Intro to Magazine Writing

WHEN 8 weeks, July 30 - September 17 Online chats: Wednesdays, 8-9 pm EST WHERE Online. Click here for information. LEVEL Intro PRICE $499 ($475 for ) more info

Course Details

What do you do if you want to break into journalism, learning from serious teachers who currently work in the industry? Part lecture, part workshop, this class is designed to give you a professional understanding of both the editing and writing sides. If you're looking to get your start as a journalist, this class will take your writing to the next level. Each week, students will receive a lecture on topics like the editing process, journalism ethics, what makes something newsworthy, note taking, fact checking, reporting, and more. Over the course of 8 weeks, you will fully workshop two pieces, including a perfectly polished, no-fail pitch letter. Your work can range from personal essays to profiles, from news stories to business or travel features. You'll also learn how to query a publication, who to call there, and to which part of the publication you should pitch.

In this class, you will learn:

• How to create captivating stories that editors will buy and readers will love
• How to write compelling pitch letters
• Which magazines will be interested in your story
• How to approach editors
• How to network
• All the basic skills any journalist should have

By the end of class, you will have:
Two salable pieces, pitch letters to match, and knowledge enough to survive in the world of journalism.

• 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.
  

Related Courses

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Journalism

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Men's/Women's Mag Writing

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Freelancing

Instructor Bio

Alison Overholt's Courses

Alison Overholt is senior editor at ESPN The Magazine, managing investigative features and sports business coverage in addition to working on multimedia initiatives. Before joining ESPN in 2005, Alison was a staff writer and editor at Fast Company, where she covered emerging technologies and women in business from both Silicon Valley and New York. Her writing has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Inc., Working Mother, Fitness, Sports Illustrated for Women, American Way and San Francisco magazines, and LifetimeTV.com. Alison received the Asian American Journalists Association's National Print Journalism Award for a 2004 Fast Company cover story about Starbucks entering the music business, and was a two-time "30 Under 30" pick for TJFR/NewsBios' annual list of influential business journalists. She holds a government degree from Harvard and is a graduate of the Radcliffe Publishing Course.

Testimonials

I couldn't have wished for a better instructor than Alison. I've submitted two of the pieces I wrote in her class. My art review has been accepted and my Op-Ed is pending. I'm very happy I signed up for the class and would highly recommend it! -- Gabrielle Selz

"Alison is knowledgeable, thoughtful, and provides great insight. Since she is both a writer and editor, her suggestions for improving our writing were always accurate. Alison is truly fantastic." -- Michele Perkins

"Alison was an awesome instructor. I learned a lot about freelancing, masthead organization, and salary. I would definitely recommend this class." -- Lindsey Hunter

"Alison was an amazing instructor. She brought real-life examples, challenges, and wins into our class and was so personable and helpful that the class was a delight." -- Kristin Colangelo

"I would certainly take another class with Alison and mediabistro. I have learned a great deal about the writing and business aspects of the magazine industry and feel much more confident in the world of freelance writing. I left with motivation to write and confidence in getting published." -- Amy McIntyre

"Alison was a real pro -- she gave fully of herself, seemed to really want to be teaching the class, and was engaged throughout. The class was full of practical advice and assignments that really helped me look at magazines through an editor's eyes. The tone was positive and can-do." -- Leslie Koren

"Alison is a superb instructor. I looked forward to our class activities and discussions, and the homework was challenging without being overwhelming. Alison's can-do spirit was infectious. I learned more in these eight weeks than I did in my first job." -- Michelle Wiener

"Alison was enthusiastic, inspiring, funny, and sharp. She was able to explain and illustrate the writing, editing, and business sides of the process in a way that really made sense to me. I'd recommend this course to anyone!" -- Charlotta Kratz

"My career as a business journalist launched after I'd taken a class with Alison. While I was publishing some of my first breaking news and investigative pieces for Trader Monthly she was still there to offer advice and editorial direction." -- Teri Buhl

"Alison is a great instructor! I would highly recommend any class that she is teaching." -- Erin Cates