WHEN: Saturday, November 21, 1-5 pm WHERE New York (Midtown East) PRICE $125 ($100 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

Do you have a great idea for a novel, but don't know where to start? Or perhaps you've hit a snag midway through your draft? Is your finished manuscript sitting in your drawer with no idea what comes next? This workshop will cover everything that goes into creating a novel, from generating a story idea to querying an agent. We'll revisit elements of craft including plot, character, and dialogue and discuss how to go about publishing your finished product.

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New York, NY

Instructor Bio

Shari Goldhagen's Courses

Shari Goldhagen published her first novel, Family and Other Accidents, in 2006 (Doubleday). She holds an MFA from Ohio State and a journalism degree from Northwestern. A fellow of both Yaddo and MacDowell, she currently lives in New York City, where she has stalked celebrities as a reporter for magazines, including The National Enquirer, Life & Style, and Celebrity Living.

Testimonials

Shari was wonderful! She was very helpful and reassuring. I loved how she was frank and utterly honest. She told us how it really is, but didn't sour us on publishing our own work. -- Nicole Yanolatos

"Shari was excellent, perceptive, and very encouraging. She had lots of specific examples from writing her own novel and novels she had read. This helped to both generate a first draft and improve on the content already there." -- Dekker Dare

"Shari was both insightful and funny while offering detailed criticism of our writing. She was also realistic and encouraging about the process. I look forward to taking another class with her." -- Anne Barthel

"Shari is great. She is very laid back and her suggestions are spot on." --Jennifer Fermino

"Shari preserved the individuality and organic nature of novel writing while at the same time presenting tried and true advice." -- Mark Decker

"Shari's class allowed me to find my voice as a writer. I would recommend this course to anyone who is seriously writing and needs a refresher or even just feedback. It was great!" -- Keisha Bush

"Shari kept the discussion moving in an organized fashion. Clearly, she has had plenty of experience because her advice was thoughtful and provoked personal inquiry." -- Ann Votaw

WHEN Saturday, November 21, 10 am-4 pm WHERE Meridian Gallery, 535 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 MORE INFO Email us or call 212-547-7890 PRICE $125 ($100 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

Travel the world and get paid for it? Sounds too good to be true, but you can do it simply by building a base as a freelance travel writer. Whether you're writing about a long weekend in Mendocino or a long walk across Nepal, there's a market out there for your stories, and a proven path for successful travel writers to follow. With a sense of adventure, an open mind, an eye for the offbeat and some basic writing skills, you're well on your way toward getting your travel pieces published -- and having editors chase you down with repeat gigs!

This workshop will reveal the inner workings of the field, showing how travel editors think and what they want from their writers. We'll detail road-tested tips on ways to break in, diagram the many different styles of travel writing, survey the market (from magazines to newspapers, guidebooks to blogs), study the critical role of pitch letters, analyze key components to successful travel writing, and show a successful formula for turning your travel journals (and photos!) into sellable work.

• How anyone can break into travel writing
• Where to find story ideas in any place, and how to pitch them successfully
• Which specific tools and skills will help you sell your work more
• How to turn one trip into dozens of sellable story ideas
• Where to pitch travel articles besides travel publications
• Ways to sell, resell, and resell your pieces again

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San Francisco, CA

Instructor Bio

Jay Cooke's Courses

Jay Cooke is commissioning editor (US East) for Lonely Planet, where he develops and manages 15+ travel guides, writes and edits print and digital content, creates and develops partner content and manages the syndicated Travels with Lonely Planet column.

His writing and commentary has been featured in National Geographic Traveler, Business Traveler, the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Francisco Bay-Guardian, Cooking Light, Wired, Rick Steves Radio, Traveler's Tales, Publishers Weekly, The New York Times and others.

Jay is the founder and CEO of OutwesterMedia, a travel content and media consultancy firm. He blogs on the world of travel at www.outwester.com.

Testimonials

Jay is engaging and eager to share his vast wealth of knowledge with his students. The class gave me both the tools and the kick in the pants I needed to start my freelance career. -- David Hennessy

"I sold my homework assignment from week 3 before the course ended, and I sold two other pieces that I brainstormed while doing Jay's optional homework assignments." -- Genevive Bjorn

"If you have the slightest interest in being a travel writer, understanding editors, and learning the business side of writing, then this is your class and Jay is the instructor for you." -- Christy Rey

"Jay explained the most reasonable method and effective schedule for pitching stories I've heard to date. He was knowledgeable about both the travel industry and market, as well as travel media and outlet opportunities. Well done!" -- Mary Lee Shalvoy

"Jay is a fabulous teacher with tons of personality, enthusiasm, and practical knowledge. The class provides a broad perspective on the industry, as well as very specific tips." -- Margaret Huang, director, Atomic Public Relations

"I appreciated Jay's superb business smarts and willingness to share the inside tips and realities. His class had very well-organized lessons, judicious critiques, and everything geared toward the goal of becoming a professional writer. I'd consider anything I wrote successful if it passed muster with Jay." -- Sara Miller

"Jay's energy and humor were infectious. He shared his knowledge and never once talked down to the class -- even those who were exploring travel writing for the first time." -- Tom Honig, executive editor, Santa Cruz Sentinel

"Jay is willing to share the secrets of the trade. I live six hours away from San Francisco, and I'd be happy to drive that distance again for an opportunity to attend one of his classes." -- Betsy Husband

"Jay teaches what he knows -- and he knows a lot. His class is loaded with practical insight and precious nuggets of advice that will help launch a freelance career." -- Michael Coren, former CNN.com science editor

"Jay's tips were great, the exercises productive, and we all left the class psyched and ready to get out there and start pitching, writing, and traveling." -- Lisa Cecconi

"I've already received 4 commissions from ideas generated in the class. This course exceeded my expectations." -- C. Edrich

"Jay is a great instructor with a tremendous amount of experience. He was encouraging, patient, and really organized in his approach. I hope to take another class with him!" -- Roopika Saran

"Jay's charisma, knowledge of the travel industry, and ability to direct students to helpful information for their careers is superior to the common teacher out there." -- Michael Margherita

"I really enjoyed Jay's interactive teaching style. He kept the group engaged and got the creative juices flowing." -- Kelly Staples

WHEN: Monday, November 23, 6:30-10:30 pm WHERE New York (Midtown East) PRICE $125 ($100 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

What's at stake when you deliver a presentation at work? Whether you are addressing your team, pitching to prospective clients, or talking to a wider corporate audience, you're not just conveying your message, you're shaping your professional reputation. Do a mediocre job, and your professional prospects dim. But surpass expectations, and colleagues start to see you in a new way -- as a leader.

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New York, NY

Instructor Bio

John Neffinger's Courses

John Neffinger has a decade of experience helping people speak compellingly in public. His clients include political candidates, guests on national TV programs, and corporate executives. He is a principal with KNP Communications, and writes about public speaking for the Huffington Post.

John learned the art of public speaking during his time as a management consultant, where he prepared and delivered more than a hundred lectures for corporate audiences in the U.S. and overseas. He previously did communications work for both Harvard's Kennedy School and the Council on Foreign Relations. He has also practiced litigation and intellectual property law with a top-ten New York firm. John holds honors degrees from Harvard College and Columbia Law School.

