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Breaking Into Freelance Writing 

Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try your hand at freelance writing, or maybe you suddenly find yourself “freelance by necessity” after an unfortunate layoff or job change. This four-week class is designed to help you get your foot in the door as an emerging freelance journalist—and act as your passport to publication. (Yes, even with the media industry in a state of major flux, many publications are actively accepting pitches, so why not yours?)

In this class, you’ll learn how to convert your passions, experiences, and expertise into salable ideas for stories. We’ll also identify target publications and focus on generating ideas for pitches that can land your first published piece. Attendees will learn tips and tricks for forming a network of contacts, identifying which publications use freelancers, writing pitch letters, and executing assignments successfully. In-class exercises and interactive discussion will be prominent parts of the course, and each attendee will leave with at least one fully workshopped pitch letter, an understanding of the editorial process, and a plan for moving forward.

Prepare to go from unknown to unstoppable!
 
 
Instructor: Jen Jones Donatelli is a full-time freelance writer/editor with over a decade of experience. Currently, she is the editor-in-chief of Edible Cleveland, along with acting as a contributing editor FreshWater Cleveland, Destination Cleveland, and Your Teen. To date, her work has been published in national outlets including REDBOOK, Robb Report, Budget Travel, Playboy, Variety, Thrillist, GOOD, Natural Health, and many more. She has also authored numerous books for publishers such as Capstone Press and Enslow Publishing, including the Team Cheer and Sleepover Girls fiction series for tweens. When not typing the day away at her laptop, she teaches writing and creativity (specifically The Artist’s Way) for Literary Cleveland, Ohio University, StoryStudio Chicago, and Creative Groove. Jen is a proud graduate of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University.
 

ONLINE CLASS INFO: This class will meet online on Mondays from 6:30-8:30pm using Zoom video conferencing. On the first day of class, we will give you a tutorial on how to use it. Once you sign on using the instructions we will provide, you will be able to see and talk with your instructor and your fellow participants—just like you would in one of our meeting rooms. All you need is a good internet connection and a computer or smartphone with a webcam. Not sure if your system is compatible? Just click here. Have any questions about online classes? Email or call associate director Matt Weinkam at mweinkam@litcleveland.org. 

Details: Breaking Into Freelance Writing takes place Mondays May 4-25 from 6:30-8:30pm online through Zoom. 

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