Journalism and Freelancing – Level 1

A beginner’s course on earning extra income as a freelance journalist

Due to COVID-19, all courses are taught remotely.

Who

Non-fiction writers with minimal experience writing and/ or working part-time as a writer

Where

Zoom/Online (for now)

When

TBD with registrants. I’ll work with you on when we’ll begin the course.

For How Long

Weekly 45-minute meetings for 8 weeks

Cost

Use the email form below for cost details.

Learn:

  • Writing prompts and workshop ideas to get started as a non-fiction writer
  • The elements of a strong piece of non-fiction, via editorial feedback on drafts
  • How to research effectively as a non-fiction writer
  • How to write compelling and timely pitches for editors at mid-level newspapers, magazines and online outlets
  • Tips on managing your financial health as a freelance writer, from invoicing to tax advice

I’ll Coach You to Develop:

  • Concise and engaging pitches and editorial copy
  • Well-organized databases to manage your projects
  • Deeper understanding of the challenges you’ll be facing and effective tactics to overcome them (I’ve been there before, trust me!)

Course Summary:

It’s not easy to break into the freelance journalism space, but that’s where this course can help you tackle the challenges as a burgeoning non-fiction writer. Ideal for freelance journalists seeking to establish resilient habits, this course will focus on specific topics each week via online discussions and workshops, such as recognizing the key ingredients of a compelling pitch to editors. You’ll also learn how to write short-form and long-form feature articles, the basics of interviewing sources, and how to establish the skills and resilience to thrive in the content creation business.

I’ll also work with you to develop spreadsheets to track your pitches and recent work, share important advice on developing relationships with news outlets, negotiating fees, harnessing social media to find stories and editorial contacts, and much more. I’ll share ways to efficiently organize your finances and how to write off certain expenses. In the final session, I’ll reveal a trove of strategic advice from experienced journalists and editors from across Canada on what they look for in a journalist.

Testimonial from Rahul Gupta, a Toronto freelance journalist and former reporter for Torstar:

“I am new to freelancing and David provided me with useful tips and advice on pitching and other skills, drawing upon his considerable experience as a journalist. He showed me how to better organize, particularly when it comes to invoicing and bookkeeping. I am grateful for his expertise!”

Get the course outline!

My clients include

years
as writer
0
published
articles
0 +
writing workshop sessions
0
experienced writing coach to help you today
0

I honestly can’t wait to teach you how to be a better writer

When I first started leading writing workshops in 2008, I realized I found my passion: to help writers–at any level of experience–to improve their craft and launch successful freelance careers. I’ve been working hard to hone my own freelance writing business and it’s time for me to share my tips and advice with you!

WRITER TRAINING
& COACHING

Customized 1-on-1 personal workshops and coaching for writers of any age, any genre (non-fiction, fiction, poetry/spoken word, theatre, etc).

EVALUATING
& EDITING YOUR WORK

Deep edits of your projects, from editorial pitches to articles to novels-in-progress to solo shows to poetry.

YOUR PASSION CAN ALSO BE YOUR CAREER

If you want to turn your love of writing into a professional career, I can help you work towards that goal...because I've been there, and done that! With some guidance, you can get there, too.

SHARING ADVICE I’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST 20 YEARS

I’ve never revealed some of these lessons on improving your writing and freelance business. With my coaching courses, you’ll get the most actionable and practical insight on improving your writing skills AND finding a fulfilling career as a writer.

“I can’t say enough about David. He is professional, intelligent, focused, and personable. David is excellent at solving challenging predicaments through sheer brainpower and effective collaboration. While deftly overcoming immediate obstacles, David has an impressive ability to focus on the future and initiate ideas and processes that will create value over time. David is reliable and highly competent.”

- Emily Progin, PR and Communications Manager

“David conceptualized and wrote a variety of high-quality content for Blue J Legal, including long-form articles and client features. David is adept at translating complex topics like legal technology and the future of legal research into digestible, accessible and compelling copy. David is diligent, assiduous and creative. If you’re looking for polished writing and a professional partner, David is your guy.”

-Michael Rodgers, Director of Marketing, Blue J Legal

“If you are curious about journalism, then definitely turn to David for insight and guidance. I’m grateful for the time he’s spent teaching me and I hope to engage with him further in the future.”

-Eden Wine, life coach and mindset consultant

“I am new to freelancing and David provided me with useful tips and advice on pitching and other skills, drawing upon his considerable experience as a journalist. He showed me how to better organize as a freelance writer, particularly when it comes to invoicing and bookkeeping. I am grateful for his expertise!”

-Rahul Gupta, freelance journalist, former reporter for Torstar Community News

“David really listens to your goals and is considerate of where you want to go with your writing. He is a talented, generous, amiable and dynamic writer and instructor who understands the freelance world intimately and holds open the door.”

-Emily Lamb, Writer and Spoken Word Poet

“David is a hard-working and talented writer. He comes up with great ideas, and always meets his deadlines. As importantly, he is very friendly and easy to work with.”

-Will Smale, BBC News editor, Business Desk

“David Silverberg has been a guest speaker at Brain Power – Canada’s award-winning enrichment education provider to bright and talented youth – for many years. He has provided workshops on journalism, performance poetry, and writing to junior high and high schoolers and left them inspired and informed each and every time. David is not only a consummate professional, he is also an empathetic speaker, a role model, and a font of wisdom. Brain Power prides itself on providing academically-inclined students with top-notch transformative learning experiences – and David’s workshops always deliver.”

 

Karine Rashkovsky, President, Brain Power Education

“David Silverberg is a storyteller a heart. He approaches the stage with wit, whimsey, humor and humility. He is often irreverent, always insightful, and deeply compassionate. In his writing, he reaches across place and time, drawing on history, pop culture, his relationships, and his memories, as he searches for those things we share, which nevertheless feel deeply personal, and in this way connect us all. In this work he endeavours to cultivate an ever-greater sense of tolerance between us.”

-Jon Hedderwick, Artistic Director, Peterborough Poetry Slam
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