Testimonials

John is a great instructor. As a successful, full time writer, he has firsthand knowledge of the challenges all writers face, and can effectively speak to them and offer workable solutions. I'm looking forward to putting his recommendations into practice! -- Virginia Fischer

"If you are going to give a presentation about presentations, it had better be informative, entertaining and memorable. John clears that high standard by a good margin." -- Mark Katz

"John was highly qualified, delivered a fantastic and very useful presentation, and helped us to put it into action." -- Irina David

"This class gave me some great pointers for delivering public presentations in front of a large or small audience. I was suprised how interactive the course was! Not only did we learn how to use verbal speech, but he also showed us the value of non-verbal speech." -- Ann Glover

"John is a great instructor who really knows what he is talking about without getting too scientific. He exudes the qualities that a good public speaker should have -- strength and warmth." -- Darise Jean-Baptiste

"John is a fantastic teacher! He focused on each student's needs and goals while keeping the class fully engaged. He identified my habits and taught me how to appear more open and comfortable. I would highly recommend John to anyone." -- Alice Kim

WHEN 4 weeks, Mondays, November 23 - December 14, 6:45-9:45 pm WHERE New York (Soho) LEVEL Intro CERTIFICATE CREDIT This course counts towards the Mediabistro Copy Editing Certificate. PRICE $350 ($325 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

Start honing your copy editing skills and mapping out your career path in this introductory class. We'll cover the basics, from understanding copy editing marks to avoiding rookie grammar mistakes as well as how to pitch yourself. In just 4 weeks, you'll have the tools to enter the field and an understanding of how to create smooth, readable copy. And you'll have another skill you can add to your resume and launch your new career.

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Determine when a sentence needs tweaking or is best left alone
• Understand copy editing lingo, including proofreading symbols
• Interact with editors
• Prepare for and ace a copy editing test
• Tailor a resume and where to find copy editing jobs
• Find the right copy editing job

By the end of class, you will have:
An overall knowledge of the copy editing field and the tools to enter the field

Course Syllabus

Intro to Copy Editing (PDF) View a sample syllabus for this class here.

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New York, NY

Instructor Bio

Magdalena Alagna's Courses

Magdalena Alagna has worked as a copy editor for Infobase Publishing, a copy chief and copy editor for Rosen Publishing, and a proofreader for The National Law Journal. She has edited hundreds of books on subjects that range from the life and times of Abigail Adams to the dangers of cosmetic surgery. She holds strong opinions about split infinitives and serial commas.

Testimonial

Magdalena is the high priestess of grammar. She will teach you how to make dangling participles, misplaced modifiers, and poorly formed sentences disappear from your life. -- Peter Messina

"Magdalena is a wordsmith. This class has allowed me to walk away with the tools and guides to find the answers to my grammar questions." -- Grace Cavallo

"Magdalena has an outstanding ability to connect with students and share her knowledge in a professional way. She was very approachable and went the extra mile." -- JoAnn Strong

"Magdalena is an excellent instructor who gives practical information and real world examples." -- Joseph Marchelewski

"Magdalena gave me the tools and pointers to excel at copy editing. She met all of my expectations in terms of course content, and exceeded them in terms of her teaching style." -- Henry Visotski

"Magdalena was enthusiastic about every topic, and had an obvious fervor for the art of constructing sentences. She was approachable and professional." -- Katie Sherman

"I found Magdalena to be patient, knowledgeable, and helpful. She rocks!" -- Genevieve Hewitt

"Magdalena makes learning and relearning grammar rules fun, which is a hard task! Having such an easy-going, knowledgeable instructor made class worth every minute and penny." -- Patricia DeLuca

"Magdalena's presentations were engaging because she not only has an academic grasp of the subject but also a hands-on approach, which showed us what to expect in the industry." -- Nirvana Williams

"Magdelena gives you the skills and confidence to become a copy editor in just weeks. Her extensive knowledge of grammar and language is an amazing added bonus." -- Karen Grant

"Magdalena is outstanding! She really knows her stuff and is able to communicate very clearly and inspire confidence. She also offered great insights that others probably would not have shared." -- Jody Potter

"Magdalena was great and was always really candid about her experiences in copy editing without ingraining false hope." -- Alice McKenney

"Magdalena clearly knows copy editing. Her knowledge and experience are first-rate." -- Kelly Osterhout

"Magdalena was great. She was inspired about grammar. Her passion for it was infectious." -- Gabrielle Zuckerman

"I began using the material we covered on the job right after the first class. This is real-world grammar at its best." -- Gloria Dawson

"Magdalena is smart, knowledgeable, lighthearted yet serious, respectful, and very encouraging. I can't imagine anyone being better." -- Fran Schoenfeld

"Magdalena was an outstanding instructor because she gave us real world and practical examples to help us better navigate the copy editing world." -- Roya Bell

"I took the class together with my daughter, and we both felt the information Magdalena presented was useful, important, and relevant." -- Mary Brown

"Magdalena is a personable professional who really knows her grammar. She is very approachable for extra help and emphasizes practicality over jargon. This course will benefit everyone from the novice to the seasoned professional." -- Stuart Ellison

WHEN 8 weeks, November 23 - January 18 Online chats Mondays, 8-9 pm ET WHERE Online. Click here for information. LEVEL Intro PRICE $499 ($475 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

Learn how to think, see, and create from the unique perspective of a copywriter as you take part in creative exercises and practical, hands-on learning. Once you learn the basic formulas and structures of writing a print ad, your copywriting will translate easily into various media. Add some creative inspiration and a love for trends and brands and you're on your way to writing breakthrough ads. In this introduction to copywriting, you'll learn the art of coming up with concepts and headlines for both short, headline-focused ads as well as long copy (brochures, web etc.).

Students who have taken this class have gotten jobs at:
Allebach, Saatchi and Saatchi, LyonHeart, IconNicholson, Euro RSCG 4D, Artisan Talent, Mr. Youth, and more.

The online classroom has several interactive components:

• 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.

Course Syllabus

Copywriting: Mastering Ad Writing (PDF) View a sample syllabus for this class here.

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Advertising & Marketing

Instructor Bio

Derek Scheips's Courses

Derek Scheips has more than a decade of experience as a copywriter for global brands including Microsoft, Citibank, Sony, and Pfizer at global marketing agencies, as well as in direct consultation with companies from a range of industries. He was on staff at Wunderman (a division of Young & Rubicam) for eight years, working closely with art directors to create communications in a variety of formats for the Web, mail and print.

Testimonials

Derek's class was a very informative introduction to copywriting. Thanks to this course, I was able to secure several freelance copywriting clients within a week of our final project. -- Jennifer Clinehens

WHEN 8 weeks, November 23 - January 11 Online chats: Mondays, 9-10 pm EST WHERE Online. Click here for information. LEVEL Intro PRICE $499 ($475 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

You're a writer, so why not become a magazine writer? Intro to Magazine Writing is the class that will launch your magazine career. This class will explore the editing process, journalism ethics, what makes something newsworthy, note taking, fact-checking, and reporting. Over the course of 8 weeks, you'll workshop two pieces in any format, from personal essays to profiles, service pieces to features.

You'll also learn the business essentials that will enable you to survive and thrive in the magazine world: where to pitch, how to query a publication, and how to work with editors so they'll want to work with you.

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Create captivating stories that editors will buy and readers will love
• Craft compelling pitch letters
• Figure out which magazines and sections will be interested in your story
• Approach editors you don't know and build relationships that work

By the end of class, you will have:
Two polished articles, the pitch letters to sell them, and all the basic skills any journalist should have.

Students who have taken this class have been published in:
Time Out New York, Wired, In Touch Weekly, ESPN the Magazine, Boston Globe, Cookie, Town & Country Travel, Boston, Washington Post, Woman's Day, Family Circle, Psychology Today, Paste, Northshore, Bust, and more.

The online classroom has several interactive components:

• 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.

Course Syllabus

Intro to Magazine Writing (PDF) View a sample syllabus for this class here.

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Book & Mag Publishing

Instructor Bio

Vanessa Bush's Courses

Vanessa Bush, a fifteen-year veteran of the magazine industry, was most recently executive editor at Essence magazine and has also held various editorial posts at Life and Glamour magazines. She has written a beauty book with supermodel/entrepreneur Tyra Banks, Tyra Banks Inside & Out, and is a graduate of Harvard University and Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism. Vanessa is currently pursuing another passion of hers -- food and wine -- by writing a food blog, Food Lovers Like Me (foodloverslikeme.blogspot.com).

