Writing for Online and Print Magazines
Curriculum guideline
Lecture 2 hours/week; Seminar 2 hours/week
or
Hybrid: 2 hours/week in class; 2 hours/week online
or
Fully online
The course will be conducted in a workshop format to allow for instructor feedback on draft writing. Guest speakers will address specific magazine topics. Some field activities (interviewing, meetings) are required.
1. Analyze Genres
- distinguish types of magazines
- distinguish types of writing: profiles, service pieces, issue articles, personal experience features, cultural reviews, short features, long features
2. Research Potential Markets
- research the market for specific topics of potential interest to a specific editor
- review magazines for editorial bias and style
- investigate and examine online magazines
- develop an editorial profile
3. Develop Text as Product
- research audience-specific and genre-specific material
- learn and apply interviewing techniques used in writing feature articles
- produce outlines for various articles
- write a column and a feature profile
4. Work to Schedule and Deadlines
- develop timelines and action plans to meet objectives
- develop prioritizing skills to meet deadlines
- use problem-solving strategies to meet objectives
- use skills necessary to maintain scheduling deadlines
5. Evaluate Product
- develop specific client-centred revision and editing strategies
- undertake rewrites as a way to learn critical self-editing skills
6. Market the Product
- produce general and specific query letters
- develop text for specific editorial markets
- use follow-up strategies
- pursue professional publication of writing produced in this course
7. Learn about Freelance Writing
- learn business and survival strategies for successful freelance writing
- develop an understanding of how writers and editors work together
- learn to use the terminology of the magazine publishing industry
- investigate online publishing possibilities
Students who successfully complete this course will:
- understand the history of magazine writing and how the genre differs from other types of writing
- analyze and discuss sample articles from online and print magazines
- develop a story topic from idea to completion
- actively participate in discussion of draft columns and articles
- develop the skills required for freelance and in-house writing for online and print magazines
- become aware of the related responsibilities and expectations in this field
Students are expected to be self-motivated and to demonstrate professionalism, which includes active participation, good attendance, punctuality, effective collaboration, ability to meet deadlines, presentation skills, and accurate self-evaluation.
Evaluation is consistent with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy and will be based on this general format:
| Story ideas | 15% |
| Queries and cover letters | 15% |
| Column | 20% |
| Feature article | 35% |
| Professionalism/participation (as defined above) | 15% |
| 100% |
Texts will include current editions of Canadian Press Stylebook and Caps and Spelling.
Acceptance into the Post-Degree Diploma in Professional Communication
or a minimum of 45 credit hours including a university-transfer course in English, Communications, or Creative Writing with a grade of B or higher
or permission of the Professional Communication program coordinator
None