The Business of Writing: Practical Skills for the Professional Writer

WRITING 755.5E

Learn the strategies and tips to succeed and thrive as a professional writer, from branding yourself and your work to confidently discussing money and contracts.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS COURSE
Live Online
$0
As few as 1 day
0.0

What you can learn.

  • Identify your unique skills, gifts, and interests as a writer to position yourself in the publishing world
  • Learn to market your work and brand yourself to ensure your writing reaches the right readers
  • Identify which professionals should work on your team and why, from accountants to lawyers
  • Get tips on how to diversify your revenue streams to stay financially healthy

About this course:

In the creative writing world, we often hear only what to do that might garner the coveted publishing contract. But say you get that deal. Now what? In this course, you’ll learn the strategies and tips to succeed and continue to thrive as a professional writer. This includes: vision-casting for your unique gifts and interests; marketing and branding yourself and your work (and how to partner with a publisher in this); whether and how to work with accountants, agents, and lawyers; selecting strategic venues and events in which to participate; diversifying revenue streams (through in-person appearances, workshops, sales, and more); making your live readings sought-after events that are engaging and resonant; and in all of it, knowing your worth and confidently discussing money with all the relevant professionals. Through focused lectures, illustrations, selected readings, and targeted video excerpts, participants will gain clarity about how to navigate the practical, behind-the-scenes realities to become – and remain – a working author.

Winter 2025 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
Saturday 10:00AM - 1:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens February 15, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Clifford Brooks
400992
Live Onlineformat icon
Location: UCLA X Open
Notes

This course is held via video teleconference. As such, instructors use Zoom to offer a live class meeting at the designated time. Students must be present at the course meeting time to participate in the class.

Enrollment opens two weeks prior to the event. Enrollment limited; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.

 

Course Requirements

Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Sat Mar 1, 2025
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA X Open
writing and journalism

Explore the UCLA Extension Writers' Program.

Learn from successful writers. Finish a novel. Complete a screenplay. Publish poetry. Write with purpose and impact.

Contact Us

Speak to a student advisor. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
Ready to start
your future?
By signing up, you agree to UCLA Extension’s Privacy Policy.

vector icon of building

Corporate Education

Learn how we can help your organization meet its professional development goals and corporate training needs.

Learn More

vector icon of building

Donate to UCLA Extension

Support our many efforts to reach communities in need.

Innovation Programs

Student Scholarships

Lifelong Learning

See More