Writing   

Published writer shows you how to give yourself the credibility you need to get your books and articles published.

Do you know the five most common reasons why manuscripts are instantly rejected? If your goal is to become a published freelance writer of fiction or nonfiction for books or magazines, this comprehensive course will help you guide your work directly into the hands of an editor and onto the shelves of your favorite stores.

Your success in the writing game will be determined by the amount of credibility publishers attach to you and your work. This course will teach you how to give yourself the kind of credibility you need to succeed. This course will provide you with instant access to critical information most other writers don't discover for years and will walk you through every step of the publishing process. If you really want to be a writer, this course will give you all the tools you need to get published.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Get your writing directly into the hands of an editor and on the shelves of your favorite stores. This course, taught by a successful journalist and author, will help you understand every step of the publishing process and how to give yourself the credibility publishers notice.

Becoming a Published Writer

As an unpublished writer, what you don't know could hold you back. What you learn here in this first lesson will help you understand what to look for and what to avoid in the publishing industry, as well as how to reach your publishing goals. By learning how to get published quickly and often, you should be well on your way to a lifetime of publishing success!

Breaking in and First Markets

In this lesson, you'll learn why it's difficult to break in to the world of publishing, why publishers prefer to work with published writers, and why editors can be as choosy as they want to be. It'll also teach you about five of the easiest publishing markets.

Writing Contests and Credibility

In this lesson, you'll learn how to use writing contests to gain publishing credibility. It'll provide you with examples to steer you away from contest scams, and show you how to find legitimate writing contests. Then it'll discuss how to retain some rights to your work and resell your contest submissions.

Manuscript Mechanics and Formats

In this lesson, you'll learn how to format a manuscript for submission to a publisher. You'll find out how to narrow down your chances of rejection by making sure you follow all the submission guidelines. You'll learn all the basic manuscript mechanics, from paper to font choices. Then you'll go over all the formatting rules, including the importance of saving your work.

Proofreading, Printing, and Submission Logs

In this lesson, you'll learn the final steps to prepare your manuscript for submission. If publishers perceive you as careless or sloppy in any way, they may reject your manuscript without ever reading it. Publishers don't need to waste their time with writers who submit unpolished material. You'll also learn how to create a submission log to track your manuscripts for future reference.

Copyright, Rights, and Pseudonyms

This is perhaps the most important lesson of all. Before submitting your work to a publisher, make sure you take the necessary steps to protect your work against copyright infringement. That means ensuring your work has copyright protection, as well as maintaining rights to sell the work again and again if desired. This lesson will tell you everything you need to know about that. You'll also learn about using pseudonyms.

Mainstream, Subsidy, and Self-Publishing

Once you've completed your manuscript—that is, finished writing, editing, proofreading, formatting, and printing it—you've reached the halfway point of your publishing process. Finding the right publisher and publishing method for your work can mean the difference between a novel on the best-seller list and a garage full of unsold books. This lesson will teach you how to do that and also go over the pros and cons of subsidy publishing and self-publishing.

All About Query Letters

A query letter is a very important part of the submission process. In this lesson, you'll learn what a query letter is and why it's important to your submission. You'll see how to format a query letter, including what information you should include and what you should leave out. You'll also learn when and how to submit your queries to a publisher.

Submissions, Offers, and Rejections

Your manuscript must be packaged and delivered to a publisher in a professional manner. In this lesson, you'll learn how to mail your manuscript, including how to submit photos and illustrations with your submission. You'll also learn what a simultaneous submission is and when you can use this method of submission. This lesson will also show you how to evaluate the offers and rejections you receive from publishers following your submissions.

All About Agents and Contracts

You'll learn all about literary agents in this lesson. An agent isn't a necessity for most submissions, but one is recommended for certain publisher contract negotiations. You'll learn when, where, and why to get an agent to represent you. You'll discover why finding a reputable agent is just as important as finding a reputable publisher. You'll also explore agent contracts, fees, and publisher contract terms.

Clubs, Conferences, and Writer's Block

In your writing and publishing efforts, it's important to remember that you aren't alone in this venture. There are millions of other writers out there who can offer you information, inspiration, and encouragement when you need it. In this lesson, you'll learn how to connect with other writers. You'll also learn what to do when you're face to face with that dreaded writer's block. If you can't think of anything to write, how will you ever get published?

The Future of Publishing

In the last lesson, you'll learn that there are certain publishing taboos that you should avoid. Neither talent nor determination will help you if you fail to follow simple publisher guidelines. You'll also learn how to format the items that publishers request following acceptance of your manuscript. In addition, you'll learn about the future of publishing.

A good fiction writer can skillfully weave fantasy and reality or create a world that is wholly imagined yet feels real. If you want to learn how to write fiction, this is the online writing course for you.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac. Chromebooks are not compatible.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Fiction is writing that encompasses imaginary yet believable characters, events, and environments but can also include real places and events. A good fiction writer can skillfully weave fantasy and reality or create a world that is wholly imagined yet feels real.

If you have always dreamed of writing a novel or short stories or have recently been curious about exploring this creative world—this could be the fiction writing course for you. In this novel writing course, you will learn to write fiction at your own pace, covering the elements of a story, characters, conflict, setting, writing dialogue, style, and more.

Upon completion of this course, you will develop your creativity and ability to plan out writing a novel.

1. Introduction
   1. What is Fiction
   2. Types of Fiction
   3. Genres and Tropes
2. Elements of a Story
   1. What are Story Elements?
   2. Where Do Ideas Come From?
   3. Brainstorming
   4. "Write What You Know"
3. Character
   1. Protagonist vs Antagonist
   2. Minor Characters
   3. Character Motivation
   4. Creating Realistic Characters
   5. "Goodies" versus "Baddies"
4. Conflict
   1. Why is Conflict Important in Fiction?
   2. Types of Conflict
   3. Using Conflict to Drive Your Story
5. Plot
   1. "Plotters" Versus "Pantsers"
   2. A Simple Approach to Plot
   3. A More Detailed Plot Structure
   4. Creating a Character Arc
6. Setting
   1. The Power of Words
   2. Using the Five Senses
   3. Show, Don't Tell
7. Writing Dialogue
   1. Dialogue Punctuation
   2. Writing Convincing Dialogue
   3. What Is Your Character's Motivation?
   4. Dialogue Tags
8. Style
   1. Past Tense Versus Present Tense
   2. Point of View
   3. Tone and Voice
9. Outlining your Story and Writing your First and Getting Your Work Out There
   1. Creating a Story Outline
   2. Writing the First Chapter
   3. The Editing and Drafting Process
   4. Getting Your Work Out into the World
   5. Other Opportunities

What you will learn

• Understand the components of a fiction story, as the first step in planning a story
• Determine a systematic approach to building a fiction story
• Develop your ability to plan for success in the writing of a novel

How you will benefit

• Enhance your writing professional development or fill gaps in your existing qualifications
• Become more creative as a writing in your personal interests and passions
• Expand your writing creativity and earning potential

Katrina Schroeder

Katrina Schroeder is an editor, book coach, and ghostwriter who helps aspiring writers achieve their dreams. She has worked with everyone from complete beginners to seasoned authors who already have several novels under their belt.

