Feature Writing

In the 80s, many magazines ran lead features of up to 2500 words. Today, it's rare for a journalist to be commissioned to write anything over 1500 words. The rise of 'chunk' journalism has been the response to a reading audience that is generally time poor and over-serviced by radio, television and social media. Magazines have cut feature lengths partly in response to this time challenge and partly because of budget as publishers put the squeeze on editors to produce more for less.

As a freelance writer, it's tough. A fee of R2.50 or R3 a word is only viable if the feature yields a decent return on investment. As a writer, you still have to spend quality time on interviews, fact checking and sourcing valuable information for side bars etc. Writing the 1500 words may take as long as it does to write 2500 words.

The trick is to manage time fiercely, use the internet wisely and focus on key factors without over researching or interviewing. You need to deliver an original, insightful piece that offers much more than what is speed-fed via other sources. Your feature must have depth and impact.

With over 25 years experience of feature writing for magazines, Les Aupiais is well qualified to prepare you for these demands.

In this one to two day workshop, Les Aupiais will cover writing for several of the market's 'glossies' -- from women's titles to genre specific magazines.

1. Content

What does the market want? How to be on the lookout for original ideas. Beware the Internet! The pitch by email/phone/one to one.

2. Pre-Planning

Unsolicited writing is not as effective as targeted work. This module covers how to aim your text at the right publication, how to pitch the story, and how many times one trip, batch of research or experience can be re-geared to different magazines.

3. Structure and Style

How to give your feature the 'bones' it needs to support your creativity. How to use humour, pace and language more effectively to give the structure life.

4. Writing – the mechanics

Getting over writer's block. The discipline of writing punchy speech.

5. The practicalities

The correct invoice layout, order numbers, accounting departments, commissioning editors, when to file, who to chase –- and when to expect payment. How to fast-track the process. What to provide to make the editor's life easier! A short note on presenting yourself more professionally.

6. Self-editing and fact checking

Using electronic help in editing your own work. And why sending your text to a sharp-eyed sub editor enhances your reputation!

7. Effective use of images in a digital age

If you are not a professional photographer, what you can do to strengthen the sale of your features with digital images.

8. Interviewing techniques

The art of getting the right answers by correctly structuring your interviews and asking smarter questions.

9. Effective Press Release writing: optional

Are getting the response you want?

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