NZ Writers College Magazine Journalism Course

Writing articles for magazines or webzines is easily one of the most lucrative fields of writing, either as a full-time career or on top of your day job. One feature-length article in a reputable magazine or webzine can fetch between $400 and $600, depending on the word count and word rate.

The Magazine Journalism Course provides a complete toolkit to help you launch yourself as a professional writer in New Zealand, Australia and internationally.

Walk away with two saleable articles and the skills required to write for both magazines and webzines.

Learn:

• how to come up with winning ideas for articles
• how to pitch stories to magazines and webzines
• how to write compelling openers, article bodies and closers
• how to write how to's, celebrity profiles, opinion pieces, topical scoops, informative pieces, human interest stories and humour columns
• How to write bylines, pull quotes, sidebars and contributor bios
• how to conduct interviews and research, and
• how to make an income as a freelance writer.

Read about graduates who had articles published after completing the course.

Course Details:

• Cost: $995.00 GST inclusive
• Modules: 11 Modules over 200 pages
• Duration: Course can be completed at own pace: between six and twelve months
• Start date: At any time; applications all year round via our website

Student must complete:

• 22 writing exercises with feedback on each
• 1 query letter
• 1 cover letter
• 2 full-length articles of publishable quality

Admission Requirements:

• Basic writing skills are essential
• Computer skills, e-mail and Internet access required
• No previous tertiary qualification required

 
Tutors:

Paul Smith

Paul Smith is a veteran journalist and author and former media commentator. He began his reporting career on the Auckand Star in 1964 and then went to London for three years to work on newspapers and magazines. He was a senior reporter for the New Zealand Herald, Dominion and the New Zealand Times.

Paul was New Zealand correspondent for the London Standard for 20 years, and the Sydney Morning Herald's correspondent for five. As a freelancer his stories have appeared in magazines ranging from the Readers' Digest to the Guardian and Asian Wall Street Journal. He specialised in media from 1988, beginning the country's first Media Watch column for the National Business Review. He also became a long-serving correspondent for the show biz bible, Variety.

Paul is a winner of the Sir David Beattie Award for best news reporter in the print media, and a runner up in the 2002 Peace Awards. In 1986 he was awarded a Press Fellowship to Wolfson College Cambridge.

A past President of the New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN) he has written six best-selling non-fiction books, ranging from social histories to a text on the social impacts of broadcasting de-regulation. Paul has taught freelance and non-fiction writing at Auckland University's summer schools for 18 years and is a non-fiction mentor for the Society of Authors. Paul lives in Auckland City.

Sarah Lang

An award-winning feature writer, Sarah Lang began her career on staff at North & South magazine, and for the last four years has freelanced for around 20 publications. Currently books editor for North & South magazine and TV reviewer for the Herald on Sunday, she writes features mainly for North & South, NZ House & Garden, the Reader’s Digest, Next, and the Herald on Sunday’s View magazine. 

Sarah has interviewed everyone from Dame Helen Mirren to sick children and science boffins, and has written hundreds of stories from profiles and arts features through to long-form science and business writing.

Awards and nominations include: 2007 Qantas Media Awards: Human Relations winner, 2008 Qantas Media Awards: Science and Technology winner, 2008 Qantas Media Awards: Junior Magazine Feature Writer finalist, The Magazine Awards 2010: Journalist of the Year (Women’s Interest) finalist, The Magazine Awards 2011: Journalist of the Year (Home, Food & Garden) finalist, and The Magazine Awards 2011: Journalist of the Year (Lifestyle) finalist.

Originally from Wanganui, Sarah is a booklover with a BA in English Literature from Victoria University of Wellington and a Bachelor of Communications (journalism major) from AUT University. After 10 years in Auckland, she recently returned to Wellington.

Yvonne van Dongen has been a travel editor and writer for over 20 years. She's edited the travel section of the largest newspaper in New Zealand as well as the country's first dedicated glossy travel magazine. She's worked at Conde Nast Traveler in New York. Yvonne has won numerous travel writing awards including a fellowship to study travel writing at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.

Other awards include: Dulux Junior Feature Writer of the Year (1983); Young Reporter of the Year (1983); Qantas best newspaper tourism/transport feature (1994); Cathay Pacific Travel Writer of the Year (1995); Qantas Best newspaper health/medicine feature (1997); Avis Awards - best article about the travel industry (in 1995,1998 and 2000); Commonwealth Media Awards - winner tourism & transport (in 1997 and 1998); Qantas award for best government, diplomacy & foreign affairs feature (2000); Qantas Travel Journalist Award (2004); MPA Lifestyle Journalist of the Year (2004); Qantas Media Awards Winner Best Tourism & Travel Column (2007).

Yvonne has a BA in English & Religious Studies, as well as a post-graduate diploma of Journalism from the University of Canterbury. She also teaches travel writing at the University of Auckland, and lives in Auckland City.

