Ever wanted to become a published writer? Learn the skills of article writing and turn your love of the written word into an exciting new career or rewarding hobby. 

It is a great thrill for writers to have their work accepted for publication, and the advantage of writing articles is you have the greatest chance of experiencing that thrill. This course teaches you how to channel your energies into obtaining the tools and learning the techniques required to write and sell freelance articles.

On completion of this course, your new-found knowledge could enable you to take your writing from hobby status to career opportunity, either full-time or part-time.

Courses Direct's Article Writing course will teach you how to construct your article and develop your own style, how to adapt your style for different markets, and ways of shaping your material into saleable form. You will learn manuscript presentation and the best way to approach editors. Plus, as your course is delivered by correspondence, there are no timetables to adhere to so your study can fit around your current lifestyle.

• Introduction to travel writing, markets and research
• Techniques of market research and article writing
• Article writing genres - non-fiction, D-I-Y, biographies, travelogues and instruction manuals
• Technical aspects of article writing
• Procedures of article writing - including journalism, interviewing and writing for magazines

Market Research

You will learn how to understand and conduct market research in order to successfully submit articles for specific publications such as mass-market and trade magazines. This module will teach you how to become a market analyser when it comes to selling your work to national and overseas markets. An introduction is also given on the correct manuscript presentation needed to demonstrate your professionalism. 

The Techniques of Market Research

Often it can be difficult to know where and how to undergo your market research. In this module we look at the different resources available to acquire information, including libraries, archives, books and newspaper clippings, Bureaus of Statistics and publicity departments. 

Article Writing Genres

Many of the most interesting articles are written from personal knowledge and experiences. This module delves into the writing of autobiographical and biographical articles. It also explores the genres of travelogues, instruction manuals and general non-fiction. 

Technical Aspects of Article Writing

We look at the basics of an article and its components, such as the use of excerpts and angles, spelling, vocabulary and the misuse of words. Further study is drawn on various markets and readerships, policies and requirements and appropriate characterisation in non-fiction writing. 

Procedures of Article Writing

We teach you how to develop and harness your personal writing style, and how to revise your work. You look at the role journalism plays with this style of writing, as well as the techniques of interviewing, checking sources and creating that all-important lead for your article.