mediabistro.com Course Listings

Instructor Bio

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 Watson's Courses
Food Writing Boot Camp – (Class starts November 30)

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

11/30/2009: Novel Writing: Chick Lit - ONLINE - Kristin Harmel - 8 weeks, $499

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 8 weeks,�November 30�- January 18
Chats Mondays, 9-10 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intermediate

PRICE
$499 ($475 for )
more info

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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!"

Well, guess what? You can. And in this class, you'll learn how. You'll learn what chick lit is and why it's different from romance and other genres. You'll learn where women's fiction is going, how it's expanding, and how the field is a lot broader than you think. And best of all, you'll learn how to actually be a chick lit or women's fiction author AND how to get your book published.

In this class, you will learn:

How to draw on both your experience and your imagination to write a great story
The elements of a marketable chick lit or women's fiction novel
How to come up with a great title and plot
How to create compelling, likeable, realistic characters
How to write great dialogue
How to begin and end chapters with a bang
How to create and resolve conflict
How to revise, cut, and tighten your manuscript
How to find an agent and create a pitch package
How to market your book after it's sold

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.

• Novel Writing – ONLINE (Class starts January 13)

• Comic Book and Graphic Novel Writing – ONLINE (Class starts February 3)

• How to Throw a Digital Book Party (Video) – ONLINE

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Creative Writing

Instructor Bio

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.

Kristin Harmel's Courses
How to Write Chick Lit – Boston (Seminar on December 1)
Novel Writing: Chick Lit – (Class starts November 30)
Novel Writing: Chick Lit: Advanced – (Class starts February 1)

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

11/30/2009: Public Relations: From Crisis Communications to Social Media - ONLINE - S.j Sebellin-Ross - 4 weeks, $350

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 4 weeks,�November 30�- 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

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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.

In this class, you will learn how to:

Develop and write a crisis communication plan, including key messaging and a crisis leadership team
Write initial statements for use in a crisis
Develop talking points
Locate trade shows and conferences
Write compelling case studies
Develop and create speaking abstracts
Format, structure, and write speeches�
Understand key social media tools, from Digg to YouTube
Use social media to gain market intelligence and wield influence
Find, reach, and pitch the growing blogging community

By the end of this class, you will have:
A crisis communications plan, a case study, a speech, and a blogger pitch list

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.

• Intro to Social Media – ONLINE (Class starts January 20)

• Brand Writing – ONLINE (Class starts January 25)

• Making Sense of Social Media (Video) – ONLINE

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Career

Public Relations

Advertising & Marketing

Instructor Bio

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.

S.j Sebellin-Ross's Courses
Intro to Public Relations – (Class starts December 7)
Intro to Public Relations – (Class starts January 11)
Public Relations: From Crisis Communications to Social Media – (Class starts November 30)
Public Relations: Plans and Press – (Class starts February 22)

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

12/1/2009: Blogging: Advanced - ONLINE - Melanie Nayer - 4 weeks, $350

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 4 weeks, December 1 - December 22
Chats Tuesdays, 9-10 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intermediate/Advanced

PRICE
$350 ($325 for )
more info

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So you have a blog -- now what? You've selected your platform, posted a few stories or reviews, and even played around with the video and pictures links, but you're ready to take your blog further. The perfect blog showcases personality, depth, design, and core concept. Link your blog with social media sites and incoporate ads, and you'll hit paydirt. But how do you do it?

This class will help you take your blog to the next level. If you already have a blog set up, are familiar with how to navigate your blog's back-end system, and are confident in your theme and design, it's time to focus on the words. In this class you'll learn how to connect with other bloggers via social media efforts, continue to maintain your blog so the search engines rank its relevancy, and learn how to write for the search engines on your blog -- a must-do if you want to take your blog to the public and position yourself as an expert in your field.

In this class you will learn:

How to analyze your blog to see what works and what doesn't
How to read analytics reports and change your blog based on bounce rates
What to write about, how often to write, and how to get in the search engines
Effective tagging, SEO writing, and responding to comments and editorials
How to integrate social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Digg, Stumbleupon) into your blog
Ways to maximize your blog to gain more visitors: working with Google Adwords, placing ads on your blog, making money off your blog
How to make your blog your own and join the blogger community

By the end of class, you will have:
A better knowledge of how your blog works, how Google views your blog, and how others communicate on your blog. You'll�learn some basic HTML solutions to common blog problems. You'll also have at least 8-10 new blog posts published.

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.

• Intro to Social Media – ONLINE (Class starts January 20)

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

• Get a New Job: Career Blogs Show You How (Video) – ONLINE

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Instructor Bio

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.

Melanie Nayer's Courses
Blogging – (Class starts January 13)
Blogging: Advanced – (Class starts December 1)

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

12/1/2009: Grammar, Punctuation, and Meaning - ONLINE - Gaylord Fields - 4 weeks, $350

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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

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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.

In this class, you will learn:

A refresher on the various parts of speech
How to make sure your subjects, verbs and objects agree
How to ensure that punctuation serves the sentence
How to avoid creating undercooked as well as overblown sentences
A definition of exactly what style is, and why it differs from style guide to style guide

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.