Testimonials

I got a huge bang for my buck as Vanessa took me through the process of brainstorming, pitching, and writing. She was always courteous, professional, and down to earth with great insight on the industry and real life advice. -- Michael Damelio

"Vanessa was exceptional in her clarity and focus. I received three magazine story assignments while taking the class." -- Cheryl R. Riley

"The opportunity to learn from Vanessa is truly invaluable. She is experienced, intelligent, and very supportive." -- Kelly Deegan

"Vanessa was genuine and very informative. I could not put my pen down. New ideas for editorial content were flowing and covering up the white pages, and I came up with new ways to attract new readers." -- Patricia Rhinvil, Managing Editor, Caribbelle.com

"Vanessa was engaging and open to discussions and extremely receptive to just about any question. I learned a lot from her class, both about writing and pitching. I left with renewed inspiration." -- Sheryl Kraft

"Vanessa gave an insider's view of journalism. Not only did she present practical tips for developing and writing service pieces, but she also shared her publication's preferred format for writer queries. She invited us all to submit story pitches to her, which added an extra dose of challenge and motivation!" -- Bernita Dorch

"Vanessa not only understands the struggles writers endure, she uses her empathy to motivate and inspire you to continue writing no matter what happens!" -- Rashana Hooks

"Vanessa was always so helpful, insightful, knowledgeable, and professional. I learned so much about the publishing industry and was very sad during our class' last chat session." -- Elyse Lucas

"Vanessa was always upbeat and helpful. Her edits made for great learning while her experience delivered tips and insight I'm sure I'll use in the future." -- Matilde Parente

"Vanessa took a personal interest in her students and wanted us to succeed. She gave us what we needed to do to improve our work and make it saleable." -- Lisa Martin

"Vanessa was helpful even with the small, particular questions that I had. I would certainly recommend her as an instructor." -- Adrienne Mohadjerin

WHEN 8 weeks, November 23 - January 27 Online chats: Wednesdays, 9-10 pm EST WHERE Online. Click here for more information. LEVEL Intermediate PRICE $499 ($475 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

Nowadays, big publishers simply don't read unsolicited material. They depend on agents to muck through the slush pile in search of the gems. If you want to get a book published, knowing and using the correct format for a book proposal is paramount. Equally important is coming up with a great idea that you are passionate about and that will hook your intended audience. Put both of these components together and you have a great chance of winning over that agent, selling your idea, and securing a book contract.

Nonfiction books -- a market easier to break into than fiction -- are the backbone of publishing. Whether self-help, travel, health, memoir, business, current affairs, or any other number of categories, there will never be a shortage of readers for nonfiction that teaches, transforms, and captivates readers interested in a particular subject. In this class, you'll learn how to convey your idea in a winning book proposal and why taking the time to do so will make or break your chances of getting it noticed—and sold. You'll also learn what is appropriate for writers who already have an idea for a book, but would like to know the complete and correct execution of this vital marketing product.

In this class, you will learn:

By the end of class, you will have:
A marketable nonfiction book proposal package ready to send out to agents, including a query letter and a sample chapter.

Students who have taken this class have published:
The Creative Girl's Guide To Having It All: How to Brave the Odds and Make Your Way in a Creative Career (Perseus/Running Press), The Unlikely Lavender Queen: A Memoir of Unexpected Blossoming (Broadway), Cheer! Three Teams on a Quest for College Cheerleading's Ultimate Prize (Simon and Schuster), Something New: Wedding Etiquette for Rule Breakers, Traditionalists, and Everyone In Between (Simon Spotlight), The Hudson Rediscovered (Free Press), Read My Hips (Harmony), and more.

The online classroom has several interactive components:

Course Syllabus

Nonfiction Book Proposal (PDF) View a sample syllabus for this class here.

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Instructor Bio

Jill Rothenberg's Courses

For thirteen years editor Jill Rothenberg has helped a wide range of journalists and writers develop their nonfiction book proposals and transform them into award-winning and commercially successful titles. At Westview Press/Perseus Book Group, these included Blood Diamonds: Tracing the Path of the World's Most Deadly Stones, which was made into the film of the same name starring Leonardo DiCaprio. At Seal Press/Avalon Publishing Group, she edited Confessions of a Naughty Mommy: How I Found My Lost Libido, which was featured on the Today Show. She also acquired Only As Good as Your Word: Lessons from My Favorite Literary Gurus by writer and frequent mediabistro instructor Susan Shapiro. Her work has also appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Urban Moto Magazine, Woman's Best Friend: Women Writers on the Dogs in Their Lives (Seal Press), and the forthcoming P.S. : What I Didn't Say (Seal Press). She lives in Boulder, CO.

Testimonials

After taking Jill's class, I scored an agent who told me the book proposal was one of the best ones she has seen. -- Rob Koebel

"My query letter, written with help from the class and Jill, resulted in a well-regarded agent requesting my proposal. I'm thrilled!" -- Marge Thorell

"Jill was a wonderful instructor -- friendly, encouraging, and always ready and willing to answer questions." -- Shann Fountain-Culo

"Jill was an outstanding instructor. She gave honest, constructive feedback that made my proposal 10 times better." -- Marla Majewski

"Jill's experience, knowledge, and insight of the publishing industry, plus the structure and format of the class, made it an incredible experience and really taught me how to fine-tune my pitch and craft a stellar proposal." -- Kristi Daniels

"Jill guides her students with clear lectures, detailed critiques, and lively chats. By the end of Jill's course I had a solid book proposal and a clear idea of the content of my entire book." -- Jill Johnson

"Jill's a great motivator, cheerleader, and fountain of knowledge about the business aspect of publishing. She is a spot-on editor and the most thorough class instructor I have encountered." -- Lovelace Cook

"Jill will be at the top of my book's acknowledgement page. I would totally take another class from her!" -- Anna Cox

"Jill's expert information, her kind, supportive advice and feedback, and her belief in all of the writers to create excellent nonfiction book proposals made getting a book published a reality." -- Patricia Wilkinson

"I couldn't have gotten my book proposal written without the class and instructor. Jill was fabulous ." -- Ellen Rosenthal

"Jill is a talented teacher and a savvy editor. She is supportive and her wisdom is insightful for those of us trying to make the leap to becoming nonfiction book authors." -- Meg Robbins

"Jill offered great feedback and insight into class submissions. She was very helpful and responsive to our questions." -- Stacy Jensen

"Jill is a compassionate and knowledgeable instructor who knows publishing from all sides. I would recommend her to anyone tackling a nonfiction project." -- Susan McDonald

"Jill is very experienced and insightful. She helped all of us bring the quality of our proposals up several notches, think of more ways to promote ourselves, and to get the word out about our books." -- Malorye Branca

"Jill Rothenberg is a revelation. As an editor and a writer, she is very knowledgeable, insightful, and generous with her students." -- Haig Chahinian

WHEN 8 weeks, November 23 - January 18 Chats Mondays, 9-10 pm ET WHERE Online. Click here for more information. LEVEL Intermediate PRICE $499 ($475 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

Chick lit is one of the hottest genres in modern fiction, and it's gaining even more momentum with the films In Her Shoes, The Devil Wears Prada and Shopaholic (all from chick lit books) hitting the big screen. At the same time, authors such as Jodi Picoult and Anita Shreve are still dominating the bestseller charts with soul-searching fiction about everyday women. Maybe you've read books in this genre and thought, "I can write this!"

By the end of class, you will:
Be well on your way to completing the first draft of a chick lit or women's fiction novel. You'll also know how to sell it to agents and how to edit your own novel.

Admission Requirements
Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history) and a writing sample (less than 1,000 words).

The online classroom has several interactive components:

• 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.

Course Syllabus

Novel Writing: Chick Lit (PDF) View a sample syllabus for this class here.

