Stiletto Boot Camp

DURATION/TIME 8 weeks April 10 - June 5 Online Chats: Tuesdays, 9-10 pm EST LEVEL Intermediate ONLINE CLASS INFO See our eClasses info page. PRICE $499 ($475 for ) more info

Course Details

From Glamour to Good Housekeeping, women's magazines are among the most lucrative and high-profile markets, which is why this is one of our most popular classes. In this intensive workshop, you will learn how to wow editors with the stories they want (and need). Each week, you'll produce a different story, each a type of article which is a mainstay at women's magazines. You'll also workshop pitch letters, editing them to perfection to ensure they get read by the editors of your dream publications. Your goal in this class is to send articles out immediately after workshopping them. Though subject to change, the pieces that you will complete usually include a short service piece, a q & a, a quiz, a personal essay, a long service piece, and a human interest piece (an "as told to" or narrative). Alumni of this class have gone on to publish in Real Simple, For Me, Woman's Day, and Seventeen.

In this class, you can expect to learn:

• How to write in the voice of the magazine in which you want to be published
• Which editors to pitch stories to
• Which sections of the magazine are easiest to break into and most "freelancer-friendly"
• How to write perfect pitch letters
• How to find sources
• How to rewrite and self-edit
• How to network in the industry

By the end of class, students can expect to have:
A complete portfolio of publishable articles that will impress any women's-magazine editor.

• Instructors post lectures once a week. You can read them online, print them, or download them at your convenience.
• Students post completed assignments for feedback and discussion by the instructor and class.
• Weekly chats allow your class to get together via instant message. Transcripts are available for review if you can't attend.
• Technical support is available from mediabistro staff.

Instructor Bio

Julia Dahl's Courses

Julia Dahl has been a freelance writer since 2002. Her articles have appeared in Salon, the Columbia Journalism Review, Redbook, Seventeen, Slate, Guernica, and the New York Post. Julia began her career at Entertainment Weekly, where she did everything from work the red carpet to fact-check all night. From there she became an editor at Redbook and then Marie Claire.

Julia has a BA from Yale and a masters in journalism from American University and has been the recipient of a grant from the Nation Institute and a John Jay/Guggenheim fellowship for criminal justice journalism. She is also a contributing editor at The Crime Report.

Testimonials

Julia is a seasoned expert in her field and her approachable demeanor put all members of the class at ease. This was a terrific course! -- Andrea Sarubbi

"I finished the course with 5 solid writing assignments that are all circulating with editors at major magazines now." -- Jennifer Rudolf

"Julia was an exceptionally great instructor. She's very knowledgeable in this market and very generous in sharing her insights. Julia took great care in giving meaningful and encouraging feedback." -- Erin Harrington

"My first piece just came out in Woman's Day, and I've sold 3 more stories for inclusion in upcoming issues. The course has already more than paid for itself, and Julia has been a warm, accessible instructor with a real willingness to stay in touch with her former students." -- Nicole Rosenleaf Ritter

"Julia was knowledgeable about women's magazines and a true inspirational mentor. I've read a lot of books on magazine writing and was amazed how much more I learned from this class." -- Wendy Land

"Julia is amazing. She's smart, knowledgeable, and so personable. I couldn't have learned more." -- Debbie Williams

"Julia had a no-nonsense, no BS approach that I appreciated. Julia helped guide me in the correct direction." -- Lisa Molinaro

"Julia gave us great insight into the world of freelancing for women's magazines. I ended up selling my first assignment to Pregnancy magazine." -- Michele Wallach

"Julia made us all feel more confident pitching the big glossies. In fact, I've already sold a piece to Self." -- Kelley Vick

"Julia freely shares her expertise and experience with the class. Her writing critiques are gentle but right on target, and she is generous in recommending specific places to send your own writing." -- Abigail Gary

"Julia has inspired me in my writing and in my career. Everyone should take a course with her!" -- Jessica Silvester

"This course was well worth the price. The information I learned was invaluable towards advancing my freelance career. The feedback on my work really helped me polish my writing." -- Roma Lightsey

"Julia is a fantastic editor. She's constructive, supportive, and she knows how to make your work better. She knows the business, and offers invaluable insight on how to write for magazines." -- Mary Block

"Julia was everything you would want from an instructor. She was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, thoughtful, and fun!" -- Joanne Rendell

"I left the class with several articles, one of which was accepted by a major NYC publication. Take this class. You won't be disappointed." -- Alisha McKinney

"This was a great class that affirmed my ability to write. I feel certain that because of this course I am on the right track." -- Robert Gardner