• Mediabistro Copy Editing Certificate Program – ONLINE

• Intro to Copy Editing – ONLINE (Class starts December 8)

• Copy Editing: 12-Session Self-Paced Course – ONLINE

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Instructor Bio

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.

Gaylord Fields's Courses
Grammar, Punctuation, and Meaning – (Class starts December 1)

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

12/1/2009: Writing Scripts for Online Video - ONLINE - Laurie Scheer - 4 weeks, $350

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 4 weeks,�December 1�- 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

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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.

• Reinventing Print Content for the Web – ONLINE (Class starts February 2)

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

• Produce Your Own Internet Series (Video) – ONLINE

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TV, Film & Video

Instructor Bio

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.

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 December 1)

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

12/3/2009: Breaking into Freelancing - Los Angeles, CA - Vince Beiser - 3 hours, $65

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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

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You've got ideas, talent and the drive -- it's time to get published. 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.

In this class, you will learn:

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

• The Whole Freelancer – ONLINE (Class starts January 21)

• Pitch Letter Essentials – Los Angeles (Seminar on December 16)

• Breaking Into Magazines (Video) – ONLINE

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Instructor Bio

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.

Vince Beiser's Courses
Breaking into Freelancing – Los Angeles (Seminar on December 3)
Pitch Letter Essentials – Los Angeles (Seminar on December 16)

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

12/5/2009: Weekend Warrior: 2-Day Film School - Los Angeles, CA - Dov S-S Simens - 2 days, $414

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 1 weekend, Saturday, December 5 - Sunday, December 6, 9 am-6 pm

WHERE Hollywood, CA

MORE INFO Email us, or call 212-547-7890

PRICE
$414 ($394 for )
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If you want to be a successful screenwriter, producer, or director, or just get your script made into a movie, our 2-Day Film School is a must. 82% of producers and directors are screenwriters who, just like you, never attended a film school. Why waste 4 years and $120,000 when everything needed can be learned in one weekend with this acclaimed crash course that is credited with launching thousands of careers?

In the past decade, graduates of this program, including Quentin Tarantino, Baz Luhrman, Guy Ritchie, Queen Latifah, and Will Smith, have grossed over $6,000,000,000 within the film & television industry. This course is so superb because the instructor treats attendees like adults and cuts right to the chase with hard facts. On Saturday, you will quickly learn how to write each check (one of 38 checks you must write to see your film made) as you make your first independent feature film on budgets from as low as $5,000 to as high as $10,000,000. On Sunday, you'll learn a guaranteed step-by-step process, used by the pros, to attend film festivals, attract a distributor, and maximize revenues from the theatrical, foreign, video, cable, and broadcasting industries.

In this class, you will learn:

Producing: The secrets of packaging and dealmaking
Directing: How to break down a script and select shots
Financing: The independent method of funding films
Screenwriting: The tricks of writing & selling scripts
Budgeting: How to prepare a proper film/tv budget
Scheduling: The nuts and bolts of planning a shoot
Cinematography: Cameras and lighting techniques
Film Festivals: Which to attend and how to win
Distributing: How to secure a distributor and maximize sales
Digital Filmmaking: The nuts and bolts of DV

By the end of class, you will have:
The knowledge to finance, produce, shoot, and submit your film to festivals. All attendees receive a Filmmaker's Workbook, a Producer's Diploma, and a Graduation Certificate.

Admission requirements:
The ability to comprehend rapid information in a short period of time; the desire to make and distrubute a movie.

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

• How to Make a Documentary Film on a Shoestring Budget – Los Angeles (Seminar on December 8)

• Branding Yourself (Video) – ONLINE

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TV, Film & Video

Instructor Bio

Dov S-S Simens is considered one of Hollywood's leadings film instructors. After a decade of producing and line-producing in the syndicated television industry and the low-budget foreign market, Dov dedicated himself to film instruction. He has taught at America's three leading film schools (UCLA, USC, and NYU) and is the creator of the Hollywood Film Institute in Santa Monica, California. Dov presents the acclaimed "2-Day Film School�" 40 times per year around the world. He has also written a monthly column for Moviemaker magazine, appeared as a guest speaker at Sundance, Toronto, and Raindance Film Festivals, penned From Reel to Deal a Warner Books tome, and founded the filmmakers portal, www.WebFilmSchool.com.

Testimonials

Dov S-S Simens's Courses
Weekend Warrior: 2-Day Film School – Los Angeles (Class starts December 5)
Weekend Warrior: 2-Day Film School – New York (Class starts December 12)

Testimonials

Dov is a knowledgeable, entertaining person with a big heart. He demystified the secrets about movie-making and brought them to the group in a straightforward manner. Dov is worth every penny and more. -- Elke Weiss

"Dov is one amazing teacher! His examples were excellent and his attitude upbeat and very practical. He tells it like it is and then shows aspiring producers how to 'work with the system'." -- Sue Mirialakis

"Words cannot express the transformation you undergo in just 2 days with Dov! He is truly inspiring and worth his weight in gold!" -- Sally Lourenco, editorial director

