Non-fiction Writing Course

What level is the course pitched at?
Will you help me get my articles placed?
Can you help me with my spelling and grammar?
How much does it cost?
You mean it’s free? What’s the catch?
Can you look at my work for free?
How do I sign up?
When does the course start?
Will I get a certificate at the end?
Will the course help me get published?
I’ve finished the course – what now?

What level is the course pitched at?

The course originated in an adult education programme. It is aimed at helping people become paid freelance non-fiction writers, and deals more with the ‘business’ of writing than the craft – although it will teach you some of that too. Each session is focused on helping you produce marketable work. When I first designed the course I asked myself: ‘OK, what would you have liked someone else to have told you before you started out as a freelance writer’. This course was the result.

Students on my courses have ranged from 18 – 80 and many of them, as the comments and testimonies show, have actually had work published as a result. This course will not teach you how to write well, but if you can do that already it will help you structure, target and market your work. I have also had experienced, working journalists who are considering going freelance take this course. Since putting it online I’ve had high school students, working people, retired folks, and a fair number of second language students. Beginner to intermediate writers will benefit the most, but whatever your level you’ll improve your writing by working through the sessions, and in particular doing the exercises.

You don’t have to take my word for it though – check out the comments from other users. The material is freely accessible so you can judge for yourself if you think it will help you.

Will you help me get my articles placed?

I frequently have people emailing me to ask where they can place their work, “can I just suggest a few magazines or publishers to approach”. What this course teaches you is market research is your job, not mine. Writing articles is the easy bit; writing marketable articles is far harder. If you’re not prepared to do the market research to see where your articles or books will fit, then you shouldn’t bother doing this course! If you’re still here after reading that last sentence then I reckon you’ve already got most of what it takes to be a succesful freelance writer.

Can you help me with my spelling and grammar?

There are plenty of online courses available to help you develop in that area – ask your favourite search engine.

How much does it cost?

The course material in its entirety is freely available on this website and doesn’t cost you a cent.I mention various textbooks throughout the course which you can read for greater depth in a particular area. There may be costs involved if you choose to purchase any of these, but again it’s entirely up to you. You could always try your local library as a first port of call.

You mean it’s free? What’s the catch?

There is no catch. The costs of running this website are covered by advertising and we receive a small commission if anyone purchases one of the recommended books.

Can you look at my work for free?

No.

How do I sign up?

There is no need to sign up. Simply work through the sessions and exercises in your own time, starting with non-fiction writing.

When does the course start?

Whenever you are ready! The material is available online; simply work through it at your own pace.

Will I get a certificate at the end?

This non-fiction writing course is not officially accredited, and due to its open nature I do not give out certificates. Regulating it would force me to charge a set fee, thus making it inaccessible to many of the people it’s intended to help. Besides, the true benefit of the course is in improving your writing craft, not another piece of paper to hang on the wall.

Will the course help me get published?

Unfortunately I can offer no guarantees there, but if you follow the advice I give and persevere long enough, there’s every chance you will. Don’t forget you can always send me your articles and/or proposals for a critique before submitting them to your target publication. Please note however that you will need to pay for this service.

I’ve finished the course – what now?

There is loads more information on all aspects of writing on The Crafty Writer blog. Why not check out my creative writing course?