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Instructor Bio

Kristin Harmel's Courses

Kristin Harmel is the author of How to Sleep with a Movie Star, The Blonde Theory, and The Art of French Kissing, all from Warner Books/5 Spot/Hachette Book Group and When You Wish, a teen novel from Random House. In August 2009 look for her fifth novel, Italian for Beginners, (Hachette Book Group). In early 2010 her sixth novel, After, (Random House) hits shelves.

Kristin is also a reporter for People magazine and a freelance writer for Glamour, American Baby, Woman's Day, and Health. Visit her web site at www.KristinHarmel.com.

Testimonials

Kristin really wants her students to improve, and I benefited greatly from her kind but sharp critiques. She knows what she's doing in terms of writing and is intimately familiar with the publishing/agent world. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in taking their manuscript to the next level. -- Susan Dennard

"Kristin is a fantastic teacher. She gives constructive criticism that is motivational and precise. My manuscript advanced so much in this class and I couldn't have done it without her guidance." -- Colleen Quill

"Kristin is the most motivating and empowering writing instructor I have had the privilege to work with. I would highly recommend any class she teaches." -- Kristen Conway

"Kristin is truly a dynamo! She made herself available in and out of class. She is truly a wonderful person and teacher." -- Ellen Feig

"Kristin is a great instructor. She motivates you to get the idea from your head onto the paper and get your book done. I would recommend her to anyone." -- Linda Olatunde

"I could not have asked for a better instructor than Kristin. I've taken two classes with her and can honestly say I wouldn't have produced the pages I have without her guidance." -- Debbie Feit

"Kristin was fabulous! She far exceeded my expectations. She was very generous with her time and was so enthusiastic. I will definitely sign up for her online class." -- Kathy Goodman

"Kristin knows how to balance reality with inspiration. She left her students feeling they can conquer the publishing world!" -- Maureen Jenkins

"Kristin's enthusiastic no-nonsense approach encourages anyone with a good idea to tackle writing. Her energy and her generosity in offering tips has got me fired up to write!" -- Helen Mitternight

"Kristin is extremely knowledgeable about her craft. Her input was valuable, and her direction on characterization was inspiring." -- Lauren Bahlman

"Kristin is an engaging, friendly, and experienced instructor who knows her stuff and makes her students feel at ease." -- Rebekah Gordon

"Kristin is warm, funny, and well-spoken. She provided solid advice mixed with her personal experiences and perspective." -- Liz Grimes

"Kristin really helped me develop my manuscript and my writing. She had well thought out ways of helping students make progress and keep our projects on track." -- Ellie Parker

"Kristin has incredible amounts of energy and an obvious true passion for writing. It is truly inspirational to learn from her and I left the class feeling a renewed sense of drive to write my book!" -- Sara Mailloux

"Kristin's experience comes through in the lecture notes and chat sessions. She has a very casual, inviting style which makes her seem less like a strict instructor and more like a colleague. I would definitely recommend taking one of her courses." -- Christine Guerrini

"Kristin really knows what she's talking about and genuinely wants her students to be as successful as she already is. She's a great teacher who gives wonderful advice and plenty of encouragement." -- Meredith Bodgas

WHEN 4 weeks, November 23 - December 21 Chats Mondays, 10-11 pm ET WHERE Online. Click here for more information. LEVEL Advanced CERTIFICATE CREDIT This course counts towards the Mediabistro Public Relations Certificate. PRICE $350 ($325 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

The swell of interest in public relations, unmatched by any other branch of marketing, has created an unprecedented number of opportunities in PR firms, corporations, non-profits, and consulting. But how do you take advantage of these growing opportunities? This class is designed for those who understand the basics of PR and want an introduction to the more specialized areas of crisis communications, conferences, and social media. You will gain the skills you need to climb the PR ladder.

Admission Requirements:
This class is designed for professionals with PR experience. Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history).

(Beginners: If you want learn how to write pitch letters, news releases, and PR plans, check out our Intro to Public Relations class.)

The online classroom has several interactive components:

• 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.com staff.

Course Syllabus

PR: From Crisis Communications to Social Media (PDF) View a sample syllabus for this class here.

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Career

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Public Relations

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Advertising & Marketing

Instructor Bio

S.j Sebellin-Ross's Courses

S.j Sebellin-Ross is a senior independent marketing and public relations consultant and writer with nearly twenty years of experience. She manages and writes marketing and public relations communications for clients including IBM, Visa, the Toronto Stock Exchange, and Ronald McDonald Children's Charities. S.j also writes feature articles for leading publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, and CNET.com. She is the author of a top-selling marketing book, and delivers executive training seminars to organizations including The Association of Journalists.

Testimonials

S.j is deeply knowledgeable in the public relations field. She displays a genuine concern for her students and their growth professionally. I hope to take additional courses with her in the future! -- Tim Pulice

"S.j gave me the necessary tools to assist me in my career goals. No question was turned down." -- Ebony Clark

"This class was an incredible learning experience. I learned a lot and definitely plan to take more classes." -- Robin Ochoa

"S.j. is constructively critical, presents thorough and easy-to-follow lectures, and offers timely and actionable responses to assignments and questions. All around great." -- Maayan Heller

"S.j. was great! She was candid and informative, but with a fun sense of humor." -- Gloria Krupa

"S.j. was an engaging instructor who obviously knows her stuff! She presents information succinctly and answered my many questions with grace and wit." -- Jessica Sellers

"S.j. made the course very worthwhile. She really knows PR and was direct and targeted in her instruction and comments." -- Elizabeth Tober Lyon

"S.j. delivers a suitcase full of useful tools for her students to carry with them in the world of PR." -- Tamryn Hennessy

"There isn't a question that S.j. struggles to answer! She offers relevant, effective feedback on assignments and chat sessions that have the feel of breezy, stimulating coffee shop conversation." -- Jessica Wangsness

"I loved taking this class with S.j. I obtained an internship at a PR firm in NY before the class ended." -- Tracey Boyd

"S.j. was very knowledgeable and produced great lectures. She gave me new tools that I put into immediate use. I look forward to taking more courses with her." -- Tiana Webb-Evans

"S.j oozes knowledge and information about today's media industry. Her classes are concise and very informative and will serve me as a reference for years to come." -- Mark Stokes

"S.j. is a great instructor who helped break down the basics. Great course -- two thumbs up!" - Lorna Umphrey

"S.j. was great! She really knows her stuff and gave great advice both on the writing and career aspects of PR." -- Jeanette Khan

WHEN 4 weeks, November 23 - December 14 Chats Mondays, 9-10 pm ET WHERE Online. Click here for more information. LEVEL Intermediate CERTIFICATE CREDIT This course counts towards the Mediabistro Public Relations Certificate. PRICE $350 ($325 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

With public relations budgets exploding and PR jobs growing at an incredible rate, there are more and more career opportunities in corporations, PR firms, and non-profit organizations. This course positions you to take advantage of career-advancing opportunities by focusing on the twin cornerstones of public relations: PR annual plans and the press.

Admission Requirements:
This class is designed for professionals with PR experience. Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history).

(Beginners: If you want learn how to write pitch letters, news releases, and PR plans, check out our Intro to Public Relations class.)

The online classroom has several interactive components:

• 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.com staff.

Course Syllabus

Public Relations: Plans and Press (PDF) View a sample syllabus for this class here.

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Public Relations

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Advertising & Marketing

Instructor Bio

S.j Sebellin-Ross's Courses

S.j Sebellin-Ross is a senior independent marketing and public relations consultant and writer with nearly twenty years of experience. She manages and writes marketing and public relations communications for clients including IBM, Visa, the Toronto Stock Exchange, and Ronald McDonald Children's Charities. S.j also writes feature articles for leading publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, and CNET.com. She is the author of a top-selling marketing book, and delivers executive training seminars to organizations including The Association of Journalists.

