Specialist writing
There are principles that apply regardless of your specialism, whether that's writing about arts and culture, gadgets, travel, wine, food or business to name but a few. And whether you work on a newspaper, consumer/B2B magazine, website or blog, great specialist writing is all about understanding your audience and meeting their needs.
• Generating great specialist feature ideas;
• How to make useful contacts within your field;
• The tools to cover any story;
• Speaking to your audience - how to entertain, inspire and inform your reader in a relevant writing style
• What to look out for - and why you have to be wary with press releases;
• Converting boring AGMs, annual reports and press releases into fantastic copy
• Covering news conferences, one-on-one interviews, major announcements and breaking news;
• Navigate the jargon and spin doctor-speak to get answers and the information you need;
• The art of a great review;
• Great personality or guru interview: what to ask and how to research and frame questions;
• Structuring your story and bringing in colour and context; and,
• Using your basic tools effectively, from a laptop to cell phone, to your notebook; and,
• ?How to help your ad team without selling your soul!
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Who should attend:
This workshop is designed for journalists who wish to write specialist stories, features or reviews. It assumes a good basis in writing and is a beat level course.
About your expert facilitator:
Claire Hu has worked at a senior level on renowned specialist magazines, websites and newspapers in subjects ranging from retail, hospitality, culture, travel, food and wine to restaurants. She has worked as editor, journalist and sub-editor on industry and consumer titles including The Grocer, Harpers, Wine and Spirit, SA Food Review, Business Day, Taste and CNN and launched two new trade magazines. A Business Features Writer of the Year (PPA), she has great insight into the unique challenges of writing for a specialist audience. With 18 years of experience working for specialist publications as well as UK newspapers including The Guardian and London Evening Standard, she has excellent editorial standards as well as awareness of the commercial challenges of running a specialist title.
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Had something else in mind?
The IAJ are the media training specialists. If you can't find what you're looking for on our website, please contact our writing unit manager, Sandra Roberts on 011 482 4990 or az.gro.jai@etirw to discuss your requirements.
Time: 09:00 - 16:00
Venue: Institute for the Advancement of Journalism, Johannesburg
More info:
Institute for the Advancement of Journalism
1 Richmond Forum, Cedar Avenue Richmond