Making Good Copy Great

Overview

One of the hardest skills in journalism is editing your own work. This course develops delegates' personal style and shows them how to use an objective eye on their copy.

Who should attend

Writers who have been writing for a while but wish to improve their style and want to add depth, humour, sophistication or general overall quality.

Course objectives

By the end of this intensive course, you will be able to:

> Employ and reinforce the skills needed to become the best writer you can be

> Move the reader, shock the reader, amuse the reader, tell a story and generally entertain the reader

> Work with your own writing: delegates are asked to bring examples of their work with them

Course content

Evaluate what Makes Good Copy

> Why detail always improves things

> Honing an individual style

> Asking the right questions

> Writing as you speak and conveying tone

Specific Skills for Different Copy

> Writing humorous pieces

> Introducing opinion into your copy

> The different types of intros

> Going out with a bang and finishing on a high

Finish Touches and Improving the Piece

> How to polish your own writing

> Identifying the strengths in your own style

> Structuring techniques which help style

> Cutting quantity while retaining quality