Katrina founded The Fiction Lab, an online writing community dedicated to fantasy and science fiction writers, and has been editing and coaching for over 14 years. She is a member of the American Copy Editors Society (ACES) and the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA).

Katrina holds a Certificate in Editing from ACES/Poynter. She has also taken the Developmental Editing for Fiction course through the Editorial Arts Academy and the Author Accelerator program.

Learn the skills you need to succeed in the well-paying field of technical writing.

Do you have a knack for explaining complex subjects in a way that makes them easy to understand? If so, you should consider entering the well-paying field of technical writing. This course will teach you the fundamentals techniques that all successful technical writers use. You will learn how to translate complex information into easily understood language, and how to become a wizard at marrying the art of publishing with the science of technology.

You will also learn the secrets of successful technical writers, including technical writing conventions, interviewing skills, desktop publishing and formatting techniques, key tips for developing graphics and templates, documentation management, and how to publish documents both on paper and electronically.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge is also compatible.
• Any type of word processor can be used in the initial manuscript setup, however Word for Windows is used as the example (not included in enrollment).
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Learn the skills you need to succeed in the well-paying field of technical writing.

Technical Writing Overview

Technical writing is a relatively new profession, but people have been writing technical documents for centuries. In our first lesson, you will learn the fascinating history of technical writing and how technical writing employs both the logical and creative sides of your brain.

Preparing to Write

Technical writing requires preparation. In this lesson, you will learn the basics of project management for your documentation project and key questions to help you analyze your reading audience, and how to organize this information.

Gathering Information

In this lesson, you will learn powerful communication skills that will help you get the information you need. You will also learn how to ask questions that help you get the answers you need more efficiently, and how to apply principles of adult learning when you're analyzing the information you've gathered.

Writing Skills

Do you ever get writer's block? Most writers do. In this lesson, you will learn how to shut off your internal editor and give yourself permission to write your first draft more quickly and easily. You will discover tips that can help you keep writing even when you don't have all of the information you need.

Tech Writing Conventions

Every profession has rules and conventions that separate the novices from the pros. In this lesson, you will learn all about time-honored technical writing conventions, such as using parallel structure, an inverted pyramid style of writing, effective headings, and lists.

Graphics

Should you save your graphics as BMPs, GIFs, or JPGs? This lesson goes over the difference between the most popular graphics file formats and guidelines for using each. You will also learn about a new file format called PNG and how to create and manipulate screenshots on your PC.

Document Formatting

Formatting your document can be critical to its success. In this lesson, you will learn how to choose the typeface or typefaces you want to use and principles for using type effectively in your document. You will learn about the things you need to keep in mind when laying out your pages.

Microsoft Word's Paragraph Styles

Microsoft Word has nearly a 93% market share for PC-based word processing. Chances are high that you will use it at some time in your technical writing career. In this lesson, you will learn how Microsoft Word is different from other word-processing applications and how to use, modify, and create in Word.

Document Templates

When companies use Microsoft Word for their documentation, they expect you to know how to use and create Word templates. In this lesson, you will learn how to build templates and other Word skills such as recording macros, customizing your toolbar, and more.

Creating Indexes

Did you know that indexes are the most widely read section in any technical document? In this lesson, you will review indexing conventions and ways to build a great index for your document. You will also learn how to use Microsoft Word to make indexing a bit easier.

Editing and Proofreading

To polish your document and make it the best it can be, you need to proofread it and edit it. In this lesson, you will learn tips from professional proofreaders and editors, as well as ways you can use Microsoft Word to help you check your spelling and grammar.

Publishing Your Document

Publishing your document is an exciting time. All of your hard work is almost done—or is it? Your final lesson explores different printing options and trends in publishing. You will also learn the ways you can use your technical writing skills and a four-step plan for getting your first job.

Develop your English grammar skills and take your writing and speaking to the next level of excellence in this course.

Develop your English grammar skills and take your writing and speaking to the next level of excellence in this course. This course explores the eight parts of speech, punctuation and mechanics, and foundational sentence construction. You will learn about phrases, clauses, problem words, common grammar mistakes, and much more through practical, hands-on exercises. You will also learn through short videos, examples, and even fun games. Take your writing and speaking to the next level of excellence!

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Develop your English grammar skills and take your writing and speaking to the next level of excellence in this course.

Using Nouns, Pronouns, and Adjectives

This first lesson explores three common parts of speech: The noun, pronoun, and adjective. You will learn how personal and possessive pronouns are used as well as how subject and object pronouns and used in sentences. Finally, take a look at adjectives and articles. You will explore how adjectives modify nouns and how to use them in your writing.

Using Verbs and Adverbs

This lesson explores verbs and adjectives. You will take a look at both action verbs and linking verbs and review the basic types of verb tenses and how to use them effectively in your writing. Finally, explore adverbs, which modify verbs, adjectives and other adverbs. You will learn how to use (and not overuse them) in your writing.

Using Prepositions, Conjunctions, and Interjections

This lesson focuses on the last three parts of speech: prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. Prepositions show relationships between nouns and pronouns. Conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, and clauses within a sentence. Finally, interjections are used to show feeling and emotion. You will see how these three parts of speech work in sentences and how to use them correctly in your writing.

Capitalization and Punctuation

In this lesson, you will explore the most common types of punctuation (except the comma). You will explore the needed capitalization rules and also take a look at the three types of end punctuation. You will also explore the rules and usage for colons, semicolons, quotations, apostrophes, and parenthesis. By the end of this lesson you will be able to use these punctuation marks correctly and effectively.

Commas

In this lesson, you will explore the most common type of punctuation, the comma. You will explore the various rules that govern comma usage in the English language while also learning how to use commas effectively in your writing. By the end of this lesson you will know how to place commas correctly in a variety of sentences.

Sentences

In this lesson, you will explore complete and incomplete sentences. You will see what makes a sentence complete and how to avoid incomplete sentences. Then, turn your attention to the kinds of sentences in the English language: Declarative (makes a statement), Interrogative (asks a question), Imperative (issues a command), and Exclamatory (shows strong emotion). Finally, you will explore some common problems and pitfalls to avoid when writing sentences.

Plural and Possessive Words

In this lesson, you will explore plural and possessive words. Plural words refer to more than one; while, possessive words refer to nouns and pronouns and show ownership. There are several rules you must follow to form plural and possessive words and there are also exceptions to those rules. In this lesson, you will explore the rules and have plenty of opportunities to practice your new grammar skills.

Difficult and Confusing Words

In this lesson, you will explore some of the most difficult and confusing words in the English language. There are many words that spell or sound similar yet have very different meanings. In this lesson, you will explore those words, including homophones, and you will have plenty of opportunities to practice your new skills. In your writing, you never want to use the wrong words and this lesson will help you avoid those common pitfalls.

Phrases

In this lesson, you will learn about phrases in the English language. Phrases are groups of words that have distinct meanings and perform certain functions within a sentence. In this lesson, you will explore the following types of phrases, including prepositional phrases, appositive phrases, gerund phrases, adverb phrases, adjective phrases, infinitive phrases, participle phrases, and absolute phrases. You will have plenty of opportunities to explore examples and practice your skills with each type of phrase.