"Dov packs a 4-year college curriculum into 2 intense days of instruction where you learn everything you need to know to make your first feature film and how to make sure people see it. Highly recommended." -- Jacqueline Jouret, editor

"Dov's course is a must for anyone with a vision who lacks the industry know-how to bring their ideas to fruition. He fueled my imagination, and de-mystified the process of executing my vision." -- Jennifer Katz

"Dov is the best instructor I've ever had. He is not only from the industry, he is the industry! Dov, thank you very much -- it was the best investment ever!" -- Monique Wegmueller

"Dov's 2 day class was the best investment in the last 10 years!!!! I learned so so so much, even though I'm coming from the film industry (post-production)." -- Monique Wegmueller

12/7/2009: Transition from Print to Online Magazine Writing - Los Angeles, CA - Laurel House - 3 hours, $65

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN Monday, December 7, 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

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The magazine industry is moving online. If you want to come along, you're going to need a new skill set.

Your favorite publications are developing robust websites with continually updated content and interactive packages including video, slides, and podcasts. Most important, they're cultivating a thriving conversation with their readers.

Your current talents are valuable assets in a web world hungry for content. You just need to learn some of the rules of the road to get started. Once you understand the basics of the new media writing economy, you'll see how you can make the move online.

In this seminar, you will learn:

The differences between print and online writing
Article length, structure, style, and audience
How to come up with and pitch ideas
How to sell yourself to online editors
How to become a regular contributor
The differences in pay structures

• Pitch Letter Essentials – Los Angeles (Seminar on December 16)

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

• Mediabistro Digital Journalism Certificate Program – ONLINE

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Instructor Bio

Laurel House is the creator of ChickNotesGuide.com and chief officer of GreenIQ.com, an online calculator that measures your combined carbon and environmental footprint. She is also the blogger/spokesperson for YourShapeGame.com, a new game for Wii, as well as a regular contributor for Yahoo!, Shine, and Discovery's PlanetGreen.com.

For 3 years she was the trends and tips editor for HealingLifestyles.com. Her articles have appeared on HuffingtonPost.com, Gayot.com, EcoStiletto.com, WuffingtonWag.com, CocoEcoMag.com, WhiteApricot.com, GuidebookAmerica.com, BeMoreYou.com, FindBliss.com, and ExerciseTV.TV. She has written for First for Women, Men's Journal, Women's Health, Elite Traveler, Vegetarian Times, Elegant Bride, Playboy, and FHM. Laurel has appeared on NBC's Today Show, Soap Talk, Daily Buzz, KTLA Morning News, and local CBS, Fox, NBC, and ABC stations.

Laurel House's Courses
Transition from Print to Online Magazine Writing – Los Angeles (Seminar on December 7)

Testimonials

I learned some things that I hadn't heard of before, especially about blogging. I'm so glad I went to the class. I feel excited and energized instead of overwhelmed and defeated. -- Rebecca Stone

"Laurel is one of the best. She speaks from a basis of hard-won, real-world experience and provides a broad knowledge of the realities of the industry. She's also completely candid. Highly recommended." -- Marcus Webb, president, Executive Speechwriter

"Laurel was very informative, entertaining, and insightful. She really focused on the information that a novice needs to know. The time and money spent on the seminar was definitely worth it. Laurel is a wealth of information." -- Karen T. Gardoce

"Laurel was an excellent, knowledeable speaker. She was very energetic and enthusiastic. I'd give her an A+." -- Darcy Kimatian

"Laurel is a very enthusiastic instructor who conveys her experiences as a freelance writer in an interesting and clear manner." -- Michael Berick

"Laurel is a fantastic instructor and is very smart, successful, and knowledgeable." -- Lauren Creamer

"There is a reason Laurel is so successful. She is positive, dynamic, and clearly knows her stuff. She offers an insider's perspective, freely sharing her hard-earned knowledge and strategies." -- Rosa Leonetti

"Laurel gave us the foundation to transfer our print journalism experience to online cash, the structure to focus on pitching appropriate editors, and the outside appeal to market our brand." -- Sue Facter

"Laurel is an energetic, interesting, knowledgeable, and inspirinh teacher." -- Jennifer Gardelle

"Laurel had great energy. Her passion for what she does really came through in her teaching style. She was very knowledgeable and I got up-to-the-minute information and insider tips. I really enjoyed her class." -- Katherine Tolford

12/7/2009: Intro to Multimedia Journalism - ONLINE - Darragh Worland - 4 weeks, $350

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 4 weeks, December 7 - January 4
Chats Mondays, 9-10 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intermediate
CERTIFICATE CREDIT This course counts towards the Mediabistro Digital Journalism Certificate.

PRICE
$350 ($325 for )
more info

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Good storytellers are hard to find. Good storytellers with multimedia skills are golden.

In this class you'll learn how to translate news stories into fascinating multimedia packages. We'll take a look at the best multimedia news stories on the web and get a feel for how photos, audio, and video can enhance the written word. You'll come up with a story you think would best be told in a multimedia format and then create original content for that package including photos, slideshows, and short video and audio pieces all published on your very own blog showcasing your work.

