Writing For Newsletters And Company Magazines

Overview

A well produced and targeted internal publication can be equally beneficial to client companies or your own enterprise. This course guides delegates through the process of creating quality and effective internal communications.

Who should attend

Anyone with responsibility for writing and producing company newsletters and magazines.

Course objectives

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

> Understand how to be a news hound and find good stories

> Prepare and stick to production schedules and work with and make the most of contributors

> Carry out effective research, plan and write up interviews

> Write copy that interests readers and gets the corporate message across

> Edit copy without offending managers and design eye-catching and effective layouts

Course content

Preparation

> Comparing different types of publications

> Deciding what is right for your needs

> Budget, design and production considerations

> DTP, agency or magazine publisher

> Considering photography and images

> Working to agreed schedules within budgets

> Deciding best methods of distribution

Editorial Skills

> Working in a team and coming up with content

> Finding and researching new ideas

> Agreeing key messages, considering reader responses

> Deciding page layout, length of copy, need for photography

> Firming up deadlines

Working with Contributors

> Arranging and carrying out interviews

> Getting copy approved

> Editing copy to fit layout and meet corporate objectives

Writing Corporate Copy

> Understanding the difference between corporate and consumer when conveying the key messages

> Writing from your readers' point of view

> Maintaining corporate and consumer balance

> Looking for the human interest angle

Pulling Everything Together

> Going into production and briefing designers

> Checking page proofs

> Liaising with printers

> Organising distribution

> Encouraging reader response and feedback

Training Methods

This course gives delegates the opportunity to practice writing press information in different styles and for different audiences, with techniques that can be implemented in their workplace.