Agreement

In this lesson, you will explore the issue of agreement. Within the English language, parts of a sentence must agree in different ways. First, you will explore subject / verb agreement, as these two sentence parts must agree in number. Finally, you will see how using the correct conjunctions can correctly connect words or sentence parts together. You will have plenty of opportunities to practice these agreement issues and resolve common agreement problems.

Common Sentence Problems

In English, words come together to create sentences. A sentence is a unit of thought, and each sentence must contain a subject and a verb to be complete. However, there are three common sentence errors that writers often make. In this lesson, you will explore those three common errors, the run-on, the comma splice, and the fragment. You will learn how to avoid these errors in your writing and how to fix these common problems. You will have plenty of opportunities to practice your skills in this lesson.

Becoming a Better Writer

The study of grammar doesn't stand on its own. The purpose of studying grammar is to improve your English speaking and writing skills. As we wrap up the course, you get to put your grammar skills to work. You will explore ten writing tips and have opportunities to practice your writing skills in this lesson.

Take your grammar and language mechanics skills to the next level, and master the building blocks of effective writing.

This course reviews the foundational elements of grammar, including the parts of speech, and master the basics of punctuation and mechanics.

You will explore sentence structure, nouns and pronouns, and you will work with the different kinds of verb tenses. You will also explore adjective and adverb use and be introduced to some best practices for using these parts of speech effectively in your writing.

Then, learn phrases and clauses, as well as parallelism, coordination, and subordination. You will see how different phrases and clauses fit together in sentences so that your writing is clear, concise, and meaningful.

Finally, put your skills to work as you explore some different kinds of business writing, paragraph writing, and even formal essay writing. By the time you're done with the course, you will not only have the advanced grammar skills you need, you will also understand how to use those skills in practical ways.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Take your grammar and language mechanics skills to the next level, and master the building blocks of effective writing.

Grammar Foundations

This first lesson reviews the foundations of grammar. You will explore the parts of speech, practice your skills, and see how the different parts of speech work together in English grammar.

Effectively Using Punctuation and Mechanics

In this lesson, you will review punctuation and mechanics. You will explore the different kinds of punctuation as well capitalization and other mechanics issues. You will see how to use punctuation and mechanics effectively and correctly in a sentence.

Sentence Structure

This lesson focuses on what makes a good sentence and how sentences connect to each other to create cohesive thoughts in your writing. You will also explore common sentence construction errors and how to avoid them.

Using Nouns and Pronouns

In this lesson, you will practice using nouns and pronouns effectively in sentences. You will learn about the various types of nouns—including common nouns, proper nouns, concrete and abstract nouns, collective nouns, compound nouns, and countable and uncountable nouns. After, learn the various kinds of pronouns, such as personal, demonstrative, interrogative, possessive, indefinite, and more. Finally, wrap things up with a discussion of noun phrases and noun clauses.

Verb Forms and Verb Tense

In this lesson, you will practice using verbs effectively in your sentences. You will explore the different kinds of verb forms, and then take a look at the different kinds of verb tenses, which help us communicate action in relation to time. Finally, you will explore subject-verb agreement with some foundational rules that will help you avoid common errors.

Using Adjectives and Adverbs

In this lesson, you will practice identifying and effectively using adjectives and adverbs. Adjectives and adverbs are descriptive words that modify other words in a sentence. Using these parts of speech, the English language clearly and effectively communicates descriptions and provides limitations for the words they modify.

Using Clauses and Phrases

In this lesson, you will explore clauses and phrases. You will learn about the different kinds of clauses and phrases, how they are used in sentences, and how to tell them apart. Then, you will practice writing these different kinds of clauses and phrases and put all of your skills together.

Coordination, Subordination, and Parallelism

In this lesson, you will explore the issues of coordination, subordination, and parallelism in your writing. You will see how these principles help you construct more effective sentences and avoid common mistakes.

Communicating Clearly in the Workplace

In this lesson, you will practice what you have learned so far. You will learn how to communicate clearly and effectively in the workplace. You will take a look at email communications, memos, and business letters, and you will learn how to effectively write these "short works." Then, you will explore how to write effective instructions and summaries. Finally, you will see how to manage conflict in writing in your workplace.

Writing Paragraphs

This lesson explores paragraph writing. First, take a look at the function and purpose of the paragraph, explore a formal paragraph model, and see how to write effective topic sentences. Then, you will bring your skills together and see how the pieces of a paragraph fit together. You will also have plenty of opportunities to practice your writing skills.

Organizing Paragraphs

In this lesson, you will explore organizing and writing multiple paragraphs into one cohesive essay. You will consider the different kinds of essays, writing introduction and conclusion paragraphs, thesis statements, and how to link different paragraphs together. By the end of this lesson, you will develop a complete, five-paragraph essay.

Effective Editing

In your final lesson, you will explore some tips and tactics for making your writing as good as it can be through editing. You will see how to improve the overall impact of your writing through content editing, as well as how to find your mistakes and improve your sentences through line editing. Then, you will finish up by practicing your copyediting skills, so you can put that final polish on your writing.

You really can make money with your writing. Whether you want to create your own business, add to your income, supplement your retirement, or boost what you're earning as a writer, you'll find the how-to's here.

You really can make money with your writing. Whether you want to create your own business, add to your income, supplement your retirement, or boost what you're earning as a writer, you'll find the how-to's here. You'll learn secrets, methods, and tips to help you generate income with your writing. This class includes all the practical information that so rarely gets taught in writing classes.

In most courses and social groups it's taboo to discuss money, but not here. This course embraces it! Making money is the focus of the lessons. You'll explore a dozen genres that can help you establish a sometime, part-time, or full-time career as a writer. Along the way, you'll learn methods to work faster, suffer less rejection, and bring home more bacon. Fulfilling (and lucrative) writing work is waiting for you!

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

You really can make money with your writing. Whether you want to create your own business, add to your income, supplement your retirement, or boost what you're earning as a writer, you'll find the how-to's here.

1. Getting in Gear to Write
2. The Writing Life
3. Self-editing and Researching
4. Writing for Magazines
5. Writing and Selling Other Short Works
6. Writing Novels
7. Writing Nonfiction Books
8. Ghostwriting
9. The Roles of Editors and Agents
10. Self-Publishing and E-Publishing
11. The Business Side of Writing
12. Time Management and Marketing for All Writers

Discover how journaling can help you learn more about yourself, explore your dreams, values, and beliefs, improve your health, survive unwanted change, succeed in your career, and express your creativity.

If you have ever wanted to try journaling, this course will provide answers to your every question. You will discover the different types of journaling and many journaling techniques, exercises, tools and resources. You will explore a seven-step process that will ease you into writing a journal. You will get detailed instructions on developing, decorating, and customizing your journal, and you will learn exciting new ways to express yourself and develop your creativity.

You will discover how you can use your journal to explore your thoughts, feelings, and values, and you will learn how to use your journal to support your emotional well-being. You will also understand how journaling can ease the stress of unwanted change throughout the course of your life. You'll even discover how journaling can help you choose the best career for you or advance in your current career.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Discover how journaling can help you learn more about yourself, explore your dreams, values, and beliefs, improve your health, survive unwanted change, succeed in your career, and express your creativity.

