Magazine Writing And Business Practices
The aim of this module is to enable a thorough understanding of how print and web magazines operate and promote the production of written content to commercially publishable standards. To write effectively for magazines it is essential to understand how they are run and what makes them distinctive. Having that total focus on a magazine's identity, purpose and operations is essential for producing reader-addictive content. Topics covered: originating content ideas, targeting publications, meeting reader expectations, writing techniques including attention to style, voice and tone, creative intros, feature structures, the outro, intertextual references, sidebars, Q&As and pitching; market sector and audience; revenue models and budgets, including editorial budgets; advertising, marketing, printing processes, circulation and distribution; the distinction between B2B and consumer magazines and investigation of key types of consumer magazines including national, regional and local consumer magazines and the B2B sector. The syllabus for the operational elements of the module will also prepare students for the NCTJ examination in the business of magazines should they wish to take it. A portfolio of coursework and in-class tests will be used for the assessment of the module. Writing for magazines must be produced and pitched to editorially rigorous publications, print and/or online. Guest speakers will be invited to talk about particular aspects of magazine work and there will be one field trip to observe professional magazine production.
Module code: JOUR50338