Each week's assignments are designed to advance you toward the the completion of a published multimedia package. You'll need access to an audio/voice recorder, a digital camera, and the capability to record video, and a computer with enough speed and space to download some software.

In this class, you will learn:

What makes an effective multimedia package
How to organize your story into a complete package
How to shoot video for the web
How to make an audio slideshow
Where to get free and/or cheap online software to create your own at-home studio
How to build a multimedia portfolio on a blog to show off your work

By the end of class you will have:
A complete multimedia story package published on a blog showcasing your work.

Admission Requirements:
Students should have experience with broadcast or print journalism. 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

Intro to Multimedia Journalism (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

• Mediabistro Digital Journalism Certificate Program – ONLINE

• Reinventing Print Content for the Web – ONLINE (Class starts February 2)

• New Media: 6-Session Self-Paced Course – ONLINE

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Instructor Bio

Darragh Worland is a New York-based multiplatform journalist with more than seven years of experience working for major news media in print (Metro and the New York Sun), TV (Reuters Video News, NY1) and the web (Foxnews.com, NY1.com). Most recently, as a senior multimedia producer for MSN Money, she shot and edited financial news video, wrote scripts and coordination the creation of charts and graphics. Before that, as NY1.com's main online producer, she helped coordinate the channel's daily news coverage on the web. She has written both news and features for the web.

In fall of 2007, Darragh took her professional skills back to the classroom, helping to launch the first multimedia reporting course for graduate students at NYU's Department of Journalism.

Darragh Worland's Courses
Intro to Multimedia Journalism – (Class starts December 7)

Testimonials

Darragh provided actionable information that I can directly apply to both my current job and my career in general. -- Melanie Medina

"This class was a great introduction to multimedia. It was great to learn from my own experimentation as well as the trials and tribulations of others taking the class. Darragh was always interested in our projects, knew her subject matter well, and guided us through the maze of programs and applications available." -- Jessica Robertson

"This is a great way to put your toes in the water of multimedia journalism. You'll learn about a number of programs to build your multimedia journalism toolbelt. Darragh is well informed, thorough, helpful, and friendly." -- Sehnita Joshua Mattison

"This class was a great introduction to the world of multimedia. You learn about how to blog, make slideshows, and work with audio." -- Christine Junge

"Darragh is a gifted teacher who is very giving of both her time and expertise. This was a truly wonderful class." -- Susan McLennan

12/7/2009: Intro to Public Relations - ONLINE - S.j Sebellin-Ross - 4 weeks, $350

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 4 weeks, December 7 - January 11
Online Chats Mondays, 8-9 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intro

CERTIFICATE CREDIT This course counts towards the Mediabistro Public Relations Certificate.

PRICE
$350 ($325 for )
more info

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Over the last decade, we've seen an unprecedented surge of interest in public relations. But what are the key skills every PR firm is looking for? This class is designed for those wanting to break into PR, enhance their skills, and develop PR programs. You will learn everything you need to help land that all-important first job.

In this class, you will learn how to:

Develop a targeted, dynamic tactical PR plan that generates key results
Write polished PR materials
Create a targeted media outreach program geared to the needs of your client
Draft attention-getting media pitch letters
Create and format the all-important news release and get the insider tips on how to get it noticed

By the end of this class, you will have:
A tactical public relations plan, a corporate biography, a pitch letter, and a news release you can use in job interviews

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

Intro to Public Relations (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

• Mediabistro Public Relations Certificate Program – ONLINE

• Brand Writing – ONLINE (Class starts January 25)

• 10 Public Speaking Tips with Joel Schwartzberg (Video) – ONLINE

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Public Relations

Instructor Bio

Testimonials

12/8/2009: How to Make a Documentary Film on a Shoestring Budget - Los Angeles, CA - Kevin Leadingham - 3 hours, $65

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN Tuesday, December 8, 6:45-9:45 pm

WHERE The Meeting Room, 2999 Overland Ave., Ste. 205A, Los Angeles, CA 90064

MORE INFO Email us, or call 212-547-7890

PRICE
$65 ($50 for )
more info

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You have a great idea for a documentary film, but don't have much money to make it. In the past when someone wanted to undertake a documentary film project one big question always arose: "Where do I get all the money I need to make it?" Today, however, the increasing accessibility and affordability of today's digital technology makes it easier and easier for first-time filmmakers to make compelling and entertaining documentaries on a shoestring budget. This course will outline some of the most important cost-saving steps needed in bringing your documentary project from conception to an audience.

In this seminar, you will learn:

What type of projects can be made on a shoestring budget
Where to save money during pre-production, production, and post-production
The best equipment to use and how to get it
Where to find free crew members to help on your project
How to go about trying to raise extra money
Some of the best ways to get your film seen by an audience

• Pitch Letter Essentials – Los Angeles (Seminar on December 16)

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

• How to Make a Successful Short Film (Video) – ONLINE

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TV, Film & Video

Instructor Bio

Kevin Leadingham splits his time working on independent documentaries and serving as a show runner on network and cable docu-series programming. His credits include shows that have aired on ABC, Fox, MTV, Discovery, TLC, ESPN, Travel Channel, and A & E.