1. What Is Journaling?
2. Journaling Tools, Aids, and Resources
3. Beginning to Journal
4. Filling Your Journaling Toolbox with Techniques
5. Art and Journaling
6. Journaling for Self-Discovery
7. Journaling for Emotional Well-Being
8. Journaling and Creativity
9. Journaling Through Chaos, Crisis, and Change
10. Journaling Your Dreams
11. Journaling to Develop Your Career
12. Evaluating Your Journaling Habit

Learn everything you need to know to write a great script, from structure, character creation, and dialogue to marketing and selling your screenplay.

There's never been a better time to start a career as a screenwriter. With technological breakthroughs bringing the cost of making and distributing movies down to almost nothing, there is an ever-increasing demand for great scripts—and for people who can write them. Whether you want to write micro-budget indie films or Hollywood blockbusters, this course will teach you everything you need to know to write a script that sells.

You will learn the fundamentals of stories—why audiences need them, what they expect from them, and what kinds of stories work time after time. You'll discover how to create characters audiences connect with and how to write dialogue that will bring them to life. You will get hands-on experience through a series of short writing assignments that will have you working like a pro from the very beginning of the course. In addition, you'll get an inside look into the business of selling your script and building your career as a writer. When you finish the course, you'll be ready to start writing your own script!

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

1. Why Write a Script Now?
2. What Is a Story?
3. Conflict
4. Creating Characters
5. Screenplay Structure
6. Middles
7. The End
8. The Scene
9. Dialogue (or Not)
10. The Rewrite
11. Your Script and You

Transform your passion for words into a rewarding career as a professional editor by learning essential hard and soft skills in this comprehensive online editing course.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac. Chromebooks are not compatible.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

The opportunities for editing are massive, so you are in the right place to launch an exciting editing career! In this editing course, we will dive into the nuances of grammar, manuscript editing, and digital editing—gaining practical skills for success in publishing, online media, and beyond. With expert guidance and engaging assignments, this editing and proofreading course is your key to mastering the art of editing and standing out in the competitive world of written communication.

1. Introduction to the World of Editing
   1. Important Terms in the Editing World
   2. Types of Editors
   3. What is Writing, Anyway?
   4. Define Good Writing, Please
   5. Good Writing Needs
2. All About English
   1. Challenges of English Charts:
   2. Spelling Rules and Exceptions
   3. Parts of Speech
3. All About Sentences, Agreement, and Transitions
   1. Clauses
   2. Types of Sentences
   3. Subject/Verb Agreement
   4. Transitions
4. All About Editing
   1. Soft Skills
   2. Editing Checklists
   3. Types of Editing Checklists
5. All About Professional Practices
   1. Copyrighting
   2. What Can Be Copyrighted
   3. Fair Use
   4. Public Domain
   5. Editors and Copyrights
   6. Plagiarism
   7. Contracts
   8. Libel

What you will learn

• Correct language errors (i.e., poor grammar, incorrect spelling and punctuation, and ambiguities)
• Improve conciseness and clarity, if and where this is of significance
• Check and clear copyright material to be used in the publication (i.e., anything that is not the author's original work should be appropriately referenced and used only by the law in any jurisdiction relevant to the publication)

How you will benefit

• Expand your professional development and/or fill gaps in your existing qualifications
• Gain new skills to improve your use of editing in everyday work or personal projects
• Upon course completion, possess a firm understanding of editing best practices

Johanna Craven

Johanna is the author of seven historical novels, published both independently and by London's Lume Books. She also works as a freelance editor for publishing houses and independent authors across Australia, the US and the UK. Johanna has more than twenty years of teaching experience, tutoring adults and children in creative writing, music composition and piano. She firmly believes everyone has the ability to be a writer – all they need is a little guidance and encouragement!

Learn the most efficient and effective methods to conduct research for any writing project.

Attention all writers! Learn how to efficiently and effectively conduct research for any writing project: fiction, nonfiction, business . . . even term papers and dissertations. Research has progressed far beyond a visit to the library. Today, myriad sources provide almost anything a writer might need to know on any subject. Learn how to identify and access every information source imaginable.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Learn how to efficiently and effectively conduct research for any writing project: fiction, nonfiction, business, and even term papers and dissertations. This course will help you discover how to identify and access every information source imaginable.

Research: The Foundation of Writing

In this introductory lesson, you'll learn why good research skills are necessary for effective writing. You'll unleash your creativity with the exciting "Mind Mapping" tool to identify your subject—in both a general and specific way—to help refine your research before you even begin. You'll also learn the importance of understanding jargon and technical terms specific to your subject, which will leave you much better prepared to begin your project.

Making a Plan

You probably already know that much time can be wasted if research is conducted in a disorganized manner. In this lesson, you'll learn how to organize a plan for your research and how to keep organized once your research is underway. You'll identify the first steps of research, including choosing between academic and anecdotal research, primary and secondary sources, and which resources will be the most productive for you in the early stages of research.

The Library: A Virtual Field Trip

The library is still the most all-inclusive resource for research, but many people aren't aware of the treasure trove of information residing within its walls. This lesson will take you on a virtual field trip through the many library sections and departments, introducing and reviewing the materials available, including periodicals, microfilm records, Lexis-Nexis, rare books, reverse directories, government reports, maps, old telephone books, and many others. You'll discover resources that you never knew existed.

The Personal Interview

One of the most productive resources for researches is the personal interview, but it can be intimidating. In this lesson, you'll learn how to find experts and how to prepare for an interview. You'll learn the keys to formulating questions designed to get the very best from your subject. By the time you finish this lesson, you'll feel confident and competent to approach your interview subjects with ease.

Getting the Most out of Reports and Studies

Perusing reports can seem about as much fun as a root canal, but it's worth it when you find nuggets of information essential to your research. This lesson will introduce you to numerous valuable reports, including census reports, public company reports and a multitude of government reports. You'll learn how to separate the wheat from the chaff, winnowing out the pertinent information, and how to assess a report not only for its content but also for the reliability of its source. As a bonus, you'll be given some guidelines for turning statistics into prose.

History: Fact or Fiction?

In this lesson, you'll learn how to incorporate history into your writing, whether it's fiction or nonfiction. You'll discover what you've probably suspected all along: the truth of history is often shaped by the perspective of the historian. This lesson will teach you how to evaluate different perspectives, how to spot "rewritten history," and how to zero in on fact versus mythology.

Public Records: A Treasure Trove of Information

This lesson will introduce you to the numerous public records that are waiting to reveal information about persons, places, and things. Real estate records, birth, marriage and death records, civil and criminal trial records, bankruptcy filings, construction records, and political campaign information are but a few of the many records available to the public. By the end of the lesson, you'll know what's out there and how to get to it.

The Internet: A Researcher's Best Friend

Conducting research on the Internet can be a valuable time-saver. It can also allow researchers to fall into the trap of believing everything they read. This lesson will discuss Internet reliability: what you can trust and what you should distrust. You'll also learn skills for effectively using search engines for your research, for both general and specific topics. You'll find many useful research links and learn about issues such as when you should and should not pay for your information. The Internet has as many pitfalls as benefits, and this lesson will show you how to avoid the pitfalls.