Testimonials

S.j is deeply knowledgeable in the public relations field. She displays a genuine concern for her students and their growth professionally. I hope to take additional courses with her in the future! -- Tim Pulice

"S.j gave me the necessary tools to assist me in my career goals. No question was turned down." -- Ebony Clark

"This class was an incredible learning experience. I learned a lot and definitely plan to take more classes." -- Robin Ochoa

"S.j. is constructively critical, presents thorough and easy-to-follow lectures, and offers timely and actionable responses to assignments and questions. All around great." -- Maayan Heller

"S.j. was great! She was candid and informative, but with a fun sense of humor." -- Gloria Krupa

"S.j. was an engaging instructor who obviously knows her stuff! She presents information succinctly and answered my many questions with grace and wit." -- Jessica Sellers

"S.j. made the course very worthwhile. She really knows PR and was direct and targeted in her instruction and comments." -- Elizabeth Tober Lyon

"S.j. delivers a suitcase full of useful tools for her students to carry with them in the world of PR." -- Tamryn Hennessy

"There isn't a question that S.j. struggles to answer! She offers relevant, effective feedback on assignments and chat sessions that have the feel of breezy, stimulating coffee shop conversation." -- Jessica Wangsness

"I loved taking this class with S.j. I obtained an internship at a PR firm in NY before the class ended." -- Tracey Boyd

"S.j. was very knowledgeable and produced great lectures. She gave me new tools that I put into immediate use. I look forward to taking more courses with her." -- Tiana Webb-Evans

"S.j oozes knowledge and information about today's media industry. Her classes are concise and very informative and will serve me as a reference for years to come." -- Mark Stokes

"S.j. is a great instructor who helped break down the basics. Great course -- two thumbs up!" - Lorna Umphrey

"S.j. was great! She really knows her stuff and gave great advice both on the writing and career aspects of PR." -- Jeanette Khan

WHEN 8 weeks, November 23 - January 18 Online Chats: Mondays, 8-9 pm EST WHERE Online. Click here for information. LEVEL Intermediate PRICE $499 ($475 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

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. 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).

In this class, you will 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 tell whether your story is best suited for a publication's print book or website
• How to write perfect pitch letters
• How to sell a story that has a 360 reach in print, on the web, and for mobile platforms
• How to find sources
• How to rewrite and self-edit
• How to network in the industry

By the end of class, you will have:
A complete portfolio of publishable articles that will impress any women's-magazine print or online 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.

Course Syllabus

Stiletto Boot Camp (PDF) View a sample syllabus for this class here.

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Journalism

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Book & Mag Publishing

Instructor Bio

Lauren Waterman's Courses

Lauren Waterman is a contributing editor at Teen Vogue and co-author of the upcoming book The Teen Vogue Handbook: An Insider's Guide to Careers in Fashion (Penguin/Razorbill). She has also worked at Vogue as a staff writer and contributing editor.

Her work has been featured in Vogue, Details, InStyle, Self, Nylon, Boston Magazine, Fashion Rocks, US, and the Chicago Tribune.

Testimonials

Lauren is a 'must experience' instructor. She's focused, funny, and informative! -- Jane Perdue

WHEN 4 weeks, November 24 - December 22 Chats Tuesdays, 9-10 pm ET WHERE Online. Click here for more information. LEVEL Intermediate/Advanced PRICE $350 ($325 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

Admission Requirements:
Previous knowledge in blogging or the Intro to blogging class. Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history).

The online classroom has several interactive components:

• 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.

Course Syllabus

Blogging: Advanced (PDF) View a sample syllabus for this class here.

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Digital Media & Tech

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Journalism

Instructor Bio

Melanie Nayer's Courses

Melanie Nayer is the senior site editor for Cheapflights.com, where she writes, researches, and updates destination guides, travel news, and feature travel articles. She maintains daily production of the Cheapflights.com "Travel and Flights News" Blog.

Previously, Melanie worked as a content producer for the business section of Boston.com and as a reporter for the Boston Globe. Her work at Boston.com included producing the daily business section, various blogs, and creating interactive features. She also worked as a freelance journalist for various national news organizations, monthly magazines, and trade publications, and worked as a Capitol Hill news correspondent in 2002 with Boston University's Washington Journalism program.

Testimonials

Melanie's knowledge of AP style is near encyclopedic. She's gifted in the ability to discuss the work at hand with complete focus, and her constructive criticism is always on target. -- Joe Wallace

"Melanie brought practical, strategic advice to the table and her insight was invaluable." -- Meredith O'Connor

"Melanie was a fabulous instructor. She really knew what she was talking about and fully encouraged class participation. I would love to take another one of her classes!" -- Amanda Gonzalez

"Melanie was great. She was very open to questions and discussion and had lots of in-the-trenches experience. It was a pleasure to learn from her." -- John Tremblay

"Melanie is knowedgeable and without hesitation shares that knowledge with her students. She ensured that all her students had the benefit of her direct attention while still being able to address the class in its entirety." -- Deborah Keegan

"Melanie is an excellent instructor. She is accessible, knowledgeable, supportive, and very helpful. She knew her stuff and obviously has extensive knowledge about blogging and social media." -- Mariela Murphy

"Melanie is an outstanding instructor. She is quite knowledgeable and readily shares her knowledge with everyone who is taking a course from her." -- Caroljean Ellis

WHEN 8 weeks, November 24 - January 19 Chats Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30 pm ET WHERE Online. Click here for more information. LEVEL Intermediate/advanced PRICE $499 ($475 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

Travel writing is a way to engage with the world and to build a bridge that brings faraway places home. It wakens the senses and stands everything we take for granted on its head. This class looks at the romance and realities of this exciting and lucrative market.

Over the course of eight weeks, you'll consider the various forms of the field, from travel-related news items to personal essays, with the goal of selling these pieces to local, regional, and national publications. Each week, students will be assigned a travel-related article up to 1,000 words, along with an optional pitch letter, and will be expected to investigate unfamiliar neighborhoods, seek out experts in the field, and demonstrate the highest levels of research and reporting. This course generally requires a commitment of at least eight hours a week of outside work.

In this class, you will learn:

• The components of great travel writing
• How to use where you live to break into the travel market
• How to find and develop your beat
• How to make travel a conduit to writing beyond the travel section
• How to write perfect pitch letters
• What to do when you get to your destination
• How to negotiate with your editor for travel compensation

Students who have taken this class have been published in:
Travel + Leisure, The New York Times, The New York Times Magazine, Vogue, The Los Angeles Times, Budget Travel, Dwell, Gourmet, Men's Journal, Modern Bride, National Geographic Traveler, Salon.com, Saveur, Time Out New York, New York Magazine, The Boston Globe, Conde Nast Traveler, The San Fransisco Chronicle, and more

• 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.

Course Syllabus

Travel Writing Boot Camp (PDF) View a sample syllabus for this class here.

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Journalism

Instructor Bio

Manuela Zoninsein's Courses

Manuela Zoninsein is a Brazilian-American journalist currently based in Beijing, China. She reports regularly for Newsweek magazine and the Engineering News-Record and she recently served as the dining editor of TimeOut Beijing and as the dining columnist for City Weekend Beijing. Her travel and food writing have appeared in The Australian, Conde Nast Traveler, and Travel+Leisure. She is a graduate of Harvard University and moved to China two years ago thanks to a Princeton-in-Asia Fellowship. View more at her website www.manuelasweb.com.

Testimonials

Mauela has achieved so much and was willing to share her career path and tips on how to obtain foreign writing assignments. She was very inspiring! -- Darlene Wade

"Manuela was extremely personable and candid about the subject she taught." -- Gemma Figuracion

"I really enjoyed meeting Manuela and hearing about her career so far. The materials she provided and her advice were all really great." -- Chasi Annexy

"Manuela was broadly knowledgeable, experienced, and conscientious. There was so much material in her handout, and she added a great deal in class." -- Ellen Count

WHEN 4 weeks, November 24 - December 22 Online chats Tuesdays, 9-10 pm ET WHERE Online. Click here for more information. LEVEL Intro CERTIFICATE CREDIT This course counts towards the Mediabistro Digital Journalism Certificate. PRICE $350 ($325 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

The iPhone has arrived. Consumer created content is here. Short-form programming is being produced for all platforms, whether it be original programming or edits and mash-ups of existing content. This new arena of online video projects open up a number of programming options.