His first documentary was the award-winning A Refugee and Me, about his relationship with a Buddhist monk living in Thailand. In 2006, Kevin completed producing the documentary film Maid In America, a portrait of Latina domestic workers in Los Angeles, which aired as part of PBS's Independent Lens. Additional documentary credits include documentary projects: Mama's Gold, (orphans in China), Children of No Man's Land, (Children crossing the U.S. border), and The Last Starlet, (1950's Blond bombshell Mamie Van Doren).

Testimonials

Kevin Leadingham's Courses
How to Make a Documentary Film on a Shoestring Budget – Los Angeles (Seminar on December 8)

Testimonials

Kevin is friendly, accessible, and extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of documentary filmmaking. He treats all participants with courtesy, respect, and encouragement. -- Danila Oder

"Kevin was great. I felt that he was genuinely willing to share all he knew for our benefit, and his one-on-one approach made it that much better. He was honest and VERY helpful." -- Paulina Giraldo

"Kevin had the necessary knowledge and the willingness to teach what inspires people like myself to continue doing what we love." -- Arturo Garcia

"Even if I only got one idea out of a class like this, it would be worth the price. I was able to get several ideas from Kevin's class that I had not thought of before!" -- Michael Wood

"Even if you are just thinking about doing a documentary, you have to take Kevin's class. He has all the info from start to finish." -- Jerome Cleary

12/8/2009: Intro to Copy Editing - ONLINE - Rebecca Smith Hurd - 6 weeks, $425

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 6 weeks, December 8 - January 26
Chats Tuesdays, 8-9 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intro

CERTIFICATE CREDIT This course counts towards the Mediabistro Copy Editing Certificate.

PRICE
$425 ($400 for )
more info

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If you're a true stickler for detail and get a special charge out of spotting grammar errors and typos, copy editing is calling you. This course is for anyone who wants to break into copy editing -- or just feel more confident wrangling words. We'll cover the basics, from proofreader's marks to essential rules of grammar and punctuation. By the end, you'll be a pro at creating smooth, readable copy.

In this class, you will learn:

How to determine when a sentence needs tweaking or is best left alone
How to understand copy editing lingo, including proofreading symbols and common terms
How to navigate stylebooks
How to prepare for a copy editing test
How to find the best reference materials for a copy editing assignment
How to tailor a resume and where to find copy editing jobs

By the end of class, you will have:
An overall knowledge of the copy editing field and the tools to pursue a job as a copy editor.

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

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

• Advanced Copy Editing – ONLINE (Class starts January 14)

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

• Get a New Job: The Right Resume (Video) – ONLINE

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Instructor Bio

Rebecca Smith Hurd is an all-around word nerd whose journalism career spans more than 20 years. For the past three, she's maintained a successful freelance business as an editor, writer and communications consultant. Her clients include print and online media organizations, nonprofit groups, and design consultancies. Hurd specializes in delivering clear, concise and compelling copy on deadline, and she enjoys teaching others to do the same. Her full-time job experience includes a six-year stint as assistant managing editor of Wired, which during her tenure (2000-2006) won a National Magazine Award for general excellence. She holds a bachelor's degree in news reporting and editing from San Jose State University.

Rebecca Smith Hurd's Courses
Intro to Copy Editing – (Class starts December 8)

Testimonials

Rebecca's material was fresh, the assignments interesting, and she was a fun, dynamic, informative speaker. My experience with Rebecca has made me eager to sign up for other classes with mediabistro. -- Trina Enriquez, copy editor, Sunset Magazine

"Rebecca provides valuable information about copy editing and hilarious anecdotes from the publishing world. Her teaching style engages, informs, and entertains." -- Evan James

"I highly recommend studying with Rebecca. She designed a thorough and challenging curriculum and taught it with wit and warmth. She was highly accessible and always on point." -- Corey Williams

"Rebecca has a vast expanse of knowledge and is more than happy to let students pick her brain while challenging them to improve." -- Lindsay Sandor

"Rebecca is a wonderful teacher -- professional, knowledgeable, thorough, and fun! I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in learning the basics of copy editing." --Danielle di Spaltro

"Rebecca covered everything from style, to rules of grammar and punctuation, to how to get the job. She provided very helpful resources. I would definitely recommend this class." -- McKenzie Granata

"Rebecca offers an information-packed, professional course on the basics of copy editing. Her online communications were succinct and to-the-point, and her edits on homework assignments useful." -- Phyllis Gold

"Rebecca made both the novice and experienced student feel equally capable and always offered helpful advice and ample encouragement. Definitely a class act!" -- L. Talbot

"Rebecca very attentive, knowledgeable, and provided great feedback on the assignments. She leveraged her real-life experience to construct meaningful lessons and provide good insight into the editing world." -- John Ball

12/16/2009: Pitch Letter Essentials - Los Angeles, CA - Vince Beiser - 3 hours, $65

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN Wednesday, December 16, 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

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As a freelance writer, the query letter can make or break you. It's your personal introduction, writing sample, and article outline all in one. Write a solid one and you're on your way to a feature contract with the editor. Write a lousy one and you'll disappear into the slush pile.

