Bursting with ideas for stories, but unsure how to get them published? Don’t miss out on this fantastic journalism masterclass with Becky Gardiner. In the space of just three hours, you’ll learn everything from how to write the perfect pitch email to an editor, to how to increase your chances of getting recommissioned.
Before becoming a senior lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London, Becky was the Guardian’s Comment editor. Using her vast reserves of experience and enthusiasm, she’ll demystify the whole process of communicating with commissioning editors, enabling you to spend less time fretting over your pitches – and more time writing. With a guest session from freelance writer Joanna Moorhead, plenty of practical exercises and time for questions, it’s the ideal course for writers of all levels who want to make sure their writing gets the coverage it deserves.
Course content
- How open journalism has created opportunities for new voices to emerge
- Different article formats – from comment pieces, to features and news stories
- Turning your idea into a pitch email
- How to research different publications and tailor your proposal
- The essential elements of a good pitch document
- Advice on making your proposal intriguing and persuasive
- The three questions all good pitches must answer
- Best practice for contacting commissioning editors
- How to sell your idea – and yourself
- Tips on how to improve your chances of getting recommissioned
- Common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid
- Practical exercises – including a session where you write your own pitch during class
- Q&A – a fantastic opportunity to pick the brains of a former Guardian commissioning editor
This course is for you if…
- You’re a freelance journalist who wants to improve your chances of getting more commissions
- You write a blog and want advice on how to get published in traditional media
- You’re an aspiring journalist who is new to pitching, or has encountered multiple rejections for your ideas
- You work for an NGO, lobby group or similar and want to submit pieces to editors to promote a cause that’s important to you
You may also be interested in…
- How to write compelling features: A one-day workshop
- Feature writing and digital storytelling with Jon Henley
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Tutor profile
Becky Gardiner is a senior lecturer in journalism at Goldsmiths, University of London. Before that, she worked at the Guardian – first as Women’s editor from 1998, then as Comment editor from 2010 until April 2014. During her time at the Guardian, Becky also held a number of other positions including Education editor, deputy editor of G2 and launch editor of Family.
Guest speaker profile
Joanna Moorhead is a freelance writer. She works mostly for the Guardian, where she writes regularly for the Family section on issues such as parenting and family life. Joanna also contributes to a range of other outlets including the Independent and Independent on Sunday, Good Housekeeping magazine, YOU magazine and Mumsnet. She has four children and enjoys the arts and travelling for her work. Read Joanna’s Guardian articles here.
Details
This course has now passed – but we update our programme all the time. For information on our full range of masterclasses, sign up to our newsletter, follow us on Twitter, or keep an eye on our calendar.
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 14 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
