Thinking about doing an online Journalism course to learn how to make a bit of money from writing

[DillyTante]

I understand that doing a short correspondence course is nothing like training to become a journo, but I'd just like to make a little bit of money from writing.

I initially thought about this mn academy course but for around the same price I could do this LSJ course, which is has a proper syllabus and assignments. The LSJ seems pretty well respected. Their distance course isn't NUJ accredited (because they haven't sought it apparently) but I'm not worried about the qualification as much as the actual content. I'm not sure if either of these things are the right thing to do, or if I would just be wasting my time (because of the course or because I'm too crap!). Any advice?

Bump

Why? You don't need to take a journalism course to make money from writing online - there are heaps of opportunities out there, believe me. I started the LSJ course about 8 years ago but never finished it as I got too bored being asked to write about a local sports event etc - just get out there and write - write creatively, add humour, optimise your blog and readers will come to you!

Really? Not great then?

I'd like to try approach different media about paid freelance writing but I have no idea about pitching or approaching or anything. Can you tell me anything else about the course?

Any further advice anyone?

There's lots of opportunities, but you need to know how to access them. We run fully accredited journalism courses, take a look:
www.ctjt.biz/effective_online_courses/journalism_courses.html
Whoever you sign up with, make sure they're fully accredited by a recognised body. The NUJ are a trade union - not an accrediting body.
We're happy to give you free guidance etc, just ask, [email protected]

Dilly I signed up a while ago to a writing course and realised there wasn't much that they could teach (within my budget) that I couldn't have learned from a book.

My advice would be to decide what you want to write about, look at potential markets (magazines, newspapers) and start pitching to the right people. The Writers' Handbook is a good place to start. Looking on magazine websites for writers guidelines will help.

To be honest life has got in the way, but I have made some useful pocket money from fillers etc in the red top magazines. 60 quid here; 200 quid there.

PM me if you want to chat in more detail.

I agree - The Writer's Handbook is a very good resource - well worth the money!