Course Curriculum:

Module one - The genre of magazine writing
Module two - Targeting your market
Module three - Topics that sell
Module four - The ins and outs of the magazine industry
Module five - Getting the facts straight: research and interviewing
Module six - The compelling opener
Module seven - Body-building part I
Module eight - Body-building part II
Module nine - Closing off in style
Module ten - The Final Cut and Industry Protocol

For full course details, please visit our website at www.nzwriterscollege.co.nz

Selected comments from course graduates:

"In my opinion these courses are an absolute life-saver and a wonderful way to get experience and exposure without having to go and do a full BA in languages." Nicky Pantland, Magazine Journalism

"I really enjoyed the course and found it challenging. At times it was hard to motivate myself but having regular assignments kept me focused and up to speed. I really enjoyed working with my tutor Paul Smith. His guidance was inspiring for me and he always came back with constructive criticsm and/or encouraging feedback. I found the course easily accessible, the notes were clear and I feel like I have some really useful tools in my belt with the course notes and tutor feedback I have received." Amanda Bidwell, Magazine Journalism Course, November 2011

"I was impressed with the amount of information about the industry and felt like I will now be able start my writing career. It is an excellent way to improve your writing skills in a way that suits your time and pocket." Claire Kivedo, Magazine Journalism Course, October 2011

The course was challenging and enjoyable. My tutor was very motivating and encouraging. She was accommodating when I went through some personal setbacks. Without this encouragement, I would not have been able to finish the course. Studying with The Writers' College was great, and the practical element was challenging. The course really took me out of my comfort zone. I'm so glad I did this course and now I have a fantastic new lifelong skill!" Janice McKay, Magazine Journalism, August 2011

“The course was very insightful, helpful in clearing up things or misconceptions I had. Helped me be very clear about my writing. My tutor was very helpful and kind with regard to feedback on my modules. Very thankful to have had someone go the extra mile for me. Well worth my time and energy. Thanks.” Danielle Louw, Magazine Journalism Course, July 2011

“I think Paul Smith was the perfect tutor for me. He knew when and how to push me to get good results as I had several moments earlier on of self-doubt, procrastination and over-thinking things!  As I said in my earlier email – if I had the money to start straight onto the Advanced Course – I would – and would be asking for Paul to be my tutor again.” Jackie Clark, Magazine Journalism Course, July 2011

“Thank you for a fantastic course. [My tutor] inspired me to really put all my effort in to this course and helped reignite my passion for writing. Koos was very organised and helpful. The course exceeded my expectations.” Micharn Pollock, Magazine Journalism Course, May 2011

“Thank you for a very well structured course that is perfect for the guy with a busy schedule. My tutor was tough, on the ball and incredibly knowledgeable.” Stanley Rorke, Magazine Journalism Course, May 2011
 
“Just wanted to say thanks so much for a great course. [I had] an amazing tutor, very helpful and patient. I cannot think of anything I would change about the course.” Leila Wreyford, Magazine Journalism Course, April 2011

"Yvonne was excellent. She really knew what she was talking about and I held her opinion in high regard throughout. She was also very efficient at coming back with module feedback or to answer any queries. I was very impressed to have a Qantas Media Award winning journalist as a tutor." Natalie Maddigan, Magazine Journalism Course, April 2011

“I found [my tutor] an inspiration and her critical analysis of my work was always prompt, professional and relevant. Her guidance and support was unfaltering. I am most impressed with the course contents and the professionalism displayed by [my tutor] and the college. I feel I have made a worthwhile journey and look forward to the next stage.” Beth Stols, Magazine Journalism, February 2011

“Thanks so much for your encouragement and excellent course! I have learned a huge amount. The course content and feedback was BRILLIANT. Thank you! [My tutor's] feedback on my assignments and article was invaluable and considerately conveyed. I’ve no doubt that her input has shortcut the process of getting published by a massive margin.” Naomi Estment, Magazine Journalism Course, November 2010

“I would like to thank you sincerely for being such an outstanding tutor. I very much liked and appreciated your approach in commenting on my assignments. In general I found your advice very relevant, professional and representative of your considerable skills and experience. I can highly recommend you to any students who want to do the magazine journalism course. And you certainly know how to work with an adult student like me who has a mind of her own! You made this course a most enjoyable experience for me. I wish you all the best with your future endeavours." Madi Hanekom, Magazine Journalism Course, November 2010

"From start to finish I was impressed with the professionalism of correspondence by my tutor. My tutor was simply amazing! She was very encouraging in her responses, as well as constructive and honest in her criticism. She has played a significant role in my development as a writer (not only in magazine journalism)." Delia Stanhope, Magazine Journalism, October 2010

“I just have to say that I loved doing this short course on magazine journalism. I haven't submitted my article yet, but will definitely revise it, make some changes thanks to the external assessors feedback, and submit it shortly. My tutor Tracey was so willing to help out, and always gave honest and fair advice - which is just what I wanted. I have learnt so much and have already advised others to go onto your website & start their dreams of writing!” Gwyneth King, Magazine Journalism, September 2010

