It is incredibly satisfying to work for yourself doing something you love. So, if words are your passion launch your freelance writing business with the Certificate of Freelance Writing.
This online professional development program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a freelance journalist or writer.
In this online freelance writing course, you will learn how to write content for a range of media, including news stories, feature articles, online content, reviews and more. You will also learn the importance of media law and ethics and copyright issues and how it relates to the publishing industry.
You will discover techniques to pitch your story ideas, identify commercial opportunities to sell your writing and see your work published.
You will also learn how to interview effectively, how to write for different audiences, and understand the content creation process, from research and writing to the final draft.
Freelance writing can be a highly satisfying and rewarding way to earn money, either as a part time or full-time career. The Certificate of Freelance Writing will equip you with the professional writing skills you need to succeed as a freelance writer.
Course Structure
Unit - Freelance Writing
Unit 1 – Introduction
- Categories of freelance writing
- Steps to getting started
- Necessary resources (including equipment)
- Researching the market
- Sources of information
- How to develop yourself as a freelance writer
- Publishing options
- Industry terminology
Unit 2 – Basic writing skills
- How to improve a piece of writing
- Essential writing skills
- Informative language
- Persuasive language
- Imaginative language
- Connotation and denotation
- Literal and figurative language
- Formal and Informal language
- Clear communication
- Making meanings clear
- Causes of confusion
- Ambiguity
- Concise wording
- Condensing your writing
- In-concise writing
- Phrases linked in a wordy fashion
- Tautologies
- Abstract nouns
- Using too many words
- Ellipsis
- Active and passive language
- Grammatical rules
- Grammatical errors
- Rules of speech
- Punctuation
- Spelling
- Sentence structure
- Types of sentences
- Composing sentences
- Building a paragraph
Unit 3 – Planning what you write
- Conceptualisation
- Developing a concept
- Writing an outline synopsis
- Planning your writing
- Word budget
- Writing structure
- Research
- The writing process
- Feature writing conventions
- Feature article structure
- Introduction, billboard paragraph, body, ending and closer
- References
- A writing routine
Unit 4 – The publishing world
- Contacting publishers
- Periodicals
- Books
- Sample publishers contract
- Protecting the writers work
- Copyright
- Income from writing
- Lending rights
Unit 5 – Manuscripts
- Preparing and presenting your manuscript
- Editing
- The editing process
- Self-editing
- Editing articles and manuscripts
- Writing a sales package
- Target reader synopsis
- The title
- Statement of objectives
- The publishing process
- Presentation requirements
- Submitting your work
- Publishing processes for ebooks
- Self-publishing online
Unit 6 – Newspaper writing
- News articles
- Short features
- Investigative article
- Regular columns
- Fillers
- Human interest article
- Local newspaper articles
- Interviews
- Conducting an interview
- Planning the questions
- Drawing out answers
- Accuracy of notes
Unit 7 – Magazine writing
- Magazine articles
- What does a publisher or editor consider
- Feature articles
- Types of articles
- Service articles
- Travel writing
- Interviews
Unit 8 – Writing books
- Fiction books
- Writing fiction –plot, viewpoint, characterisation. setting, dialogue, conflict, structure.
- Target audience
- Believability
- Non fiction books
- Text books
- Fact finding
- Getting book contracts
- Books in print
Unit 9 – Writing advertising
- Writing for public relation
- Media releases
- Writing promotional campaigns
- Messages
- Selling
- Effectiveness
- Writing online advertising copy
Unit 10 – Special project
- Reviewing your writing
- Planning a small book
- Writing the first chapter
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
This course provided a good overview of the skills and information needed for most types of freelance writing careers.
L. Farrow, Tugrah, TAS | Certificate of Freelance Writing
I have enjoyed this course, and can’t wait for the next one
K. Grey, Armidale, NSW | Certificate of Freelance Writing
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Click Add to Cart/View Cart on the course page.
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Freelance Writer
- Copy Writer
- Journalist
- Freelance Journalist
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