Creating Your Own Information

Some researchers can't resist the lure of using information that has never before existed. This lesson discusses the value of collecting your own data by way of surveys, studies, interviews, polls, and questionnaires. You'll learn how to effectively create these instruments of data-gathering, and you'll learn the difference between valid statistical sampling versus informal, nonscientific results, and when the use of each is appropriate.

Guerrilla Research

Have you ever had difficulty finding cooperative sources of information? This lesson will reveal the secrets of Guerilla Research; i.e., how to get answers when the questions are being evaded. You'll learn techniques for gaining the confidence of reluctant interview subjects, as well as methods for digging and snooping. In other words, you'll learn how to get what you want when the direct approach isn't working.

Attribution: Giving Credit When Credit Is Due

Once your research has been compiled, much of it will be quoted or paraphrased within your manuscript. This lesson will discuss the importance of proper attribution as well as the technical methods for crediting your sources. You'll learn how to painlessly create a bibliography, and you will also learn how to decide between citations, footnotes, and endnotes for your work. You can easily avoid copyright violations by gaining a basic understanding of copyright law, along with the fundamentals of fair use and permissions. Writers know how important it is to protect themselves, and in this lesson you'll learn how.

Pulling It All Together

Your research is complete, your facts are gathered; now what? In this final lesson, you'll learn what to do with all the research materials you have accumulated. You'll learn how to identify what is valuable and what should be discarded. You'll gain insight on both the writing and the editing process, and as a bonus, you'll learn how to avoid some of the most common word-usage mistakes. This lesson will give you the final skills you need to produce a well-researched, polished manuscript.

This course will help prepare you for a technical writing manager position. You will also gain a broad skill set of both technical communication skills and MBA-level business management strategies.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.10 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Office or equivalent (not included in enrollment).
• Microsoft Word Online
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment into each course:

Technical Writing Course

• Technical Communication: A Reader-Centered Approach, by Paul V. Anderson
• Technical Writing for Success, by Darlene Smith-Worthington and Sue Jefferson

Management Training

• Managing by the Numbers: A Commonsense Guide to Understanding and using your Company's Financials
• Strategic Planning: A Pragmatic Guide

Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.

1. Technical Writing Course
   1. Introduction to Technical Communication
   2. Your Role as a Technical Writer
   3. Common Types of Technical Writing
   4. The Seven Principles of Good Writing
   5. Writing as a Process
   6. Research
   7. Organization
   8. Rough Draft
   9. Revising and Editing
   10. Writing for the Web and Social Media
   11. Professionalization in Diverse Workplaces & Memberships
   12. How to Find a Job in Technical Writing (Optional Lesson)
   13. Final Exam
2. Management Training
1. Financial and Accounting Management
2. Marketing Management
3. Strategic Management in Operations
4. Legal Issues in Operations
5. Legal Aspects of Contracts
6. Tax Issues
7. Organizational Development and Change
8. Negotiating Strategies
9. Business Best Practices
10. Organization Leadership and Decision Making
11. Project Management for Executives
12. Seven Management Disciplines

What you will learn

• Managing the creation of technical documents including analyses, reports, proposals, and more
• Methods for managing skill sets and allocating resources to meet project needs
• Ethical issues in technical writing and business communications
• Running operations in accord with legal requirements
• The process of negotiating, evaluating negotiation styles, and negotiation strategies
• The seven management disciplines essential to business success
• Advanced grammar rules and effective research methods
• Effective writing for websites and social media

How you will benefit

• Develop management skills that will allow you to lead a technical communications team
• Expand your abilities as a leader and learn how to masterfully manage people and projects
• Gain an understanding of legal and financial regulations to better manage your team
• Set yourself apart from competitors by receiving management training
• Create a professional writing portfolio to showcase your work to current and potential employers
• Be prepared for technical writing jobs in a variety of industries

Janet Underwood

Janet Underwood is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience as a senior technical writer. Janet started her career as an English teacher. She then went on to work as an editor and writer for several internationally known trade publications before marrying her love of technology with her passion for writing to become a technical writer. Janet has developed technical documentation for major corporations in the computer, information technology, telecommunications, financial, medical industries, U.S. government agencies, and public utilities organizations. She has also written several books used as textbooks for college technical writing courses and has been an adjunct professor.

Lynn Atkinson

Lynn Atkinson earned a B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in 1993 and an M.A. in English in 1996. A published writer and editor, including contributions to college textbooks, she considers her greatest accomplishment educating thousands of students at UTA, Tarrant County College, Southeast Career Institute, and Everest College. She has also been nominated for and awarded "Outstanding Teacher" at several of these institutions.

Katrina McBride

Katrina McBride has extensive experience in organizational leadership, marketing strategies, and market development in multinational corporate environments. Her leadership abilities have been utilized to develop new programs and functional areas. In director-level positions for Nortel Networks, she led strategy for competitive intelligence, emerging markets, and lead generation. McBride holds an M.A. in organizational management and a B.S. in psychology.

Katherine Squires Pang

Katherine Squires Pang, J.D., LL.M., M.Ed has practiced law with since 1983. She has served as an adjunct faculty member in the Graduate School of Management at the University of Texas, Dallas, and has been an adjunct faculty member of many universities, including New York University and the University of California, Irvine. She received her B.A. in 1980 from Clark University, her J.D. from the University of Dayton Law School in 1982, her LL.M in Taxation from Georgetown University Law School in 1983, and her M.Ed from the University of Texas in 2001.

Jerry L. Partridge

Jerry L. Partridge is a Certified Project Management Professional with experience as a project and program manager for a major retail organization. He is a certified instructor for IBM project management courses and hosts university seminars for project managers seeking certification. He has worked extensively with the Project Management Institute, previously leading a team that developed a practice standard for Earned Value Management Systems and volunteering as a subject matter expert for an update to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Partridge holds a Master of Business Administration from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University.

Examine the field of technical writing, learn how to write within any technical writing context, and develop your own portfolio.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.10 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

• Technical Communication: A Reader-Centered Approach, by Paul V. Anderson
• Technical Writing for Success, by Darlene Smith-Worthington and Sue Jefferson

Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.

Effective communication is essential in today's business world. Technical writers are professional communicators whose role varies across industries and contexts. They may create manuals and instruction documents, write grant proposals for nonprofit organizations, manage social media accounts, or create compliance documents for pharmaceutical companies. They may work in industries as different as aeronautical engineering and healthcare or be self-employed. With skills and experience, technical writers can find rewarding and engaging work in many different fields.

In the course, you will explore the framework in which technical writing exists, the conventions it follows, and the essential elements all technical writing must have.

1. Introduction to Technical Communication
2. Your Role as a Technical Writer
3. Common Types of Technical Writing
4. The Seven Principles of Good Writing
5. Writing as a Process
6. Research
7. Organization
8. Rough Draft
9. Revising and Editing
10. Writing for the Web and Social Media
11. Professionalization in Diverse Workplaces & Memberships
12. How to Find a Job in Technical Writing (Optional Lesson)
13. Final Exam

What you will learn

• Writing to meet the needs of your audience, including writing with clarity and focus
• The differences between technical writing and other types of writing
• Ethical issues in technical writing
• Advanced grammar rules and effective research methods
• Writing effectively for websites and social media

How you will benefit

• Obtain a professional writing portfolio to showcase your work to current and potential employers
• Be prepared for technical writing jobs in a variety of industries like software companies, nonprofit organizations, marketing agencies, and more

Janet Underwood

Janet Underwood is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience as a senior technical writer. Janet started her career as an English teacher. She then went on to work as an editor and writer for several internationally known trade publications before marrying her love of technology with her passion for writing to become a technical writer. Janet has developed technical documentation for major corporations in the computer, information technology, telecommunications, financial, medical industries, U.S. government agencies, and public utilities organizations. She has also written several books used as textbooks for college technical writing courses and has been an adjunct professor.

