Journalism and media writing short courses

Learn the craft of writing, whether it’s for news stories, features or content marketing

I blame it on our education system. Although we learnt (mostly) how to read and spell, most of us never learnt how to craft compelling sentences at school.

This is a skill that’s important for everyone: but if you work in journalism, publishing or communications, it’s vital.

This course is about mastering that craft.

I’m a former Sydney Morning Herald editor and journalist with over 30 years of experience – and when I teach this course, I provide tips and techniques I desperately wish I had known at the start (or even middle) of my career.

Customised journalism and media writing training for your staff

I run writing training for everyone from magazine and newspaper teams right through to PR, brand and content marketing agencies.

The training can cover any kind of content, from news stories, reviews and features right through to press releases, pitches, opinion pieces and case studies.

It can be tailored to suit all skill levels, from beginners to experienced writers. I can also base examples and exercises on your own content if you choose.

The course is engaging, easy to follow and above all practical.

Writing Essentials online course – self-paced and flexible

Study at your own pace, whenever and wherever it suits you.

Equivalent to a full-day workshop, this has six sessions that each take between 45 minutes to an hour and a half.

You will learn how to:

• craft short, compelling sentences
• write in the active voice
• use positive language
• cut copy
• use the right tone of voice and style
• strengthen your intros
• show, not tell
• write in plain English
• put the reader first
• use commas correctly
• know what the correct tense is
• write in the inverted pyramid style
• know what people want to read
• write a news feature
• avoid common grammar and punctuation mistakes
• proofread your own work
• write great headlines.

The course is filled with plenty of exercises – as soon as you’re shown a technique, you’ll then be able to practice it.

You will receive:

• a handbook and certificate (given as a PDF)
• unlimited access for up to five years.

If you’d like personalised feedback or to workshop your own writing, optional one-on-one Zoom sessions can be arranged for an additional fee.

Price: US$95

Press release writing course

I also offer a half-day live webinar that will show you how to write effective press releases, in addition to giving key tips on pitching to the media.

One-on-one journalism and media writing training

Personalised one-on-one sessions are available either online or in person, allowing me to focus on the specific writing skills you want to build – and the type of content you need to write.

I see a wide range of clients, from those in journalism, communications, marketing and PR right through to those who want to learn how to write like a journalist in order to engage the public.

Who can benefit from these journalism and media writing courses?

When I first started teaching journalism writing courses, they were targeted – not surprisingly – at journalists and editors. These days, however, most organisations are creating far more marketing and communications content than ever before, whether it’s for:

• press releases
• newsletters
• blog posts
• case studies
• profiles
• social media.

Regardless of what you need to write, my journalism and media writing training can give you the skills, techniques and confidence you need.