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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Book & Mag Publishing

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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.

Related Courses

View all courses in

Journalism

|

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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Book & Mag Publishing

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.

Related Courses

View all courses in

Creative Writing

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Book & Mag Publishing

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.

Related Courses

View all courses in

Career

|

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.

Related Courses

View all courses in

Public Relations

|

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.

Related Courses

View all courses in

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.

Related Courses

View all courses in

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)

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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 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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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 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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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 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

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 ) more info Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

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.

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TV, Film & Video

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Los Angeles, CA

Instructor Bio

Dov S-S Simens's Courses

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 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

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 Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

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.

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Journalism

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Los Angeles, CA

Instructor Bio

Laurel House's Courses

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.

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

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 Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

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.

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Journalism

Instructor Bio

Darragh Worland's Courses

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.

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

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 Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course 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? 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 ace that all-important first job.

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.

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View all courses in

Public Relations

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 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 Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

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

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Journalism

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TV, Film & Video

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Los Angeles, CA

Instructor Bio

Kevin Leadingham's Courses

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 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

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 Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

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.

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.

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Journalism

Instructor Bio

Rebecca Smith Hurd's Courses

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.

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

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 Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook

Course Details

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

Related Courses

View all courses in

Journalism

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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