Lynn Atkinson

Lynn Atkinson earned a B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in 1993 and an M.A. in English with an emphasis in rhetoric in 1996. A published writer and editor, including contributions to college textbooks, she considers her greatest accomplishment educating thousands of students at UTA, DeVry, Tarrant County College, Southeast Career Institute, and Everest College. She has also been nominated for and awarded "Outstanding Teacher" at several of these institutions. Lynn has developed or co-developed several writing curriculums, won writing contests and conducted over 10,000 hours of tutoring.

If you're a determined new writer, this class will provide you with the skills you need to get published.

Have you ever thought about writing for magazines? Turn your dreams into bylines and help yourself to a bright future as a magazine writer. It is fun, easy, and a great source of extra income. If you are a determined new writer, or if you haven't written for magazines in years, this class will jump-start your career. You will learn plenty of powerful brainstorming techniques designed to get those creative juices flowing with articles that practically write themselves.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Learn the skills and insights you will need to jump-start your career as a magazine writer. This course will teach you how to get your work published and turn your writing skills into an easy source of extra income.

Getting Started; Finding Ideas

Did you know that you don't have to be an expert on a topic to write a magazine article about it? And you don't need a wall of diplomas to be a writer, either. If you think it's necessary to have taken formal courses in writing, journalism, or communications to write, reconsider that idea. In this lesson, you'll discover where ideas originate and get started as a writer of nonfiction magazine articles.

Getting Started; Finding Ideas (Continued)

Ask a magazine writer about the genres available to this profession and you'll learn about consumer topics, informational pieces, question-and-answer formats, true crime articles, and a bunch more. You'll hear about how-to articles, too. If you've been seriously thinking about writing for magazines, then you need to know about the categories. You'll begin that investigation in this lesson.

Getting to Know Your Market Guidebook

You've just purchased the latest market guidebook with the writing guidelines for oodles of magazines. It's awesome, complex, and exciting. If you feel overwhelmed, you're not alone. Some new writers get copies of market guidebooks and, once they've thumbed through them, put them aside. The books can be intimidating. But after this lesson, you'll be a pro at selecting magazines that want articles from you. By the end of it, you'll be able to use an innovative outlining tool, called The Bubble Method, which will help you make every single topic a potential article.

Getting to Know Your Market Guidebook (Continued)

What is a query letter? Do nonfiction article writers really need them? How can you write one that will capture the interest of editors? That's what this lesson will discuss: giving you a foundation for writing a query that sells your ideas.

Producing Articles; Using Email

In this lesson, you'll get a quick review of production tips and grammar rules. But the gem is a section on how to interview the people, experts, and celebrities that you'll be writing about. Whatever type of article you write, you may have occasion to interview someone. Not being an effective interviewer will diminish your chances of success. However, what you learn in this lesson will make interviewing fun and easy.

Producing Articles; Using Email (Continued)

Money. It's the topic of this lesson and will be discussed in depth. The lesson will then debunk that bugaboo, "writer's block". Yes, writer's block is out there, waiting to get your attention and stop you in your tracks, but in this lesson you'll learn how to simply acknowledge it and then get writing once again.

Writing Clearly; Knowing Your Reader

Do you know your reader? Most new writers say, "Hey, of course I do". But unless you know who you're writing for and write in a fashion that captures and sustains a reader's interest, you'll find writing for magazines a huge challenge. So, this lesson will talk about writing for a reader, ways to create clear and crisp writing, and writing fillers and essays.

Writing Clearly; Knowing Your Reader (Continued)

Have you ever wondered how magazine writers know how many words are right for a specific topic? Have you thought about where sidebars come from? Do you want to gain credibility for a nonfiction book and further your profession, cause, or company? You'll get answers to those questions and much more here in this lesson.

Employing Sound Research Techniques

By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to research topics for articles and understand how to get yourself into the research picture. It's nearly painless and really fun once you know the techniques professional magazine writers use.

Employing Sound Research Techniques (Continued)

Do you need to interview an expert or get a quote from one to make your article sparkle? You probably have a book in your house right now that would supply what you're looking for. This lesson will talk more about finding experts to make your articles sizzle. Then you'll examine the tools you need to self-edit. Self-editing is the polish that turns okay writing into publishable words.

Marketing Your Articles With Spin-Offs and Revisions; Seasonal and Theme Articles

Recycle your research and you'll be able to sell and resell ideas without reinventing the wheel. That's the focus of this lesson. The lesson will also discuss writing about theme and seasonal articles, locating regional publications that would be crazy not to have you write for them, and networking with others to increase the number of articles you sell.

Marketing Your Articles With Spin-Offs and Revisions; Seasonal and Theme Articles (Continued)

Imagine you're about to print an article that you've been working on for a week. It's dynamite and headed for publication in a major magazine. This is your lucky break. As weird as it seems to a cyber-savvy writer like you, the editor wants a printed manuscript. After thinking, "this magazine is still in the dark ages", you smile and comply. However, you've run out of paper (or need a printer cartridge) or stamps or some other indispensable writing supply. If this hasn't happened to you yet, it may, unless you realize that time is money. Time management is the final topic and since there's only so much time in the day, you'll learn how to use what you have, and use it well.

If you aspire to be an editor, this course will teach you the fundamentals of top-notch editing for both fiction and nonfiction.

Ask any published writer and you will hear that a good editor is not just helpful, but essential. If you aspire to be an editor, this copyediting course will teach you the fundamentals of top-notch editing for both fiction and nonfiction. If you're already working as an editor, you will not only brush up on your skills, but will also learn about recent advances in your chosen profession. If you're a writer, you will learn essential self-editing tools to give your manuscripts the professional look that publishers like to see.

From the language of editing to grammar, punctuation, and syntax to the all-important relationships between editor, author, and publisher, every facet of editing will be explored in this copyeditor course. Online editing is gaining popularity; its complexities will be unraveled and its advantages and pitfalls explored. Can you make a living as an editor? Tips and resources for finding work will be addressed at length. When you finish with this course, you will feel confident enough to tackle even the most complex of manuscripts.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

If you aspire to be an editor, this course will teach you the fundamentals of top-notch editing for both fiction and nonfiction.

What Editors Do

Have you ever wondered just what editors do with writers' manuscripts? In this first lesson, you will find out. You will learn about the different types of editors—copy editors, acquisition editors, developmental editors, production editors, and more—and exactly what their jobs entail.

The Mechanics of Copyediting

If you've ever seen a document that an editor has marked up, you probably wondered what all those symbols meant. This lesson focuses on traditional copy editors' marks and how to use them. By the end of the lesson, you will have a solid foundation for editing both on a paper manuscript and on-screen.