Writers and producers are no longer restricted to certain lengths and time blocks. Writing for the web, podcasts, and mobile phones presents its own scenario, unique to these applications. This course examines the elements that are essential for writing online video projects. We'll discuss how to think in terms of short attention spans, target markets that span all demographics, and find the right topics to explore to create a perfect online video.

From researching the brief history of online videos to studying the current marketplace to predicting the all-out potential of the future of web writing and producing, this course provides you with the tools you'll need to write your own online video projects.

In this course, you will learn:

• The history and success of online videos and the current marketplace
• Basic elements of storytelling: act breakdowns, character development, structure and dialogue for short projects
• Who typically consumes online videos and how they access content
• What sites and platforms are hot and why, and where you should post
• One-time postings versus serials
• How writing online video projects will propel you to the next step of your career

By the end of this class, you will have:
An online video script of at least 3 minutes and no longer than 10 minutes

The online classroom has several interactive components:

• 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.

Course Syllabus

Writing Scripts for Online Video (PDF) View a sample syllabus for this class here.

Related Courses

• Writing and Editing for the Web – ONLINE (Class starts January 19)

• Produce Your Own Internet Series (Video) – ONLINE

• Blogging: Advanced – ONLINE (Class starts November 24)

Tell me when courses like this are scheduled.

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Digital Media & Tech

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TV, Film & Video

Instructor Bio

Laurie Scheer's Courses

Brand Yourself – (Class starts February 10)

TV Writing: Spec Script – (Class starts January 19)

Writing Scripts for Online Video – (Class starts November 24)

Laurie Scheer is a former vice president of programming for WE: Women's Entertainment and is currently a key member of the Film Faculty at Flashpoint Academy in Chicago. She has worked as an assistant, d-girl, and producer for some of the most powerful media conglomerates in the world, including ABC, Viacom, Showtime, and AMC-Cablevision. She has been a professor at numerous universities across the US and considers herself a media goddess, helping creative professionals realize their goals of working and improving 21st century media. Her book Creative Careers In Hollywood: From Extra Girls to Errand Boys (Allworth Press, 2002) chronicles and celebrates all of the movies ever made that feature women working in Hollywood. She also has a DVD, How to Pitch and Sell Your Screenplay.

Testimonials

Laurie has boundless enthusiasm and offers the opportunity to succeed. -- Paul Hagen

"Aside from priceless information and insight based on her background in TV, Laurie offers the constructive feedback and moral support that fledgling TV writers are unlikely to find elsewhere." -- Roslyn Ross

"Laurie's seminar was by far the best I have ever taken! She's the most knowledgeable instructor I've ever had, excellent on every level." -- Jamila Bey

"Laurie's class provided invaluable tips. She's one of the coolest instructors I've ever had. I would recommend her classes to anyone interested in learning more about writing for film and television." -- Imani Dawson

"Laurie's generous advice about television writing helped give me the confidence I needed to negotiate the contract process. I'll always remember that if you are a professional, you're worth it." -- Gina Laurie

"Laurie's classes are a must for anyone wanting to progress in the television industry. It is quite unusual to have someone offer to share their experiences, and even more unusual for them to truly want you to succeed." -- Tamara Federici, writer & former associate producer, Chappelle's Show

"Laurie is a professional who generously shares with her students her love and first-hand knowledge of the complex TV industry." -- Nancy West

"Laurie was informative, funny, and extremely knowledgeable. I found myself riveted and wanting to know more. If anyone is thinking of a career in television writing, this course is your starting point." -- Inger Slade

"Laurie's message of being well-researched, prepared, and realistic -- while also having supreme confidence in yourself and your ideas -- is one that all producers should hear." -- Tony Monterastelli

"Laurie gives you a thorough step-by-step process that will make you hone in on your concepts, brand, writing, and pitching skills." -- Denise Hendricks

"Laurie is friendly and personable but she will also get in the ring with you and make you face yourself." -- Laura Buchholz

"Laurie will help you plan the route between where you are now and that dream job in TV." -- Leslie Knox

"Laurie was exceptionally knowledgeable about the industry and provided insider information. I will happily take more courses with her." -- Candi Carter

"Laurie's a supremely talented, intuitive, and inspirational tutor." -- Joan Smith

"Through a series of fun exercises, Laurie helped me define my brand as a writer. I had no idea it could be so simple. And her information about marketing online is priceless. She is truly the media Goddess!" -- Tessa Smith McGovern

"I'd recommend Laurie's course to anyone interested in a career in TV writing. I found her passion for the subject matter and genuine enthusiasm in our projects very refreshing." -- Nate Paige

WHEN: Monday, November 30, 6:30-10:30 pm WHERE New York (Midtown East) PRICE $125 ($100 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

Everyone gets writer's block at one time or another. Maybe you just finished a manuscript and don't know what to start next. Maybe the only thing you're writing these days is emails and you want to try your hand at something more enduring. Maybe you've always thought you had a story in you, but you don't know how to get it out.

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Creative Writing

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Book & Mag Publishing

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New York, NY

Instructor Bio

Kendra Levin's Courses

Kendra Levin is an associate editor at Viking Children's Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), where she edits literature of all age levels from picture books to YA. She has worked with a wide range of critically acclaimed authors. An award-winning playwright whose work has been produced off and off-off Broadway, Kendra also works with writers as a certified life coach.

Testimonials

Kendra was truly awesome. She was professional, personally invested, and believed in every student's work. She offered never-ending encouragement and precise and helpful critique. Not only did she enhance my knowledge about writing for YA, she improved my writing quality as well. -- Jill MacKenzie

"Kendra really made an effort to find out what would help each student the best during our class time. She was very encouraging and helpful. I left her class feeling inspired and ready to write!" -- Elaine Emme

"Kendra was so engaging and inspiring. She was really able to get your creativity going in such a short time!" -- Jenny Darlington

"I loved Kendra's class! I learned more in four weeks than I have in the past three years! Kendra rocks!" -- Jill Unger

"Kendra has a great talent for bringing out latent creativity. After leaving Kendra's class, I had at least 4 solid story ideas to start me off. I thoroughly enjoyed her class!" -- Jenny Darlington

"Kendra's YA class is perfect if you're starting a young adult novel. She really helps hone ideas, think through structure, and offers much support and insightful feedback." -- Julie Sternberg

WHEN 8 weeks, November 30 - January 20 Online Chats: Wednesdays, 10-11 pm EST WHERE Online. Click here for information. LEVEL Intermediate PRICE $499 ($475 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

Get an edge in the rapidly changing field of food journalism.

Until you can walk into a restaurant Frank Bruni-style and judge a chef's handiwork, you'll have to find other ways to build a portfolio of published food-related items.

Each week, you'll receive an assignment with prototypes so you can see how it's been done before, and feedback from your instructor on how to go about completing the assignment.

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Find the magazines that are easiest to break into
• Write a pitch an editor can't turn down
• Manage tight deadlines and negotiate contracts
• Discover your niche within the food-writing community
• Find chefs and other gourmands as sources
• Become a "super-taster" for food reviews

By the end of class, you will have:
A complete portfolio of publishable articles (including a news product or cooking tip; personal essay with recipe; a profile of a food personality; a restaurant review or roundup; the solution to a food-related mystery; a regional food feature; a food-related trend piece; and a cultural, travel, or holiday-oriented food feature)

Students who have taken this class have been published in:
The NY Daily News, The Boston Globe, Time Out NY, the Village Voice, Relish, Vegetarian Times, Clean Eating, and more

Admission requirements:
Students must have at least one published clip. Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history) and a writing sample (less than 2,000 words).

