Quebec Writers' Federation Workshops

Spring Session 2009

Develop your writing with the mentorship of an acclaimed professional writer and feedback from your peers.

Workshops take place at the QWF office, Suite 3, Atwater Library unless otherwise indicated.

PITCH, PUBLISH AND GET PAID: HOW TO SUCCEED AS A FREELANCE WRITER

Eight Wednesdays, 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. (March 4–April 29— no meeting April 8)

1200 Atwater Avenue, Suite 3
Workshop leader: Craig Silverman

Making a living as a freelance writer requires a diverse skill set. Successful freelancers mix high-quality writing with efficient business practices. This workshop addresses both areas to help participants establish, manage and advance their freelance career.

Participants will develop story ideas, identify potential markets, and write compelling query letters. They will also draft a basic business plan for their writing enterprise. A priority is placed on helping participants pitch and place articles, while at the same time working to develop their business skills.

The workshop will also provide instruction in:

• -Forging strong relationships with editors
• -Negotiating pay, contracts and copyright
• -Building a professional brand
• -Networking
• -Taxes and accounting
• -Branching out into books, film work and other areas

To prepare for the workshop, participants are asked to think about their goals as a freelance writer and develop story ideas that can be turned into pitches during the workshop.

Craig Silverman is an award-winning journalist and author. A columnist for the Globe And Mail, Hour, and Columbia Journalism Review, his writing has appeared in The New York Times, the Montreal Gazette, Toronto Star, and Report On Business magazine. His book, Regret the Error: How Media Mistakes Pollute the Press and Imperil Free Speech, won the Arthur Rowse Award for Press Criticism from the National Press Club in Washington. Craig also received a gold medal at the 2008 Canadian National Magazine Awards. His second book, written with Michael Calce, is Mafiaboy: How I Cracked the Internet and Why It's Still Broken. www.craigsilverman.ca

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