Writing for Magazines and Trade Publications
Curriculum guideline
The course will be conducted in a workshop format in order to facilitate student evaluation of manuscripts. There will also be professional guest speakers invited, as well as some field activities.
- Analyze Genres
The student will:- distinguish types of magazines and journals
- distinguish types of writing: profiles, service pieces, issue articles, personal experience features, cultural reviews, short features, long features
- Research Potential Markets
The student will:- research the market for specific topics of potential interest to a specific editor
- review periodicals for editorial bias and style
- investigate and examine online magazines
- develop editorial profile
- Develop Text as Product
The student will:- research audience-specific and genre-specific material
- learn and apply interviewing techniques used in writing feature articles
- produce outlines for various articles
- write
- short profile (approximately 500 words)
- short feature (800-1200 words)
- long feature (2000 - 2500 words)
- Work to Schedule and Deadlines
The student will:- develop timelines and action plans to meet objectives
- develop prioritizing skills to meet deadlines
- utilize problem-solving strategies to meet objectives
- utilize skills necessary to maintain scheduling deadlines
- Evaluate Product
The student will:- develop specific client-centred revision and editing strategies
- work collaboratively with other students to refine the written product
- provide editorial response to other students’ products
- Market the Product
The student will:- produce general and specific query letters
- develop text for specific editorial markets
- utilize follow-up strategies
The student may also pursue professional publication of writing produced in this course.
- Freelance Writing
The student will:- 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 aspects of online publishing possibilities
Students will develop the skills required for freelance and in-house writing for magazines and industry-specific trade publications, along with an awareness of related responsibilities. This will be accomplished by studying relevant examples and background information; developing various writing assignments, from idea to completion; and participating in in-class workshop discussions.
Evaluations will be based on this general outline:
| Magazine analysis | 5% |
| In-Class Participation | 20% |
| Query and Outline | 10% |
| Profile | 15% |
| Short Feature | 20% |
| Long Feature | 30% |
| 100% |
Students will be required to purchase a text which reinforces and expands on elements of preparing and writing magazine features as taught in class. For example:
- Blundell, William. Art and Craft of Feature Writing, Plume Pub., 1991.
Acceptance into program or permission of the coordinator