Whether you're pitching a celebrity profile or an undercover investigation, there are some key techniques and strategies you need to know to come up with a killer query. This seminar will teach you how to research your target publication and structure the pitch to sell yourself as the perfect writer for the job.

Bring your story ideas along for hands-on workshopping.

In this seminar, you will learn:

How to develop an idea into a sellable story
How to target the right editor at the right publication
What editors look for in a query -- and what turns them off
The basic questions all queries must answer
How, when, and how often to follow up
How to package yourself as the ideal writer for your idea
How to deal with -- and benefit from -- rejection
How to re-sell your ideas for extra cash

• Intro to Travel Writing – ONLINE (Class starts January 13)

• The Whole Freelancer – ONLINE (Class starts January 21)

• When Life Throws You a Curve: Responding To Industry Changes That Affect Your Career (Video) – ONLINE

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Instructor Bio

Vince Beiser's Courses
Breaking into Freelancing – Los Angeles (Seminar on December 3)
Pitch Letter Essentials – Los Angeles (Seminar on December 16)

Testimonials

1/11/2010: Intro to Event Planning - ONLINE - Laura Lachman - 4 weeks, $350

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 4 weeks, January 11 - February 9
Chats Mondays, 9-10 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intro

PRICE
$350 ($325 for )
more info

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Details

Event planning is an important component of marketing and public relations. Events have the power to build consumer awareness and create a connection to brand that other channels can't match. From product launches to fundraising galas, effective events can help brands and organizations achieve measurable business goals. But event planning is more than just throwing a good party -- each production takes months of planning and strategy.

In this course, you'll learn how to create successful events from conception to completion. You'll discover how to think, plan, problem solve, and produce like a professional event planner. Through weekly assignments, you'll learn how to write essential event documents including production reports and timelines, proposals for strategic collaborations and partnerships, and new business presentations.

In this class you'll learn how to:

Create production documents including production reports, timelines, and budgets
Practice and fine-tune your organizational and multi-tasking skills to become a better event planner
Develop essential materials for your event including invitations, advertisements, calendar listings, and media alerts to create awareness
Create and manage an event budget
Write effective sponsorship decks
Think creatively to build exciting strategic collaborations
Write event recaps and evaluate successful events
Create effective pitches and concepts to attract new business

This class will follow the process of planning an event from beginning to end. Assignments will include case studies of past events and selected reading from magazines and websites to learn what makes for a successful or disastrous event. We'll learn what to do and what not to do by example.

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 Event Planning (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

• Mediabistro Public Relations Certificate Program – ONLINE

• Writing Restaurant Reviews: Secrets from the Pros (Video) – ONLINE

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Advertising & Marketing

Instructor Bio

Laura Lachman has been producing top-level, media-worthy events for luxury and consumer brands around the world. She has held in-house positions at Vogue as senior manager of fashion and retail events, Gucci as special events manager, and most recently Gen Art Chicago as regional event director, where she produced the Gen Art Film Festival. Laura's events have been feted throughout the media including The New York Times, Vogue, and WWD.

In addition to event execution, she provides her clients with strategic consulting on business development, partnerships/sponsorships, marketing initiatives, and public relations. Her most recent projects include Nokia Art In Motion, Warren-Tricomi Opening Party at The Plaza, Veuve Clicquot Le Grande Dame by Riva launch, and the Tory Burch Fall 2010 Fashion Show.

Laura Lachman's Courses
Intro to Event Planning – (Class starts January 11)

Testimonials

Laura's class was exemplary of excellence. I can't speak enough about the amazing breadth of knowledge I came away with. I plan to search voraciously for any other course she teaches! -- Kateri J. Harried

"Laura was very knowledgable and had a lot of relevant experience about event planning." -- Jen Cole

"Laura gave a deft and compelling overview of the event planning industry from physical to tempermental aspects, business to creative. She was the most organized and thorough presenter I've seen." -- Janie Ho

"I give Laura an A+! The class was great, we all worked together, and people shared information while Laura shared her extensive experience in the industry." -- Sylvia Smyrek

"Laura's course was very helpful for a starter like me. She was great and very well experienced." -- Joanna Toro

"Thanks Laura! I gained new insight from your expertise." -- Arinely Almonte

"I loved being introduced to Laura's organized and thorough presentation, which covered all areas of event planning. It was great!" -- Mairim Gersholowitz

1/11/2010: Intro to Public Relations - ONLINE - S.j Sebellin-Ross - 4 weeks, $350

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 4 weeks, January 11 - February 8
Online Chats Mondays, 8-9 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intro

CERTIFICATE CREDIT This course counts towards the Mediabistro Public Relations Certificate.

PRICE
$350 ($325 for )
more info

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Details

Over the last decade, we've seen an unprecedented surge of interest in public relations. A surge that is creating an incredible abundance of PR jobs in firms, corporations, non-profits, and even in consulting. But what are the key skills every PR firm is looking for? Learn how to break into PR, enhance your skills, and develop PR programs. And find out everything you need know to ace that all-important first job.