“I really enjoyed the course and thought the feedback and course material were of a very high standard.” Emily Davis, Magazine Journalism, September 2010

I’ve never done any writing courses before but I really think this course is excellent. I really enjoyed the course and it has given me a lot more confidence in my writing, especially for my work. I would love to do another course with the college, so hopefully next year you'll see my name again. Kim Govender, Magazine Journalism, September 2010

"[My tutor] made this entire experience such a pleasure for me. It takes a special kind of lecturer to be able to give critique and feedback that empowers, gives insight and builds confidence. She has this gift. Whenever my courage started crumbling, she was right there showing me the way. I always felt safe in her hands. She is a great asset to the college. I feel very fortunate to have been able to work with her. I feel the course was extremely thorough and practical. So many times you do a course and afterwards sit with a book full of facts and no clue as how to implement them. This is not the case here. The knowledge you impart is directly related to the field and can be used in practise. Never have I felt so supported and encouraged by a team." Michelle Nothling, Magazine Journalism Course, July 2010

"The course was indeed a valuable learning experience for me and I certainly did learn a lot from it. I have my degree in BA Journalism, but taking up the magazine writing course has specifically allowed me to gain a better understanding of the industry I want to work in." Tal Halili, Magazine Journalism Course, July 2010

"I have already completed the Basics of Creative Writing Course and it was on the strength of the enjoyment I derived from that, that I completed this course too. I thoroughly enjoyed the Magazine Journalism Course. Tracey was a fantastic lecturer. Her feedback was sent the following day after I submitted my work and she was always very approachable and full of encouragement." Ariella Caira, Magazine Journalism, June 2010

"Thank you for the incredible knowledge and writing training as well as the confidence gained from the course. Karin was a wonderful lecturer. While she was very straight and strict, she was also very encouraging in her comments. I appreciated this. After the information gleaned on the course and the motivation from my tutor, I believe my articles will be published." Jo Hedges, Magazine Journalism, June 2010

"I have to admit that I was a bit sceptical, because I thought a college might not be able to give me the same amount of information that a university could, but I was proven wrong with each module. I gained knowledge of more than just the basics and I feel confident to write now. Karin is truly a wonderful lecturer and I can safely say that she becomes more than just that, she becomes a friend too. She tries to help whenever she can and she gave me very useful tips and tricks." Renette van der Merwe, Magazine Journalism Course, March 2010

"I thought the course was extremely well run and I learnt a great deal from it. It suited me perfectly in terms of doing it part-time and Karin was an enthusiastic and inspirational tutor." Belinda Blomfield, Magazine Journalism, March 2010

"I have done a number of different writing courses, and while I always came away knowing more, I never felt I'd gained anything in terms of practical application or writing confidence. When I came across your college I decided to give myself one last shot at becoming a 'real' writer. I chose the Magazine Journalism Foundation Course because it seemed to be the fastest route towards earning a living as a freelance writer. It was, without a doubt, the very best decision I could have made. My writing has improved beyond measure. More importantly my confidence in myself and my capabilities as a writer has escalated tremendously. THANK YOU!" Angela Horn, Magazine Journalism, September 2009

"I especially liked the way the course focused on industry protocol and commercial details like payment, invoicing, relationship with editors etc, rather than just teaching writing style and technique. I am used to academic studying where the actual links between what you learn and how it will be applied in the workplace are not so obvious. I liked that this course teaches one how to be a magazine journalist and not just how to write magazine journalism. A great course overall. I really enjoyed it." Leanne Johannson, Magazine Journalism Course, August 2009

"An excellent foundation for any potential writer. Only the hard knocks of reality will develop skill. [My tutor's] honest and helpful comments changed my perception of the written word." Lydia Borg-Jorgensen, Magazine Journalism Course, March 2009

"Thanks for all your support and motivation - I always thought I had a knack for this but your opinion as a professional is what I needed to take the next steps. I am quite humbled really by the fact that my first published piece will be coming out in two weeks' time (FHM), and hopefully the African Communications piece as well soon. I could not have asked for more of a fast track towards my writing goals, thanks to you." Kevin Willemse, Magazine Journalism, May 2009

"In my opinion these courses are an absolute life-saver and a wonderful way to get experience and exposure without having to go and do a full BA in languages. The mentoring and advice offered are always spot on and challenge the way you look at your own writing, forcing you to step outside of your little box and try something new, stretching yourself and your ability. In addition, the material available in the student centre is not only interesting but really well written - it is easy to understand and to apply. Nicky Pantland, Magazine Journalism, May 2009

"I can't believe it's all finished and done with! How sad! Thank you so much for all your help, you are a GREAT tutor and gave hidings when they were required and boosted my self confidence when it was getting a bit dented! You were fantastic *shakes pom poms*" Natasha Chandler, Magazine Journalism May 2009

Image credit: Flickr_com: Jorge Franganillo