Lindy Alexander – Foundations of Freelance Writing

An online self-paced course with step-by-step instructions on how to find ideas, pitch editors and get paid for writing feature articles for magazines and newspapers

Here’s what you need to know…

• You don’t need a journalism degree to be a freelance writer, but you do need to know what makes a compelling story, how to pitch editors and write something worth publishing.
• There are lots of articles that don’t require interviews (like personal essays and opinion pieces). But interviewing people doesn’t have to be scary – it’s fascinating and easy when you have the right questions, the right equipment and know how.
• Freelance writing can start as a hobby but can quickly become your full-time gig. Or it can be a great creative side hustle – your choice!

By the end of the program, you’ll …

• Know which publications to pitch
  No more wondering where to pitch your great story ideas. You’ll be able to identify and analyse magazines, newspapers and online outlets that are hungry for pitches from freelance writers (that’s you!)
• Feel 100% confident pitching editors
  Learn the art of writing compelling pitches and feature articles that wow editors and make it look like you’ve been a freelance writer for decades rather than a few months.
• Come up with irresistible story ideas
  Know the different types of feature articles and how to use compelling hooks and angles to pitch your ideas to editors.
• Be on your way to seeing your byline
  Come up with story ideas that sell, pitch your idea and write articles that editors and readers love. And the best bit? It won’t be long before you see your name next to the stories you’ve written.

What You’ll Learn In Foundations of Freelance Writing

Module 1: Markets for your writing

Know who to pitch and what they’re looking for

• Who uses freelance writers
• The different types of articles you can write
• How to analyse a publication
• Lead times for publications

Module 2: Structure your article

Find compelling story ideas that editors love

• Where to find great story ideas
• How to structure a feature article
• In-depth analysis of articles
• Develop angles for your stories

Module 3: Research and interviews

Feel confident interviewing anyone and never be stuck not knowing what questions ask

• Finding the right information
• Locating case studies and experts
• Requesting an interview
• The questions you must ask in interviews

Module 4: Pitching your ideas

What you absolutely must include in a pitch and the easiest way to get published

• The 5 essential elements of a pitch
• Watch me review a writer’s pitch
• How do writers get paid?
• Writing your article

Module 5: Building on your momentum

Send a pitch to an editor with confidence – you’re really doing it!

• Putting into practice everything you’ve learnt – sending out pitches to editors!
• Invoicing
• Creating a portfolio
• Developing relationships with editors