Freelance Writing

The only really committed artist is he who, without refusing to take part in the combat, at least refuses to join the regular armies and remains a freelance.
~ Albert Camus

The life of the professional writer – like that of any freelance, whether she be a plumber or a podiatrist – is predicated on willpower. Without it there simply wouldn’t be any remuneration, period.
~ Will Self

If you dig deep and keep peeling the onion, artists and freelance writers are the leaders in society – the people who start to get new ideas out.
~ Allan Savory

Course Outline

Course Instructor: Dr. Tony Morris
Course Freelance Writing & Publication
Title: ENGL 3710
Credits 3: Semester Hours
Prerequisites: Engl 2100
School College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Writing and Linguistics

Contact:
Phone: 912-344-3123
email: tonyraymorris@gmail.com

Required Resources

  • Magazine Writing, by Benson & Whitaker. ISBN: 978-0415892773

Recommended Resources

Course Description

A study of the scope of freelance writing including review of the industry terminology, identification of commercial opportunities for publication, and preparation of commercially viable manuscripts for publication in newspapers and magazines. Prerequisite: Each student must attain at least one of the following prior to enrolling: (a) a score of at least 380 SAT Verbal and 40 or above on the TSWE (Test of Standard Written English) or 20 on the verbal section of the ACT; or (b) a passing score on the Compass in English and in reading; or (c) exit learning support English and learning support reading successfully. A composition course focusing on skills required for effective writing in a variety of contexts, with emphasis on exposition, analysis, and argumentation, and also including introductory use of a variety of research skills.

Course Goals

This course will explore the craft and practice of freelance writing in its many variations as we critically read the assigned essays to understand the business and scope of the profession, both historically and contemporaneously. We will also read to critique the writing of our peers to find ways to improve our writing. And as students of the craft, we will compose several pieces of writing: professional copy for traditional and online magazines and newspapers.

Memory, observation, self-discovery, and research—these are the main tools of writing that will help us to investigate various traditional and non-traditional stories about people, places, and things. Through these writing exercises, we might find that we are better able to locate our own perspectives on the richness of our lived experiences.

Course-level objectives

  1. To demonstrate a high-level of proficiency in the practice and craft of writing professional copy across multi-media platforms.
  2. To gain an in-depth understanding of the legal and ethical issues surrounding the professional life of a freelance writer.
  3. To acquire skills experience pertaining to the “business” of freelance writing.
  4. To develop approaches to acquiring and maintaining clients and sources for a professional life as a freelance writer.

Grading Response Time/Communication

The Instructor will make every effort to acknowledge email within 24 to 48 hours.

  • Grading response time for written homework prompts: four days
  • Grading response time for copy assignments: two weeks