The Business of Writing: Practical Skills for the Professional Writer
WRITING 755.5E
Learn the strategies and tips to succeed and thrive as a professional writer, from branding yourself and your work to confidently discussing money and contracts.
Identify your unique skills, gifts, and interests as a writer to position yourself in the publishing world
Learn to market your work and brand yourself to ensure your writing reaches the right readers
Identify which professionals should work on your team and why, from accountants to lawyers
Get tips on how to diversify your revenue streams to stay financially healthy
About this course:
In the creative writing world, we often hear only what to do that might garner the coveted publishing contract. But say you get that deal. Now what? In this course, you’ll learn the strategies and tips to succeed and continue to thrive as a professional writer. This includes: vision-casting for your unique gifts and interests; marketing and branding yourself and your work (and how to partner with a publisher in this); whether and how to work with accountants, agents, and lawyers; selecting strategic venues and events in which to participate; diversifying revenue streams (through in-person appearances, workshops, sales, and more); making your live readings sought-after events that are engaging and resonant; and in all of it, knowing your worth and confidently discussing money with all the relevant professionals. Through focused lectures, illustrations, selected readings, and targeted video excerpts, participants will gain clarity about how to navigate the practical, behind-the-scenes realities to become – and remain – a working author.
Winter 2025 Schedule
Date & Time
Details
Format
Saturday 10:00AM - 1:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens February 15, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
Enrollment opens two weeks prior to the event. Enrollment limited; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Sat Mar 1, 2025
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA X Open
Explore the UCLA Extension Writers' Program
Learn from successful writers. Finish a novel. Complete a screenplay. Publish poetry. Write with purpose and impact.
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