Tools to Increase Accuracy

Editors must focus on many details to produce a final manuscript that's as error-free as possible. This lesson covers the tools used to catch inconsistencies in spelling, capitalization, and more. By the end of the lesson, you will have a clear understanding of what tools you need to edit effectively and efficiently.

Grammar and Punctuation

This lesson will offer a refresher on the basics of grammar and punctuation as well as reveal some of the more common related problems that arise in writing. You will come away with a solid understanding of the basic grammar principles as they apply to copyediting.

Spelling, Capitalization, and Numbers

This lesson takes you into the world of spelling, capitalization, and numbers. Many people are surprised to learn that there are actually rules governing how words are spelled and capitalized, and whether numbers should be spelled out or in digit form.

Syntax and Style

This lesson explores all the writing pitfalls that can leave readers in a state of confusion. You will learn to recognize and fix garbled syntax, mixed metaphors, nominals, redundancies, and much more. You will also learn how to untangle overly wordy sentences and create parallel structure.

Abbreviations and Hyphens, Bibliographies and Copyright Law

When is it appropriate to use an abbreviation? When should you hyphenate words? Most people have a general knowledge of abbreviations and hyphens, but when it comes time to actually use them, they can be mystifying. This lesson examines the rules that guide their use.

Photos and Tables, Front and Back Matter

In this lesson, you will learn how to edit such peripheral material as tables, charts, photos, and captions. If you've ever seen a caption that didn't fit the photo it was describing, you will understand the need for this extra scrutiny. You will learn the function of the foreword, table of contents, index, and many more.

Fiction Editing

Every novel is different, and a good fiction editor will help guide the author to take the story where it wants to go. This lesson defines narrative summary, exposition, point of view, and character arcs. By the end of the lesson, you should have the necessary tools to tackle fiction editing.

The Editor-Author-Publisher Relationship

This lesson examines how to keep life harmonious within the author-editor-publisher relationship. Writers will be able to see things from the editor's perspective, and editors will learn how it feels to be in the author's shoes. Both of you will gain insight as well as a good brush-up of your people skills.

Word Usage

After 10 lessons of absorbing the technical elements of editing, it's time to have some fun. This lesson explores the intricacies, inconsistencies, and irregularities in the English language. You will learn about oddball words and phrases, the dos and don'ts of usage, and why language is like a puzzle.

Finding Work as an Editor

This might be the most important lesson of all. In this lesson, you will learn how to find work as an editor. Whether you want to begin a freelance career or are interested in a staff position, all the help and advice you will need to achieve your goals is in this lesson.

Become a professional author or advance your career by learning to write, edit, and publish nonfiction books of all types.

Whether you dream of becoming a full-time author, writing books to advance your career, or penning your memoir or family history, this fun and information-packed course will teach you how to plan, research, write, edit, and publish your masterpiece.

You'll learn how to immerse yourself in your subject and get the information you need from research, interviews, and observation techniques. You'll see how to choose a writing style, structure, and slant that will appeal to your unique audience and keep readers hooked. You will also discover exactly how today's traditional publishing industry works and what techniques you can use—such as crafting standout query letters and proposals—to get noticed by editors and agents. Above all, you'll get invaluable strategies for setting a writing schedule, banishing writer's block, and actually finishing your book! By the end of this course, you'll have all the tools at your fingertips to get your book completed and published!

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Learn how to become a professional author or advance your career by learning to write, edit, and publish nonfiction books of all types. This course will teach you the strategies and techniques you will need to finish and publish your own book.

Introduction to Nonfiction: Choosing Your Topic

If you think nonfiction is nothing but facts and figures, think again! From travel books to memoirs, you'll look at some of the most intriguing and top-selling nonfiction genres. In addition, you'll learn why nonfiction is such a good choice for first-time authors hoping to land a book contract. Then, you'll jump right in and get to work, transforming your interests and passions into a compelling book idea. Welcome to the exciting world of nonfiction books!

Shaping Your Book Idea

Now that you have a book idea, it's time to start sleuthing. You'll learn how to use the Internet to research similar books—either existing or upcoming—that might compete with your own idea. Then, you'll get some handy tips for differentiating your book concept and making it stand out from the competition. You'll also get a crash course in traditional and nontraditional publishing—what they are and how they work—that will get you thinking about your publishing options as you craft a descriptive statement that encapsulates your book idea.

Your Audience, Title, and Style

Are you still thinking of your book simply as "my book"? If so, it's time to bring your idea to life by giving it a name! In this lesson, you'll determine the best audience for your book and write a working title that reflects the unique angle that you bring to your topic. After that, you'll take the first steps toward choosing your writing style.

Research, Interviewing, and Immersion

Ready for more detective work? This lesson will talk about gathering the facts, opinions, and observations you'll need to write your book. First, you'll learn handy tips for doing traditional research in the library or on the Internet. Then, you'll delve into some fun techniques that will help you get the best out of the people you interview. Finally, you'll find out how to get inside your topic using a fun technique called immersion.

Organization and Structure

You've finished your research—it's time to write! In this lesson, you'll discover how to begin the writing process without feeling overwhelmed. First you'll learn how to break your content into manageable chunks and choose an overall organization scheme for your book. Then you'll explore the pros and cons of outlining and free writing and decide what path you want to pursue. Finally, you'll get tips for writing each portion of your chapter—whether you choose a traditional nonfiction format with a beginning, middle, and end, or a storytelling format written in scenes. Either way you'll learn to write captivating leads that will snag the attention of readers and publishers!

Nonfiction Writing Tips and Techniques

In this lesson, you'll delve into some writing techniques that are critical to nonfiction writers. You'll learn to use precise vocabulary and make your points clearly and accurately so readers never get lost. You'll also decide what role you, as the author, will play in the text—will you be a constant presence in your book, or will you play a more inconspicuous role and let your content shine? You'll finish this lesson by learning how to use quotations and paraphrasing correctly and exploring how to integrate facts and descriptions into your book in a fluid way that keeps readers fully engaged.

The Writer's Life: Practical Tips

No matter how brilliant your wordplay, you'll succeed as an author only if you make time to write. For that reason, this lesson will cover the practical steps you can take to write regularly and finish that manuscript. You'll learn about the essential tools you need to create and back up your work and how to develop a consistent and realistic writing schedule that takes your writing preferences and other obligations into account. Finally, you'll get some solid techniques for blasting away procrastination and writer's block. This lesson will give you the practical foundation you need to commit to your book project and see your manuscript to completion.

Editing and Proofreading

Beautiful words don't always come easily. But put in a little blood, sweat, and tears—in other words, editing—and you'll get your manuscript in great shape! This lesson will cover how to edit and evaluate your work before seeking publication. You'll get tips for editing your writing and determining whether you should do your own proofreading or seek out a professional. Then, you'll learn how to solicit feedback from a few lucky reviewers who can help you evaluate and improve your book. Once you've completed these final steps, you'll be ready to begin the publishing process.

Traditional Publishing: Agents, Publishers, and Submissions

It's publishing time! You'll start this lesson by analyzing your reasons for wanting to publish a book and use that information to help you decide between traditional and nontraditional publishing. Then you'll learn more about the advantages of agents and kick-start your search for either an agent or a traditional publisher by finding those best suited to you and your book.