In this class, you will learn how to:

Develop a targeted, dynamic tactical PR plan that generates key results
Painlessly develop and write polished PR materials
Develop powerfully dynamic biographies for yourself, your clients, and your associates
Create a targeted media outreach program geared to the needs of your client
Write clear media advisories
Develop attention-getting media pitch letters
Create and format the all-important news release plus insider's tips on how to get it noticed

By the end of this class, you will have:
A tactical public relations plan, a corporate biography, a pitch letter, and a news release you can use in job interviews

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

Intro to Public Relations (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

• Mediabistro Public Relations Certificate Program – ONLINE

• Public Relations: From Crisis Communications to Social Media – ONLINE (Class starts November 30)

• Get Noticed on Wikipedia (Video) – ONLINE

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Public Relations

Instructor Bio

Testimonials

1/11/2010: Young Adult Novel Writing: Advanced - ONLINE - Jill Santopolo - 8 weeks, $499

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 8 weeks, January 11 - March 15
Chats Mondays, 8:30-9:30 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Advanced

PRICE
$499 ($475 for )
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You've made it through the challenge of choosing a concept and a hook for your novel, outlining the story arc, and even beginning to write. Now it's time for the disciplined stage of writing, revising, and then revising some more. This course functions as an online workshop for novels in progress, with the emphasis on sharing your work for review and providing critique for others.

Join a group of fellow writers as you share ten pages every week for written feedback and intermittent chat workshops focused on your novel, led by a senior editor at Laura Geringer Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

We'll look at big-picture issues like plot and character, as well as focusing on teen voice and tone. You'll share your novel's outline with the class at the outset, so everyone knows where your book is heading, and then go from there. During the week, you can chat or post discussions with the other students about craft issues -- or just share any thoughts on the process of writing and revision. Get experience in peer review that can carry over outside the class as you network and create ties that just might result in a writers group.

This class is purely workshop-based and does not contain written lectures.

In this class, you will learn how to:

Listen to, critique, and decide if or how to incorporate what you hear
Stick to a dedicated schedule of posting your work
Approach revisions with fresh eyes
Make sure everything you've set up in your story yields optimal payoffs in the resolution
Assist others in making a stronger novel, and how that will help your own work

By the end of class, you will:
Have feedback on up to 80 pages of your novel and be equipped to continue implementing the editing techniques learned on your own.

Students who have taken this class have published:
Total Knockout: Tale of an Ex-Class President (Simon & Schuster), Emily Goldberg Learns to Salsa (Razarbill), Vidalia in Paris (Viking), Rock the Burbs (Random House), Brand New Emily (Tricycle Press), This is What I Want to Tell You (Flux) and sold 4-book deals to Penguin and 2-book deals to HarperCollins

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

Young Adult Novel Writing: Advanced (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

• Young Adult Novel Writing – ONLINE (Class starts January 12)

• How to Throw a Digital Book Party (Video) – ONLINE

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Creative Writing

Instructor Bio

Jill Santopolo is an executive editor at Philomel Books, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group. Prior to that, she edited at HarperCollins Children's Books for the Laura Geringer and Balzer + Bray imprints. She has worked on critically-acclaimed, award-winning, and New York Times best-selling titles. Jill holds a BA in English literature from Columbia University and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College. She is also the author of The Nina, The Pinta and the Vanishing Treasure and The Ransom Note Blues, both published by Scholastic.

Jill Santopolo's Courses
Young Adult Novel Writing: Advanced – (Class starts January 11)

Testimonials

Jill gave 110%. She was available throughout the week as a sounding board or to answer questions and always had great suggestions on how to propel each story forward. Now that class is over I'm inspired to read and write as much as I can and take another one of Jill's classes! -- Theresa Read

"The opportunity to work with Jill was just the push I needed to get me over the hump with my current novel. She was very generous with her knowledge of both craft and the publishing industry and her feedback was always encouraging and spot on." -- Susan Taylor Brown

"I worship the ground upon which Jill walks! She challenged us each week to produce our best effort. She is awesome." -- Meg Dobson

"Kudos to Jill for her expert guidance. The challenge of pleasing her editor's eye was just what I needed to find the direction for my manuscripts. The open dialogue with editor on a daily basis was an amazing and instructive opportunity." -- Alison Formento

"If your goal is to write and publish a YA or MG fiction novel but you just don't seem to be able to get motivated or maintain discipline, this course is for you! I was amazed by how much I had accomplished when this class was over!" -- Theresa Read

"Take this course. Jill is brilliant. She gears her instruction toward writers who are ready to publish. Her editorial insights are razor-sharp and generous. She knows how to get the best work out of her students while bolstering their confidence and productivity." -- Kimberly White

"The course was extremely engaging. Jill was very knowledgeable and responsive." -- Nancy Lessem

"Jill kept me focused and determined to get my writing done. The quantity and quality of my writing improved significantly. Thanks to this class, I'm ready to start the submission process with confidence." -- Naomi Panzer

"Jill's knowledge of the publishing world is seemingly unlimited. This was my third mediabistro class. I will most assuredly be back." -- Meg E. Dobson

"Jill was fabulous! She gave very balanced feedback that was always helpful and inspiring. The encouragement she gave me helped me make changes to my manuscript resulting in a much better story." -- Theresa Read

