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
Topic 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
Topic 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
Topic 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
Topic 4 - The publishing world
- Contacting publishers
- Periodicals
- Books
- Sample publishers contract
- Protecting the writers work
- Copyright
- Income from writing
- Lending rights
Topic 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
Topic 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
Topic 7 - Magazine writing
- Magazine articles
- What does a publisher or editor consider
- Feature articles
- Types of articles
- Service articles
- Travel writing
- Interviews
Topic 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
Topic 9 - Writing advertising
- Writing for public relation
- Media releases
- Writing promotional campaigns
- Messages
- Selling
- Effectiveness
- Writing online advertising copy
Topic 10 - Special project
- Reviewing your writing
- Planning a small book
- Writing the first chapter
Assessment
Assessment Information
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to meet industry-standard and is not benchmarked against other students’ work.
In this course, the assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, which may include short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course 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 | August 2020
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;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- Twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. Twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
Yes! Total cost for optional printed materials is: $150.00 for this course. Printed materials are optional and not required to complete the course. Everything you need to complete the course is provided online via our e-learning system.
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.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system 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 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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