The online classroom has several interactive components:

• 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.

Course Syllabus

Food Writing Boot Camp (PDF) View a sample syllabus for this class here.

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View all courses in

Journalism

Instructor Bio

Molly Watson's Courses

Molly Watson is the food writer at Sunset magazine, where she also frequently writes food-focused travel pieces. She has written for The New York Times, numerous regional publications, and web sites galore. In her previous career she was a teacher and, among other things, taught writing at Stanford University.

Testimonials

Molly's class was fabulous. She was professional, clearly knew her stuff, and encouraged students in a way that was direct, honest, personal, and very helpful. Everything was designed to make learning enjoyable. -- Allison Parker

"The class was worth every penny! Molly was a superb instructor. She definitely went above and beyond what I had expected." -- Kimberlee Honjo

"Molly was a terrific teacher with a great sense of humor. She really knows food writing and the market for it." -- Sarah Lefton

"I highly recommend this class. Molly is a great instructor, very well-informed and inspiring." -- JoAnn Hornak

"Molly is outstanding. She tailors the class to match the needs of the students and spends time sharing information with a genuine interest in helping you grow as a writer." -- Alyssa Lulie

"Molly is a great teacher. She addressed questions about the writing as well as the business end. I definitely got more than I'd hoped out of the class." -- Giovanna Zivny

"Molly is an excellent teacher. She is thoughtful and her comments are right on target. I learned so much, not just about recipe writing, but writing in general, and my skills definitely improved. This was a great experience." -- Lori Jablons

"Molly's discussion questions and feedback taught me specifically what steps I must take to become a better writer." -- Trisha Coffman

"Molly is an insider. Her edits are kind but thorough. I finished the class knowing that I can absolutely sell food writing thanks to her." -- Helen Mitternight

"Molly was helpful and professional. I gained much more practical knowledge in just eight weeks than I thought was possible -- and I honestly consider myself to be a more solid, seasoned writer because of Molly." -- Sylvia Grove

WHEN Tuesday, December 1, 7-10 pm WHERE BCA, Stanford Calderwood Pavilion, 527 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116 DIRECTIONS Click here PRICE $65 ($50 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

Is your real life stranger than fiction? Do you think, day after day, "this would make a great book"? This seminar will cover every step of the process of writing a chick lit novel, from the kernel of your idea to the publication of your novel. You will get a full overview of the publishing industry and learn how chick lit novels get published, along with the basic elements of crafting a novel that will sell. Whether you've just been on a ton of bad dates or are already beginning to write, this is the seminar for you.

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Creative Writing

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Book & Mag Publishing

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Boston, MA

Instructor Bio

Kristin Harmel's Courses

Kristin Harmel is the author of How to Sleep with a Movie Star, The Blonde Theory, and The Art of French Kissing, all from Warner Books/5 Spot/Hachette Book Group and When You Wish, a teen novel from Random House. In August 2009 look for her fifth novel, Italian for Beginners, (Hachette Book Group). In early 2010 her sixth novel, After, (Random House) hits shelves.

Kristin is also a reporter for People magazine and a freelance writer for Glamour, American Baby, Woman's Day, and Health. Visit her web site at www.KristinHarmel.com.

Testimonials

Kristin really wants her students to improve, and I benefited greatly from her kind but sharp critiques. She knows what she's doing in terms of writing and is intimately familiar with the publishing/agent world. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in taking their manuscript to the next level. -- Susan Dennard

"Kristin is a fantastic teacher. She gives constructive criticism that is motivational and precise. My manuscript advanced so much in this class and I couldn't have done it without her guidance." -- Colleen Quill

"Kristin is the most motivating and empowering writing instructor I have had the privilege to work with. I would highly recommend any class she teaches." -- Kristen Conway

"Kristin is truly a dynamo! She made herself available in and out of class. She is truly a wonderful person and teacher." -- Ellen Feig

"Kristin is a great instructor. She motivates you to get the idea from your head onto the paper and get your book done. I would recommend her to anyone." -- Linda Olatunde

"I could not have asked for a better instructor than Kristin. I've taken two classes with her and can honestly say I wouldn't have produced the pages I have without her guidance." -- Debbie Feit

"Kristin was fabulous! She far exceeded my expectations. She was very generous with her time and was so enthusiastic. I will definitely sign up for her online class." -- Kathy Goodman

"Kristin knows how to balance reality with inspiration. She left her students feeling they can conquer the publishing world!" -- Maureen Jenkins

"Kristin's enthusiastic no-nonsense approach encourages anyone with a good idea to tackle writing. Her energy and her generosity in offering tips has got me fired up to write!" -- Helen Mitternight

"Kristin is extremely knowledgeable about her craft. Her input was valuable, and her direction on characterization was inspiring." -- Lauren Bahlman

"Kristin is an engaging, friendly, and experienced instructor who knows her stuff and makes her students feel at ease." -- Rebekah Gordon

"Kristin is warm, funny, and well-spoken. She provided solid advice mixed with her personal experiences and perspective." -- Liz Grimes

"Kristin really helped me develop my manuscript and my writing. She had well thought out ways of helping students make progress and keep our projects on track." -- Ellie Parker

"Kristin has incredible amounts of energy and an obvious true passion for writing. It is truly inspirational to learn from her and I left the class feeling a renewed sense of drive to write my book!" -- Sara Mailloux

"Kristin's experience comes through in the lecture notes and chat sessions. She has a very casual, inviting style which makes her seem less like a strict instructor and more like a colleague. I would definitely recommend taking one of her courses." -- Christine Guerrini

"Kristin really knows what she's talking about and genuinely wants her students to be as successful as she already is. She's a great teacher who gives wonderful advice and plenty of encouragement." -- Meredith Bodgas

WHEN 4 weeks, December 1 - January 5 Chats Tuesdays, 10-11 pm ET WHERE Online. Click here for more information. LEVEL Intro CERTIFICATE CREDIT This course counts towards the Mediabistro Copy Editing Certificate. PRICE $350 ($325 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

Should a preposition be something you never end a sentence with? Which rules that were drilled into your head by your sixth-grade English teacher are essential to good grammar, and which can you discard? This course will help you navigate safely through the overgrown thicket that is grammar as practiced in the 21st century, concentrating on both the philosophy and the practice of successful usage. This course is structured to illustrate that using English successfully is more of an art than a science.

The online classroom has several interactive components:

• 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.

Course Syllabus

Grammar, Punctuation, and Meaning (PDF) View a sample syllabus for this class here.

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Journalism

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Book & Mag Publishing

Instructor Bio

Gaylord Fields's Courses

Gaylord Fields is currently a senior editor at AOL Music, and before his recent relocation to the web he spent most of the past 20 years as a copy editor or copy chief at Rolling Stone, This Old House Magazine, Spin, Spy, and Back Stage/Shoot. In addition, he has worked freelance at several other magazines. He is also a longtime writer of articles and reviews on music and popular culture. And while Gaylord has a definite opinion on use of the serial comma, he saves such discussions for parties.