"Taking Jill's class was perhaps one of the best investments in my development as a writer. With her expertise as both an editor and a published author, she was able to advise and teach the class from both perspectives. I'll be taking another class with Jill!" -- Syndee Barwick

"Jill pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and showed me how to dig deeper for those emotions and character motivations. I am a stronger writer after taking Jill's class. I'd highly recommend this course." -- Christina Farley

1/12/2010: Feature Writing - ONLINE - Joe Pappalardo - 4 weeks, $350

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 4 weeks,�January 12�- February 9
Online chats Tuesdays, 9-10 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intro

PRICE
$350 ($325 for )
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Details

A big feature story can launch your career and lead to major opportunities (book deal, anyone?). The best feature writers make it seem easy, but like any form of journalism, a good feature takes skill. Long-form feature writing is a delicate combination of reporting acumen and creative writing skills. It requires a unique combination of organization, story-telling, relevancy, and humanity that separates it from other journalism.

It's not as hard as you'd imagine to break into the world of feature writing.�Most of the strongest magazines accept cold pitches and are starved for artfully conceived articles. Learn how to make the leap into the big leagues.

In this course you will learn:

What to put in pitches, what to leave out, and where to send them
Narrative techniques to keep readers interested
Tips on organizing long form pieces
How to handle a drastic rewrite -- and how to avoid the indignity of having an editor do it instead of you
Tips on how to bring ace reporting into feature writing
Fiction-writing tips that easily translate into journalism

By the end of the course you will have:
A completed pitch letter and first draft of your feature

Students who have taken this class have been published in:
The Washington Post and more

To Apply
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

Feature Writing (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

• Publishing: From Print to Digital (Video) – ONLINE

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Instructor Bio

Joe Pappalardo is a writer and journalist at Popular Mechanics. He is a former associate editor at Smithsonian's Air & Space magazine. Joe is the author of The Secret History of Sunflowers. His writing has appeared in Time magazine, the Village Voice, the Dallas Observer, the New York Sun, and Spirit magazine. He is the recipient of a 2005 distinguished reporting award for domestic defense reporting from Military Reporters and Editors, and has been recognized for science writing from the Dallas Press Club and for short feature writing from the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors. Joe is also one of five finalists for the international Aerospace Journalist of the Year award.

Joe Pappalardo's Courses
Feature Writing – (Class starts January 12)

Testimonials

Joe is practical, funny, and encouraging. He had so much material, he could teach two classes back-to-back, which I would definitely sign up for! -- Emily Schmitt

"This class was rewarding and gave my longer feature writing a kickstart for the future. Joe is a seasoned pro and his advice was on the button." -- Chesney Bradshaw

"Joe is a successful journalist who understands the essence of what makes a story compelling. He not only provides insights into the art of storytelling and reporting, but demonstrates how to analyze the market, sell pitches, and be a perpetual learner." -- Leyla Haidarian

"Joe taught an excellent class. He used his own published stories as examples, and showed students how to find and analyze features for technique." -- Patricia Shepard

"Joe is a fantastic teacher. I got a lot out of his weekly lecture notes and I still refer to them to this day. This guy is worth the money, and then some." -- Rebecca Lerner

"Joe clearly knows his stuff. The examples of feature writing he provided, including some his own, were very good. I learned things that really helped my writing improve while taking his class." -- Joseph Hight

"Joe is a great teacher and editor. He knows how to find the heart of a story and then make it come alive." -- Susan Mandel

1/12/2010: Intro to Magazine Publishing - ONLINE - James Kaminsky - 4 weeks, $350

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 4 weeks, January 12 - February 9
Online chats Tuesdays, 9-10 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intro

PRICE
$350 ($325 for )
more info

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Despite sweeping changes in all parts of the business -- or perhaps because of them -- magazine publishing continues to grow. In fact, more new magazines were launched in the first quarter of 2009 than in the previous two years. Add in new online titles, and you have a burgeoning industry. If you've always had an interest in publishing, this class is for you.

As you learn about what makes magazines work, you'll be creating and refining a workable business plan for your own magazine or website. Topics covered include how to create buzz with groundbreaking content, marketing, promotion, and public relations and how circulation goals are determined and maintained through subscriptions and newsstand sales.

We will also look at ways to obtain new revenue streams through online tie-ins, promotions, events, strategic partnerships, and integrated marketing. And we'll explore at the different factors involved in creating and maintaining a profitable website.

In this class you will learn:

How a magazine works from the ground up
How to gain a competitive advantage through unique, well-targeted content
How to make a magazine sell
How to integrate sales, marketing, and editorial
The importance of circulation and research in attracting advertisers
The newest forms of integrated marketing: blogging, emails, ad-supported websites, innovative advertorials
How to start up a magazine
How to develop a realistic budget and business plan
What makes a magazine successful or not

By the end of this class you will have:
A viable business plan and mockup for your own magazine as well as a full understanding of how magazines work, including editorial/content, advertising, marketing, promotion, public relations, distribution, and circulation.

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.

• New Media: 6-Session Self-Paced Course – ONLINE

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