How to Write for Men's and Women's Magazines

Course is closed.

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

WHERE
offices of mediabistro.com
West Hollywood, Calif.

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

PRICE
$65 ($50 for )
more info

Course Details

Too often freelancers approach magazines as if one story fits all. This couldn't be further from the truth. When it comes to the men's and women's magazine, the only thing they have in common is the glossy covers. In fact, they are two different beasts—with diverse styles, tones, cultures, and story needs. Even within the different genres, each magazine has its own unique twist.

This seminar, taught by an instructor who's worked on both sides of the aisle, will help you pinpoint the kinds of stories the different magazines look for from freelancers, and how to get your foot in the door. Editors need you more than ever—you just need to start thinking like them. Whether you're interested in writing first-person essays for Men's Health or third person reported pieces for Marie Claire, this class will help you hone in on what makes a story fresh, informative, entertaining, and eminently sellable.

In this class you will learn:
  • How to generate kick-butt story ideas
  • Which magazines want what
  • The difference writing assignments: service stories, Q&As, essays, roundup stories, sex and relationship features, etc.
  • The do's and dont's of pitching an editor
  • Everything you wanted to know about being a freelance writer but didn't know who to ask

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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