The Course Modules
1. The Professional Online Writer
What is a professional online writer?
What do online writers do?
How do online writers do their jobs?
How do you position yourself as a professional online writer?
Instant copywriting techniques
Fighting writer’s block
Important copyright considerations
Assignment
2. Dealing With Online Clients
Who commissions online work?
Four different types of online clients
How to get beneath the client’s skin
Assignment
3. How to Write Articles the Professional Way
The component parts of professional writing
Write on any subject under the sun
Communicate with your clients regularly
Editing: Nothing is sacred
Deadlines
An introduction to SEO
Assignment
4. Website Copy: Engaging Your Readers
Characteristics of poor website copy: Part 1 - Structure
Characteristics of good website copy: Part 2 - Substance
5. Writing eBooks and Printed Books
How to make money writing eBooks and printed books
What you might write about
How to get writing assignments
Writing eBooks, printed books, etc., for yourself
6. How to Write Professional Reports
The structure and style of your report
An authoritative voice
Making it readable
Research
Collaboration
Assignment
7. Training Materials: Meeting the Real Needs of Learners
Types of learners
General guidelines for writers of training materials
Specific tips for writing training materials
Assignment
8. Copywriting: Learning to Turn Out Persuasive Marketing
Copy
What exactly is copywriting, anyway?
Why writing for the web is different
What your clients are looking for in a copywriter
The basics of effective marketing copy
Advanced copywriting techniques
Assignment
9. Ghost Writing
Types of ghost writing
Using somebody else’s voice
The hidden agenda
Research
Getting work as a ghost writer
Assignment
10. Academic Writing
What is academic writing?
Types of academic writing
Citing your sources
11. Technical Writing: Step-by-Step
Do you need specialised knowledge?
Types of technical writing
Explaining complex technology
Subtle marketing
Research
12. Other Types of Online Writing
Making money via other types of online writing
6 Types of online projects to consider
How to get ready for online projects
13. How to Ensure Your Work Gets Accepted
Understanding what your writing client wants
The importance of a project brief
Steps for Proofreading your work and for quality control
Deadlines
Problems
Assignment
14. How to Research Information
Beware these common research traps
Layman’s terms are key
Overview of expert interviewing techniques
Interviewing for a press release
Interviewing for a human interest piece
Interviewing for a ghost written book
Assignment
15. How to Set up Your Writing Business
What you need—and don’t need—to get started
Setting up your home office
A few words about income and expenses
What you should know about copyright
16. How Much to Charge for Your Work
Calculating your overhead
Keeping it real
Setting a rate
Making exceptions
Terms of service
Assignment
17. Finding Work Online
Freelance writing exchanges
How to win writing assignments on freelance exchanges
Where to look for other writing opportunities
Assignment
18. Marketing Your Writing Services
Before you market your writing
Marketing tools
Your own blog: establish your expertise
19. Managing the Finances for Your Writing Business
The risk of fraud in the online marketplace
Creating a paperwork trail
Getting paid through an online marketplace
Payment outside of online marketplaces
20. Working With Other Writers
Reasons to work with other writers
Sub-contracting rates
Finding writers to work with
Management of the relationship
Order flow
Quality assurance
Providing helpful feedback / mentoring
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