Feature Writing Intro Course
Write compelling features for print and digital on this two-day introduction course.
Taught by working journalists, with practical exercises and feedback on your own work.
Write compelling features for print and digital on this two-day introduction course. Taught by working journalists, with practical exercises and feedback on your own work.
-
Expert Trainers Experienced industry expert
- Class Size 1–8 in person or 1–6 online
- Support 28 days free helpdesk
- Cancellation 7 day cancellation
- Certificate Certificate of attendance
- Volume Discounts Save with Learning Pots
Feature Writing Intro Course
Write compelling long-form features for print and digital on this two-day introduction course.
You'll learn what defines a great feature story and how it differs from news, how to find and develop strong ideas, how to research your subject effectively, how to structure your feature for maximum impact using different formats, how to write a powerful opening that hooks the reader immediately, how to use quotes and interviews to bring your piece to life, and how to write with the style and authority that editors want.
Practical throughout with exercises and feedback.
Private & team training
Request a quote for Feature Writing Intro
This course isn’t on the public schedule right now. Request a quote and we’ll come back with dates, pricing, and delivery options — at our centre, live online, or at your venue.
Course Outline
Introduction
Defining characteristics of a feature story
How to construct a feature
Different feature formats: the Inverted Triangle vs the Diamond and other formats
Finding and researching good feature subjects
How to turn good ideas into good features
How to decide what features will work best
How to research a feature
Using the web and other published material and archives for new ideas
Spotting ideas in other sources that were not intended to offer feature options
The essentials of good English
Grammar and spelling
Sentence and paragraph construction
Feature writing styles
Secrets of structuring a feature
How to get your feature off to the right start
Organising elements in the most logical and interesting way
Different structures and formats
Finding a good ending for your feature
How to interview
Preparing for an interview
Deciding who to interview
Ensuring you are well-briefed
Getting the right quotes
Gaining your subject's confidence
Deciding when to use direct quotes
When to convert information into reported speech
Writing for digital readers
The differences between print and online reading habits
Linking to and embedding multimedia content in your features
How to meet deadlines
Setting realistic deadlines
Tips and tricks on how to make feature editors happy
Questions and answers
This course is available as a private course. This allows you to choose any dates for your training. And, if you wish, we can tailor the content for you or your team. Please contact us for more details.
Who is this course for?
For journalists, bloggers, content writers and aspiring feature writers who want to write long-form features for print or digital publication. No prior feature writing experience required.
Really interesting, inspiring and helpful with feedback.
Thank you Piers, this was an excellent day - so informative and useful! I have learnt so many things I'm keen to put into action in my next…
Emphasis on useful tips and relevant examples rather than a lot of time getting participants to try things out - an excellent balance - and…
This was a hugely helpful, thought-provoking course. Exactly what I needed! Piers was a knowledgeable and supportive trainer.
Piers was very interesting and engaging and had taken the time to look at some of our features ahead of the course.
Session covered lots of ground, offered really valuable practical and relevant tips. It delivered an ideal mix of Piers talking, group disc…
Our trainer was extremely good and very welcoming. It was nice to spend the two days with him.
Was a great experience, really can't fault it. I think it was the best course i've been on. Good timings for breaks etc and fab, knowledgea…
Swipe for more
Read course reviewsWho attends?
Career Progressives
Professionals who wish to develop skills for their current role and companies who believe in developing their talent.
Career Changers
People seeking opportunities which require new skills. Industry relevant training for those pursuing a new role.
Graduates
Certified courses for those who have earned their theoretical stripes, but need to prove capability to future employers.
Further Reading
Top Tips For Sub Editing
Everyone uses basic sub-editing skills when writing emails, reports, blogs, and more.
How Online Courses Can Improve Your Writing Skills
Want to learn to express yourself clearly, efficiently, and creatively through your writing?
7 Easy Tricks To Become A Professional Self Editor
Strong self-editing skills are essential for any professional who writes.