This home learning course will help any student looking to gain or improve their skills in journalistic writing and marketing their copy to a range of printed media.

The objective of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to produce professional standard journalistic articles and books and know how to market them. This course allows students to study both our freelance journalism and fiction writing level 3 courses at a reduced rate. This course provides a fantastic opportunity which enables students to gain certification in two subjects at the same time.

Fiction Writing

Introduction

• Content
• Style
• Techniques
• Marketing

Unit 1 – The Short Story

• How to study and analyse it
• Studying the market
• Overseas markets
• Writing is a business
• How do I find ideas?
• How do I present my manuscript?
• Where do I find facts?
  

Unit 2 - The Theme

• Choosing a theme
• The basic emotion
• First or third person?
• Get out of the way!
• Reader identification
• Setting
• Style

Unit 3 – The Plot

• Plotting
• Accuracy
• The plot scheme
• A twist in the tale
• Finding a plot
• Conflict, tension & Suspense
• Balance and pace

Unit 4 – The Characters

• Your chief character
• Names
• Can people be plots?
• Characterisation
• Motives
• Mannerisms
• Minor Characters
• Hero, Heroine, Villain or Clown
• How people operate

Unit 5 – Getting Started

• How to start?
• The plot thickens
• Stuck?
• Handling Transitions
• How to end?
• Your work plan
• Rules are made to be broken

Unit 6 –Title & Dialogue

• Choosing a title
• Writing Dialogue
• Grammar, dialect and slang
• Types of short story
• The serial

Unit 7 – Practical Details

• Copyright
• The laws of defamation
• Agents and “Vanity Publishers”
• Keeping records
• Payment
• Income Tax
• Writing for radio
• Writing for television
• Presenting a TV drama

Unit 8 – Writing a Novel

• Structure
• Action, Thriller, Mystery
• Science Fiction
• Crime & Detective novels
• Historical novels
• Serious novels
• Final points

Freelance Journalism

Unit 1: Introduction

• What can this course do for you?
• Why do we need content?
• How is style arrived at?
• How do we know what an editor wants?
• Where is analysis important?

Unit 2: Markets

• Presentation
• Keeping records
• What the editor wants
• How to analyse
• What the reader wants

Unit 3: Content

• What do I write?
• Why do I need to find ideas?
• How do I save time and trouble?
• When do some themes not sell?
• Where is interviewing a factor

Unit 4: Style

• How do I write?
• Why do I need to find the right tone?
• How do I use the basics well?
• When do I use structure?
• Where is re-writing a factor?

Unit 5: Techniques

• What techniques will help me sell my work?
• Why do I need new angles?
• How do basic techniques help?
• When is the "writer's dozen" valuable?
• Where is self-discipline a factor?

Unit 6: Practical Matters

• What is defamation?
• Why is reputation important?
• How do I avoid libel?
• When is copyright important?
• Where are photographs a factor?

Unit 7: Fiction Writing

• What do editors not want?
• Why is market analysis valuable?
• How do I undertake market analysis?
• When is plotting useful?
• Where is Characterisation a factor?

Unit 8: No Excuses – Verse, Criticism and Sports Writing

• What is critical writing?
• Why does verse usually not sell?
• How do I see about income tax?
• When is executive writing used?
• Where are expenses a factor? 

There are no previous skills or qualifications required to register for this study programme. This course is open to students of all ages and backgrounds.

Enrolments can be taken at anytime of the year unlike the traditional local college who tend only to enrol in September. Home Learning offers true flexibility. Enrol today and be studying within 7 days!

Q: When can I enrol?

The beauty of distance learning means that students can enrol at anytime they wish 365 days of the year. Enrolments and payment can be made online or by calling our office on 0800 0131030.

Q: How soon after enrolment can I start studying?

Students would normally receive their course materials within seven days of enrolment. Materials for this course are posted out via courier.

Q: Is this course accredited?

Yes! This course is accredited by NCFE. See our qualifications page for full details.

Q: Is there any funding available towards the course fees?

UK Open College is a privately run college therefore we do not have access to funding

Q: Do you offer any discounts for the unemployed or low income households?

Unfortunately discounts are not available

Q: Can I pay monthly for my course?

Yes! We do offer payment plans for this course to students resident in the UK only.  See fees page for further details.

Q: How do I know whether this is the right course for me?

In truth we cannot be sure if this course or indeed home learning will meet every students needs. To help we have a money back guarantee scheme in place which allows students to receive and try the course materials for seven days to establish whether this course is the ideal course for them. If it's not simply notify us via email or telephone within the seven day period for a full refund. Please be aware this is a strict seven day scheme and no refunds are processed once this period has expired.

Q: Is this course available to International students?

Yes! We currently have students all over the world studying with the college. With todays technology distance is no barrier at all. Students outside of the UK will need access to email to submit course assignments. Additional charges for delivery of paper course materials will apply if required.

Q: Are there any deadlines for course assignments?

No! You can submit course assignments at your own pace. The only deadline is for completion of the whole course which requires students to finish within one year of registration.

Q: What if I have questions relating to my course or have problems understanding some of the questions?

No problem! All students have access to a personal tutor for the duration of their course with whom they may correspond with. You are not on your own when you study with us! We really do want you to pass your course!

Q: Will I have to purchase any additional books or materials?

No! We provide all the required course materials to enable you to complete your studies. 

Course Fee: £509.00  £399.00
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