The course will be conducted in a workshop format to allow for peer and instructor feedback on draft writing. Guest speakers will address specific magazine topics. Some field activities (interviewing, meetings) are required.
1. Analyze Genres
Students will
- distinguish types of magazines and journals
- distinguish types of writing: profiles, service pieces, issue articles, personal experience features, cultural reviews, short features, long features
2. Research Potential Markets
Students will
- research the market for specific topics of potential interest to a specific editor
- review periodicals for editorial bias and style
- investigate and examine online magazines
- develop an editorial profile
3. Develop Text as Product
Students will
- research audience-specific and genre-specific material
- learn and apply interviewing techniques used in writing feature articles
- produce outlines for various articles
- write a column and a feature article
4. Work to Schedule and Deadlines
Students will
- develop timelines and action plans to meet objectives
- develop prioritizing skills to meet deadlines
- use problem-solving strategies to meet objectives
- use skills necessary to maintain scheduling deadlines
5. Evaluate Product
Students will
- develop specific client-centred revision and editing strategies
- work collaboratively with other students to refine the written product
- provide editorial response to other students’ products
6. Market the Product
Students will
- produce general and specific query letters
- develop text for specific editorial markets
- use follow-up strategies
- pursue professional publication of writing produced in this course (optional)
7. Learn about Freelance Writing
Students will
- learn business and survival strategies for successful freelance writing
- develop an understanding of how writers and editors work together
- learn to use the terminology of the magazine publishing industry
- investigate online publishing possibilities
Students who successfully complete this course will
- understand the history of magazine writing and how the genre differs from other types of writing
- analyze and discuss sample articles from magazines and trade publications
- develop a story topic from idea to completion
- actively participate in discussion of draft columns and articles
- develop the skills required for freelance and in-house writing for magazines and trade publications
- become aware of the related responsibilities and expectations in this field
Students are expected to be self-motivated and to demonstrate professionalism, which includes active participation, good attendance, punctuality, effective collaboration, ability to meet deadlines, presentation skills, and accurate self-evaluation.
Evaluation will be based on this general format:
| Story ideas | 15% |
| Queries and cover letters | 15% |
| Column | 20% |
| Feature article | 35% |
| Professionalism/participation (as defined above) | 15% |
| 100% |
Texts may include the current edition of Cumming and McKercher’s The Canadian Reporter and will include current editions of Canadian Press Stylebook and Caps and Spelling.
Acceptance into the Post-Degree Diploma in Professional Communication
or a minimum of 45 credit hours including a university-transfer course in English, Communications, or Creative Writing with a grade of B or higher
or permission of the Professional Communication program coordinator
None
None