Testimonials

Everyone needs a grammar refresher. If you're looking for a quick, painless class to remind you of the basic and very important rules, this class is for you. -- Lauren Szczerba

"The way the material was presented was witty and entertaining. I would highly recommend this as a refresher course." -- Laura Rawls

"Gaylord's class achieved that rare balance of rigor and fun. I learned a lot." -- Jeremy Greenberg

"Gaylord was great! He knows the English language inside and out, and there was never a question he couldn't thoughtfully address." -- Steve Boudreault

"Gaylord was wonderful and his lectures were both entertaining and informative. All in all, he was knowledgeable, funny, and responsive." -- Lia Huber

"Gaylord was very knowledgeable, gracious, and kind. I greatly appreciated how he reviewed our assignments. For questions we got wrong, he not only marked them as such, he explained why they were wrong." -- Todd Burger

"Gaylord knew precisely the right way of framing a grammar issue and helped make the nuances of the English language instantly clear. This is the self-editing class that everyone in online media sorely needs." -- Ethan Stanislawski

"Gaylord incorporated his witty sense of humor into our lectures, making them engaging and interesting. He gave great tips and rules of thumb. I looked forward to the online chats." -- Andrea Polk

"Gaylord makes class fun and engaging." -- Ellen Lupton

"Gaylord eats and breaths punctuation and grammar rules. He is a committed teacher who knows how to present his knowledge in an entertaining but highly informative way." -- Iris Thalhammer

"Gaylord is a great instructor whose knowledge is matched by his wit and infectious joy for the subject." -- Susan McLennan

"This course was amazing, and exactly what I needed to improve my writing professionally and personally. I'd recommend this class to anyone looking to improve upon their skill set." -- Matthew Daniel

WHEN Wednesday, December 2, 6:45-9:45 pm WHERE University Settlement, 273 Bowery (at E. Houston), New York, NY 10002 PRICE $65 ($50 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

Thanks to social media like Facebook, Twitter, and blogs, almost anyone can publish content online. The trick is in getting people to read what you write -- and to pay you for doing it.
 
This seminar will cover the basics of how to write, edit, and publish online content. It's simply not enough to deliver information on a website anymore. You have to create a conversation and build a community with your readers.

We'll discuss how to thrive in a high-tech medium with the low-tech skills you already have. We'll also talk about the big trends in online journalism today and what they mean for professional writers and editors.

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Journalism

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New York, NY

Instructor Bio

Tiffany Black's Courses

Tiffany Black is the editorial producer for InStyle.com. Prior to this she was a producer at SportsIllustrated.com for the MySI product and manager of all NFL Game Day blogs. She has also worked as a sports producer at The New York Times on the Web, the night online sports editor and relationships blogger at the Atlanta-Journal Constitution and an online news editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Testimonials

Tiffany is excellent. Thanks to her suggestions and feedback, I feel much more prepared to transition into web writing after several years in print. Just a few days into the course, my boss noted the difference in my web voice. -- Beth Lacey Gill

"Tiffany was an absolute rock star! She was extremely knowledgeable and always had excellent suggestions. She was also very responsive in answering questions. I appreciate her dedication and all of the effort she put into the course." -- Elizabeth Siska

"Tiffany is enthusiastic, smart, and encouraging. She is generous with her knowledge of the media world and ways to break into it." -- Nena Donovan Levine

"Tiffany is a powerhouse of knowledge. She disseminates the information in a lively, entertaining, thorough, and enticing manner. I was really inspired and challenged. She was confident and friendly and I really appreciated that combination." -- Patrick Connolly

"Tiffany was fantastic! She did a terrific job breaking down complicated concepts for people like me who are completely unfamiliar with them. I would love to take another class with her." -- Gloria Gonzalez

"Tiffany translated her web experience and knowledge into a focused presentation, making it easy to understand as well as enjoyable." -- Valerie Shestakow

"Tiffany was fantastic. Her knowledge of the field was exhaustive, and her presentation was extremely well-organized and easy to follow. This was my first course with mediabistro, and I'm hooked." -- Barry Moskowitz

"Tiffany is an enthusiastic, articulate, and savvy instructor who knows the business of Web production. Her presentation is clear, and her course materials are comprehensive. Tiffany creates a supportive classroom environment. What more could you ask for in a teacher?" -- Laura Kidder

"Tiffany was fantastic -- very knowledgeable and personable. It was great to see the process as a whole, from writing the content to posting it and making sure that everyone from the editor to the designer to the advertiser is happy!" -- Helena Carey

"Tiffany was very clear and easy to follow and demonstrated her expertise through high-profile, real-life job experience." -- Alexander Kippen

"Tiffany was very engaging and enthusiastic. She drew on her own experiences, which was very insightful." -- Paul Suwan

"Tiffany is a great instructor. She ensures the class is familiar with all the terms and jargon used in the industry." -- Kwesi Cameron

"Tiffany was a very accommodating instructor. Every week I felt confident that I was gaining new skills or improving in areas that are of direct and demonstrable value to the job market." -- Marla Dial

"Tiffany packed the session with real-life scenarios and an easy-to-understand landscape of web terminology. I got ideas on how to improve both my clients' and my own outreach online. I would recommend this class to anyone -- even those who already have a good grasp of the web." -- Michelle Mulligan

"Tiffany provided really helpful materials, including reference resources. Her guidance, encouragement, and support were great. I'm encouraged to try my hand at web writing with a more developed and accurate critical eye to edit. I definitely recommend Tiffany." -- G. Comer

WHEN Thursday, December 3, 6:45-9:45 pm WHERE Blankspaces, 5405 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 MORE INFO Email us or call 212-547-7890 PRICE $65 ($50 for ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

You've got ideas, talent and a drive to get published -- and to make some cash while you're at it. In other words, you want to do freelance writing. But how? Who do you approach? How much should you ask for? Can you get started without any clips?

Whether you've got a job in journalism and are looking for a little extra work on the side or are new to the writing game, this course will teach you how to start selling articles to magazines and newspapers.

• How to develop ideas into saleable articles
• Which publications and editors you should target
• How to write a powerful pitch
• How to present yourself as a writer
• How to evaluate a contract -- and negotiate a better one
• How to keep assignments coming once you've broken in

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Los Angeles, CA

Instructor Bio

Vince Beiser's Courses

Vince Beiser is an award-winning magazine writer specializing in criminal justice and other social issues. In his many years of full-time freelancing, Vince has hunted down stories from the Balkans to the Middle East on assignments for The Los Angeles Times Magazine, The Village Voice, The New Republic, The Nation, US News & World Report, Harper's, and Rolling Stone. He has also held a number of staff gigs, including senior editor for Mother Jones, special projects reporter for The Oakland Tribune, and senior writer for The Jerusalem Report, Israel's leading news magazine.

Vince's work has been honored by Investigative Reporters and Editors, the Columbia and Medill Graduate Schools of Journalism, the National Mental Health Association, the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies, the Los Angeles Press Club and many other institutions.

Testimonials

Vince's class helped me put my ideas to paper. I was able to fine-tune my query and article with his great feedback. It was published in a magazine two weeks after class ended. -- Kristy Lund

"I've been freelancing full-time for 2 years, and I wish I'd taken Vince's class before I started. The tips he shared would have improved my reporting and made my life a lot easier." -- Kenneth Miller

"Vince's friendly and flexible teaching style gave me a serious confidence boost in terms of getting started in a freelancing career. I highly recommend that anybody who has the slightest interest in freelancing hear what he has to say." -- Jennifer Jamall

"Vince was knowledgeable, experienced, and relaxed. His examples and many small, concrete techniques helped me hone the pitching process. I look forward to taking more classes with him!" -- Helen Kaiao Chang

"Vince was friendly, informative, and handled the class extremely well. I'd definitely recommend him and take classes from him in the future." -- Lauren Horwich

"I found Vince's class to be very informative. He was clear, logical, realistic, and encouraging." -- Maria A. Del Toro

"The class was very informative and empowered me with many helpful websites and resources that will help me develop new stories." -- Lisanne Alack

"Vince makes it all look easy! He's that rare, successful writer who's able to share what he's learned out loud in a way that is engaging and fun. You'll walk away equipped with what you need." -- Colleen Wainwright

"Vince's class was a fantastic stepping stone for someone just beginning to delve into pitching articles, yet also full of insider tips for those more experienced." -- Abby Mims

"Vince was very nice, friendly, and funny when he needed to be. Vince even gave us his email address and said we could email him with questions." -- Lesley McCave

"Within six weeks of Vince's class I had two articles accepted to a magazine -- one of them a feature, and best of all, I got paid!" -- Shasta McBride

"This class was so useful to show me where to concentrate my efforts and build up my business." -- Eleanor Roberts