, to better understand what makes them work, and what makes them wack.

In this 3-hour class you will learn:
  • How to come up with fresh and provocative headlines
  • The different styles of headline-from "the promise" to "the gazette"
  • Essential words, phrases, and other tricks of the trade that make people pay attention
  • How mastering headlines can help you come up with better story ideas
  • How to parlay good headline writing into a tasty promotion

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

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