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The Business of Writing: Practical Skills for the Professional Writer

professional writer focused on writing
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.

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What you can learn.

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.
writing and journalism

Explore the UCLA Extension Writers' Program.

Learn from successful writers. Finish a novel. Complete a screenplay. Publish poetry. Write with purpose and impact.