This class is designed for working freelance writers who want to secure more assignments from national caliber editors. The curriculum will follow the relationship-building process between writer and editor from initial query to a final published article.
Lectures will start with an assumption that no prior relationship exists between writer and the publication. Following a discussion about creating effective queries, the class work will shift to understanding best practices for interviewing expert sources. How do you prepare for an interview to get the best results?
Students will be asked to create mock interview outlines, questions and learn to adapt to opportunities on the fly. Freelance writers early in their careers often find the writing process daunting. Managing transcripts from multiple sources, dozens of pages of background materials, tight word count restrictions and deadlines.
Week three of the class will focus on tools to manage these elements and assist students in creating an individualized workflow process. Freelance assignments always include a revision process.
The last class explores how to create a positive, collaborative process that leads to approved work and more assignments. Finally, writers will learn how to leverage published clips to secure more work.