Feature Writing
Intensive
For freelance journalists.
Here’s something I’ve been working on for a long time. Twenty-five years, in fact. I’m going to teach you everything I know about writing features and freelancing, as someone who’s been a journalist, an editor and a sub-editor. You don’t need to study journalism at university or similar. I did not and neither did many of my colleagues.
In this two-hour intensive, held on Zoom, you’ll learn: Where to find a story and what MAKES a good story; we’ll look at some current stories out there and workshop different angles; I’ll teach you foolproof article structures; we’ll look at how visible you the writer can be in your story (including the form of immersion journalism and opinion pieces); talk about handling interviewees and staying ethical; finding balance without compromising your story; how to use quotes; and how to write headlines and sells.
Then, looking at the journalism process more generally, I’ll advise you on how to find a suitable publication and editor; how to pitch and when to follow up; fill you in on typical word counts and payments; talk about the editing process, including rewrites and kill-fees; explain the jargon that editors use; outline the commissioning and payment process; give examples of courses that can help you skill up and what networking groups to join. I’ll also briefly discuss what you need to know if applying for staff jobs.
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There are no scary expectations of you and it’s suitable for all levels, including absolute beginners.
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Plus, I have two checklists for you: one on pitching and one on writing.
Price
All this for $150
More Info
Please email me for the dates of upcoming workshops.
Why Learn From Jenny
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Taught feature writing at RMIT, Collarts, Monash University and for Writers Victoria.
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As a sub-editor – for ACP, Bauer and Broadsheet – I’ve edited other writers’ work.
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Across eight years as a consumer mag editor, first of Triple J’s Jmag and then Time Out Melbourne, I commissioned thousands of stories.
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As a journalist of 25 years, I’ve written countless cover stories for newspaper supplements and for every kind of magazine and website, including The Telegraph UK, Marie Claire, Cleo, Cosmo, GQ, The Guardian, ABC, The Monthly, The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, SBS, NME, Rolling Stone and Vice.​
Testimonial
“Jenny’s got a lot to tell you and it comes at you fast – so be prepared to keep up! Jenny outlined the specifics and structure of feature writing clearer than the various books I’d read on the topic, including practical advice to fine-tune areas to ensure a piece catches the editor’s eye and connects with their readers.”
Heidi Bain
Testimonial
“Jenny is a straight-talker, but for any writing challenge or project, big or small, there's no one better. She can spot a headline and story angle from miles away. This is the third time I've worked with Jenny and would work with her again. I would recommend Jenny to experienced writers or those just starting out, whether you're looking at honing pitches for short pieces, or working on a long form project.”
Amy Fallon
