Course Name

So You Wanna Be a Web Writer or Editor

Contact Hours: 24

Course Description

Find out what it takes to become a Web writer or editor, how to decide between freelancing and staff jobs, where to find work. Take a self test to see if you have the signs you will make a good Web writer or editor. Get the inside dope on these exciting high-tech careers from a professional with six years working for the top sites. Learn how to make a pitch to a Web editor, where to find markets for your writing, and how to edit someone else’s text for the Web. Follow a checklist to prepare a proposal for a Web editor, and send it off. Go to sites specifically designed for online writers and editors, and join the professional discussion.

Outcome

After this short course, you’ll be able to: Decide whether you have the skills for a writing or editing job Choose whether to opt for freelancing or a staff position Locate paying markets on the Web Analyze a site from the point of view of a writer or editor Make a pitch to a Web editor Join a discussion group for Web writers and editors Get started on your new career

Assessment

Each week, you will complete online lessons and you will send me exercises that are to be completed at the end of each lesson.

Outline

Find out what it takes to become a Web writer or editor. Take a self test to see if you have the signs you will make a good Web writer or editor. Read FAQs about what it takes to be a Web writer or editor. Join one of the online writing and editing discussion lists. Learn how to decide between freelancing and staff jobs. Visit sites that act as resources for writers and editors. Sign up for industry ezines and newsletters. Visit a site that accepts freelance writing, get their guidelines, and analyze one of their articles to see what you can learn about the expectations of the site’s editors. Pick a category or industry, and analyze a series of sites that pay freelance writers, and use inhouse writers and editors. Pick a topic that one of these sites might like you to write about, and draft an opening paragraph. Figure out what you will need to learn, in order to write the piece. How to do your research. Prepare your proposal for a Web editor. Hook the editor right away, take the right tone, and show what the article will do for their audience. How to pitch yourself, without boasting too much. Learn what to ask when a Web editor gives you the go-ahead for a piece. How to handle the negotiations. Getting the contract, and writing the piece. Looking ahead: building your online portfolio.