Freelance Writing Correspondence Course
Study Freelance Writing by Distance Education
Tutors concentrate on your ability to properly structure an article, and to be both concise and clear in your use of words. Learning outcomes for graduates of the course include:
Improved communication skills particularly with respect to clarity, succinctness and correct grammar.
Be familiar with the "writing industry"; having a clear idea of where opportunities exist for obtaining work as a freelance writer.
Know how to go about approaching potential clients to obtain work.
Have an understanding of the processes involved in publishing books, magazines and newspapers; from generating concepts to seeing the finished publication on sale.
Course Structure
There are ten lessons:
Introduction - Categories of freelance writing, getting started, resources, resourcing the market, sources of information, how to develop yourself as a freelance writer, publishing alternatives, self-publishing, terminology.
Basic Writing Skills - How to improve a piece of writing, essential writing skills, types of language, informative language, clear communication, making meaning clear, inconcise writing, condensing your writing, grammar, rules of speech, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, building a paragraph.
Planning what you write - Conceptualisation, developing a concept, writing an outline or synopsis, planning your writing, word budget, writing structure, writing process, a writing routine, writer's equipment.
The Publishing World -Contacting publishers, periodicals, books, sample publisher's contract, protection of writer's work, copyright, income from writing, copyright licensing payments, lending rights.
Manuscripts - Preparing and presenting your manuscript for publication, editing, writing a sales package, the publishing process, presentation requirements, submitting your work.
Newspaper Writing - Newspaper article types, news articles, short features, investigative article, human interest article, regular columns, fillers, local newspaper articles, interviews, conducting an interview.
Magazine Writing - Magazine articles, what does a publisher/editor consider, article types, feature articles, how to articles, hobbies and sports articles, human interest, personal experience, service articles, interviews, travel writing.
Writing Books - Fiction, writing fiction, plot, other factors to consider, non-fiction books, textbooks, other non-fiction books, fact finding, getting a book contract, books in print.
Writing Advertising - Writing for public relations, writing press releases, writing a promotional campaign, selling, effectiveness.
Special Assignment - Reviewing your writing. Special assignment.
What qualification will I achieve for completing this course?
This is an individual module course. The individual module courses are 100 hours long and can be taken on their own or as part of a larger program of study.
If you wish to take an individual module course as a stand alone course, you can elect to sit an optional exam at the end of it.
If you successfully pass the exam and all assignments, you will receive a Statement of Attainment. You can take examinations at a time and location to suit you. If you enrol, you will be sent further information on how to arrange examinations at the end of the course.
If you do not wish to take the exam, you will receive a Course Completion letter when you have passed all assignments.
There is an assignment at the end of each lesson. So for example, if an individual module course contains ten lessons, you will need to complete ten assignments. Assignments can be sent to us via email, post or fax.
Other qualifications, such as certificates, diplomas etc may require examinations to be taken as part of the overall assessment process.
You can find further information on the examinations process by clicking on the “Enrolment” link above.
You can find further information on other courses by clicking on the “Courses” link above.
Course Aims
Discuss the nature and scope of freelance writing.
Evaluate your basic writing skills and identify deficiencies needing attention in order to be successful at freelance writing.
Develop a concept for freelance writing which has potential for selling.
Identify commercial opportunities to sell writing to publishers.
Describe the preparation of a manuscript for submission to a publisher
Write commercially viable items for publishing in a newspaper.
Write commercially viable items for publishing in a magazine.
Plan for production of a commercially viable book manuscript.
Write commercially viable advertising.
Apply all skills and knowledge so far developed to the production of a complete manuscript.
Duration : 100 hrs
More Information on ACS Distance Education and our courses
Who are our tutors?
Our tutors are all highly experienced and professional, knowledgeable in their field of study. We have staff from around the world, enabling us to gain a wide variety of perspectives. We have a school in the UK and in Australia. If you would like to have a look at our tutors, then click on the “The School” in the boxes above and choose “The Staff” option.
Sample Course Notes
Our courses are all written by highly qualified tutors and writers, who also teach on the courses, so know them well. We strive to update our courses and improve them with new information, methods and knowledge on an ongoing basis. If you would like to see examples of some of our courses, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, and then click on “Sample Course Notes”.
What learning method should I choose?
We offer three learning methods – e-learning, correspondence and online. If you are not sure which is the right choose for you, then click on the “Enrolment” box above, then “Learning Methods.”
How Long will it take to complete the course?
This obviously varies from student to student. Some students will have more time for study than others. Some students may work quicker than others, so it is an individual thing. We estimate that most students will take, for example, 4 – 6 months to complete a 100 hour individual module, but we allow up to 12 months for you to complete it.
Longer courses will obviously take longer. You can find more information on the length of time required and so on the “Enrolment” box, then selecting “Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.”
What Do Our Students think of us?
If you would like to read comments from our previous students, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, then “Student Testimonials”.
I don’t think this is the right course for me.
If you’re not sure about this course, then why not look at our wide range of other courses. Click on the “Courses” box above.
You may also wish to design your own course to fit in with exactly what YOU want. To do so, click on the “Enrolment” box, then “Design your Own Course”.
If you would like more advice on a course, then you can contact us and ask a tutor about the courses. You can contact us by calling 0800 328 4723 or +44(0) 384 442752 or emailing info@acsedu.co.uk
Recognition and Accreditation
For more information on our recognition and accreditation, click on “The School”, then “Recognition”.
Who is ACS Distance Education?
If you want to know more about ACS and our history, then please click on “The School”, then “About us.”
Freelance Writing Home Study Course
Study Freelance Writing via Online Learning
WORK FOR YOURSELF DOING SOMETHING YOU ENJOY - LEARN HOW TO BE A FREELANCE WRITER.
To be a successful freelance writer does require skill, but also requires a good attitude, persistence and even a little luck.
Comment from a student in this course: "I found the course to be extremely helpful. It has given me the confidence and the skills to present my work to publishers." - D. Bond
The hardest thing is often to get your first piece(s) published. In this respect, study with this college can offer opportunities you might not find elsewhere.
We provide opportunities for students to contribute to electronic and print media publications which our staff write for (once your skills reach an appropriate level).
Students can also submit articles for publishing in the student magazine.
Many of our staff are experienced, published writers; and are happy to provide advice and guidance to graduates of this course. 
