Organised by The Guardian
Columnist and feature writer Coco Khan leads this masterclass in how to take your first steps into professional writing.
It’s no secret that freelance writing and journalism careers can be fickle things: your pitches may be coming back cold, or you will suddenly find your inbox flooded with an avalanche of requests - and meanwhile, you’ve just seen on social media that such-and-such a beginner has skyrocketed to fame after just one commission.
Equipping yourself with survival skills such as a hustle mindset, an ear to the ground and a robust suite of organisational skills are essential for freelance career longevity - as is an ability to source work that challenges you as much as it brings you fulfillment, and expanding your portfolio with pieces that make you feel as though you’re truly thriving.
In this workshop with features writer and columnist Coco Khan, you will learn the difference between surviving and thriving as a freelance writer - and why they are equally as important as the other. She will touch on the practical skills of pitching to editors and finding your voice as a writer, while also digging into the art of sustaining yourself.
This masterclass is ripe with hard-earned advice on how to make a living in journalism and writing as a freelancer, and how to do it while retaining your authenticity.
Course Content
- Transitioning from citizen or student journalism to professional writing
- What to expect from life as a freelance journalist
- How to spot and pitch strong stories to editors - and then get paid to write them
- Building and maintaining relationships with editors
- The difference between surviving and thriving - and why both matter
- Expanding your portfolio without compromising your values or self
- Q&A
This course is for ...
- Beginners who want to take their first steps into professional writing
- Early-career writers who are looking to diversify their work to make their career more financially sustainable
Tutor Profile
Coco Khan is a columnist, feature writer and commissioning editor. Before arriving at The Guardian she was a freelancer for many years, and continues to work with magazine titles in the UK and US. She tweets @cocobyname.
Course Details
- Date: Monday 24 April 2023
- Time: 6pm-8.30pm BST
A catch up recording will be shared after the class and will be available for two weeks.
This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.
6pm GMT | 7pm CST | 10am PT | 1pm ET
You will be sent a link to the webinar 24 hours and 30 minutes before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you do not receive the access link.
We aim to make Guardian Masterclasses accessible to all. If you require any adjustments to enable your participation in this course, please get in touch with us at masterclasses@theguardian.com.
This event will be hosted on a third-party live streaming platform Zoom, please refer to their privacy policy and terms and conditions before purchasing a ticket to the class.
Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you where you do not attend or if you cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.