Traditional Publishing: Query Letters, Proposals, and Shortcuts

Submitting your work the right way is the key to getting published. So, in this lesson, you'll learn how to craft winning query letters and proposals that will make your book irresistible to agents and publishers. You'll also discover how to track your submissions, what to expect from literary contracts, and how to work best with agents and editors once you seal the deal. Finally, the lesson will cover some valuable shortcuts that can get you straight to an agent or editor and save you tons of time (and even money!).

Nontraditional Publishing

Want more control over the publishing process? If so, nontraditional publishing may be perfect for you. In this lesson, you'll learn all the steps required to publish your own book. First, you'll explore the differences between Print on Demand (POD) publishing and full self-publishing, helping you decide which path is right for you. Then, you'll go through each of the tasks required to get your book in print: editing, cover design, layout, setting your book's price, choosing the right printer or POD publisher, and more. The lesson will end with a discussion about easy-to-publish e-books.

Distribution, Publicity, and Promotions

Once your book is in print, how will anyone know it exists? Even authors of traditionally-published books need to help with publicity, so this lesson will cover some creative ways to sell and promote your masterpiece. You'll start by looking beyond the traditional bookstore to uncover other profitable places you can sell your book. Then, you'll delve into the world of promotions, learning how to create press materials that grab the attention of newspapers, magazines, blogs, and radio and television stations. You'll also learn how to create a website for your book and how to make the most of listings on Internet book-selling sites like Amazon.

Learn how to use story outlines like a professional writer with lessons developed by a published author.

What's the single biggest difference between professional authors and novices? Professionals know how to structure novels and stories for maximum dramatic effect. This course helps you develop the same story structuring skills the pros use. You will understand how your passion, theme, premise, and characters help you create the structure of your story, and discover how viewpoint, dialogue, pacing, and many other techniques are used to build scenes and move your story from beginning to end.

Each assignment in this course helps you develop your own original novel or story. As you apply each technique, your story will take shape, with a clear path from beginning to end. Before you know it, you will be prepared to write fiction like a pro.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Learn how to use story outlines like a professional writer with lessons developed by a published author.

Story Structure

For the duration of this course, you will learn the techniques that professional authors use to write effectively and create a story structure that delivers maximum impact. This first lesson explores the idea of story structure and fundamental rules that successful fiction follows. You will also learn the often-misunderstood difference between story and plot.

The Dramatic Elements

At the heart of every story are the dramatic elements of passion, theme, character, and premise. Your passion is what drives you to tell your story, and the theme is the underlying message it carries. To convey your theme, you will create characters who represent that theme—either positively or negatively. Put all of these together and you have your premise. This lesson focuses on all of these elements.

Character

Character is what story is all about. Without a character, and a change in that character, there can be no story. In this lesson, you will discover why the best characters are flawed. You will see how this applies to your main character—the protagonist—and the opposition forces of the antagonist. And finally, you will map out the other characters who round out your story.

Act 1: Hook, Backstory, and Trigger

This lesson is the first of three that focus on constructing a story outline, act by act. In Act 1, you will learn how to hook your readers. Then you will fill them in with some character history called backstory. And finally, you will exit Act 1 with a bang by triggering a traumatic event in the life of your protagonist.

Act 2: Crisis, Struggle, and Epiphany

If Act 1 ends with a bang, Act 2 starts with a whimper. Your protagonist begins in crisis, an emotional state brought on by one of their flaws. And because of that flaw, your protagonist will struggle throughout Act 2, as the antagonist delivers setback after setback. Fortunately, at the conclusion of Act 2 your protagonist finally figures out the source of all this emotional distress and how to overcome it.

Act 3: Plan, Climax, and Ending

The epiphany that ended Act 2 has prepared your protagonist for triumph in Act 3. Now it's time to devise a plan. The result will be a final confrontation with the antagonist. This lesson focuses on the best way to confront your antagonist—it's not what you might guess. Then, with that climax behind you, you're ready to tie up loose ends in the ending.

The Story Idea

You have accomplished a lot in the last few lessons. By now you should be pretty comfortable with story structure. The next three lessons take concepts you have learned and apply them to the development of a real novel. This first of these lessons focuses on using dramatic elements to create a character, their flaw, and then put it all together into a formal story idea.

The Story Outline

This lesson expands the story idea for a novel into the nine checkpoints of our three-act outline. This is quite a challenge for just one lesson, but you're almost an expert at this story structuring by now.

The Long Form

Now that you have your outline, it's time for that magical moment when you begin expanding it into the long form. The actual novel is about to materialize. This lesson will teach you how to insert markers for the scenes that support and develop the outline.

Plan Like a Pro

One of the most important choices an author makes is viewpoint. It affects every aspect of the story—from theme, to pacing, to suspense. This lesson explores the three most common viewpoints—omniscient, third-person limited, and first person—and discover their advantages and disadvantages.

Plot Like a Pro

This lesson looks at techniques for refining your plot and controlling its pace. Then you will unravel the internal structure of various fiction pieces you've ever read, discovering a structure called scene and sequel.

Write Fiction Like a Pro

Now that your novel, play, or screenplay is well underway, it's time to think about polishing the finished product. This final lesson explores the techniques that make your writing sparkle, including tips on dialogue, imagery, and establishing your own unique voice.

Banish writer's block forever with these tricks from the published writer's toolbox.

Who doesn't know the fear of the blank page? How can you transform your visions into the written word? Is it really possible to become a terrific writer? You'll find the answer to these and more of your questions in Writeriffic.

In this high-energy course, you will learn a number of invaluable tricks from the published writer's toolbox. Whether you're at work now or hoping to write a novel, a nonfiction book, a memoir, short stories or articles, Writeriffic liberates the imaginative, inventive bolts of genius that are inside everyone. If you've ever dreamed of hearing your writer's voice and writing what's in your heart and head, this course will make it happen!

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Banish writer's block forever with these tricks from the published writer's toolbox.

1. The Nature of Creativity, Creativity and Self-Discipline, and Finding One's Voice
2. The Nature of Creativity, Creativity and Self-Discipline, and Finding One's Voice (Continued)
3. Creating a Workspace, Molding a Creative Life, Feeling the Fear of Starting, Knowing Your Reader
4. Creating a Workspace, Molding a Creative Life, Feeling the Fear of Starting, Knowing Your Reader (Continued)
5. Types of Creative Writing Opportunities, Clipping Files, Market Guidebooks, the Bubble Method
6. Types of Creative Writing Opportunities, Clipping Files, Market Guidebooks, the Bubble Method (Continued)
7. Grammar, Self Editing, Production Tips and Finding Time to Write
8. Grammar, Self Editing, Production Tips and Finding Time to Write (Continued)
9. Overcoming Obstacles and Building Confidence, Fearing Ourselves, Naming Characters and Selecting Titles
10. Overcoming Obstacles and Building Confidence, Fearing Ourselves, Naming Characters and Selecting Titles (Continued)
11. Evaluating and Sharing Your Work, Attending Writing Conferences, Treating Yourself Well, Keeping Your Dreams Alive
12. Evaluating and Sharing Your Work, Attending Writing Conferences, Treating Yourself Well, Keeping Your Dreams Alive (Continued)