Writing for Publication

Overview

Getting published can mark a major turning point in a writer’s career – a validation of their craft and potentially the start of a writing career. While writing is also worth doing for its own sake, at some point most writers want to find an audience.   

Yet for many emerging writers, the route to publication can appear intimidating and mysterious. While the quality of the submission is of course central, a fear of rejection can also present a barrier to publication.  

This practical course seeks to demystify the publication process and outline the many and various routes by which a writer might get their work published. It also examines strategies for building resilience, and creative approaches to coping with (and learning from) rejection.  

This course is suitable for any writer who wants to get published, either in print or online. It is for everyone from new writers who want to publish their work for the first time, to more experienced writers seeking to explore new markets for their work.  

While the emphasis is on creative non-fiction and journalism, the skills covered are relevant to all writers.   

Through a series of online units, this course will introduce you to the various markets for writing. We will also be exploring the various ways in which writers might publish their work, both in print and online.  

 
Programme

Activities and tasks will be embedded into each unit so students can practise the techniques they have learned and develop their skills. Students will be encouraged to share their own work and participate in discussions on Blackboard. Alongside the learning materials on Blackboard the tutor will be on hand via email to answer any queries and provide guidance throughout the course. They will also participate in the online discussions.   

The course is delivered in eight units with writing exercises and activities, as part of a distance learning framework. Students are also asked to attend an introductory webinar in week 2 and a second webinar in week 8.  

1. Identifying your passions and specialisms as a writer.
2. Marketing your work for publication.
3. Surviving and thriving as a writer.
4. Pitching your idea to an editor. 
5. Writing freelance features. 
6. Markets for freelance journalism.
7. The art of creative non-fiction. 
8. Markets for short creative non-fiction. 
9. Writing a book proposal
10. Finding a publisher and/or agent. 
11. Self-publishing v. traditional publishing. 
12. Editing your own work. 
13. Copyright, libel and other laws that affect the freelance writer. 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:  

1. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the various print and online markets for feature journalism and creative non-fiction. 
2. Identify and evaluate specific potential markets for their work, both print and online. 
3. Demonstrate an ability to write a compelling proposal or pitch to a commissioning editor or agent.
4. Develop knowledge of, and access to, information on the business and financial aspects of freelance writing. 

Assessments

Assignment 1 - A writer’s marketing plan, to include: 

• An analysis of three relevant publishing market(s) (e.g. publishers and/or publications and/or self-publishing opportunities). 
• A brief outline of your proposed book.
• Analysis of potential audience.
• An analysis of three comparable/competing titles.

2,000 words total. Weighting: 60%  

Assignment 2 - Drafts of either: Two draft emails of pitches for a freelance feature to a magazine, newspaper or online publication. NB you will need to identify and research a specific publication for each pitch and tailor them accordingly.  

No more than 600 words max. in total (i.e. 300 words max. for each draft email.) Weighting: 40%  

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.