Online Class: Nonfiction Writing 101

This course is designed to take you beyond the basics and to guide you through the writing process to the finish line. In the course, you will learn how to think like an editor, how to choose your subject matter and examine your competition.

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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 13
    Lessons
  • 25
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 2,017
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 9
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.9
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Mastering the Craft of Nonfiction Writing

In a world oversaturated with information, the art of nonfiction writing stands as a testament to the pursuit of truth, authenticity, and in-depth exploration of experiences and events. From the comprehensive histories penned by biographers to the daily news snippets curated by journalists, nonfiction embodies an expansive spectrum of writing that roots itself in verifiable reality.

Recent data suggests that the consumption of nonfiction content, particularly online, has seen a surge with the growing demand for genuine, insightful, and well-researched information. In such a climate, equipping oneself with superior nonfiction writing skills can be a game-changer.

Welcome to our advanced course in nonfiction writing, where we endeavor to hone your skills beyond rudimentary levels, readying you for the competitive world of content creation and publishing. This course delves deep into not just the 'how' but also the 'why' of nonfiction writing, ensuring a holistic learning experience.

Lesson 1: The Editor's Perspective
Before pen meets paper, learn the mindset of an editor. Understand the nuances of content selection, quality control, and reader engagement from an editorial vantage point.

Lesson 2: Deciphering the Format
Is it an article, a project, or a book you wish to write? Determine the ideal format for your content based on its length, depth, and target audience.

Lesson 3: Crafting the Perfect Subject & Title
Discover techniques to select compelling subjects, design captivating titles, and engage your reader from the get-go.

Lesson 4: In-depth Research
Good nonfiction is grounded in thorough research. Acquaint yourself with tools, methodologies, and ethics in collecting and presenting information.

Lesson 5: Scouting the Competition
In a competitive landscape, understanding what others are doing can give you an edge. Learn to analyze the market and identify gaps you can fill with your unique perspective.

Lesson 6: Building Structure
Organize your thoughts coherently. Grasp the principles of logical flow, chapter divisions, and maintaining a consistent tone throughout your work.

Lesson 7: Embrace the Writer Within
Delve into the psychology of writing. Explore personal barriers, understand your writing style, and celebrate the unique voice you bring to the table.

Lesson 8: Conquering Writer’s Block
Stagnation hits the best of us. Unearth strategies to rejuvenate your creativity, maintain momentum, and ensure consistent progress in your writing journey.

Lesson 9: Rhythmic Writing
Good writing resonates. Unravel the art of pacing, tone variation, and how to revise content to maximize impact and readability.

Lesson 10: Technical Perfection
No content shines without impeccable grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Reinforce your command over the language, ensuring clarity and precision.

Lesson 11: The Editing Mantra
The first draft is just the beginning. Immerse in iterative editing processes, refining content to mirror publishing standards.

Lesson 12: Upholding Authenticity
Nonfiction's essence lies in its truthfulness. Grasp the importance of fact-checking, sourcing, and proper notation to uphold your credibility.

Lesson 13: The Final Presentation
Once written, the presentation is paramount. Learn about layout decisions, spacing nuances, and formatting techniques to ensure your work is not just well-written but also well-presented.

In essence, this course promises not just to teach you nonfiction writing, but to immerse you in its universe. By its culmination, you should not only be adept at creating compelling content but also be well-versed in presenting it to publishers and readers alike. Remember, the essence of a writer lies in writing. So, let's dive in and start crafting!

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.55 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,879 votes)

Lesson 1: Before You Start, Think Like An Editor

11 Points
To do anything well in life you must begin by knowing what the critics of your work will object to, what they will turn away from, and what they will buy. Nonfiction writing is no different.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 1: Before You Start, Think Like An Editor

Lesson 2: Article, Project, or Book?

10 Points
Before you begin writing you must have a clear understanding of what type of writing you are setting out to accomplish. This is far more important in nonfiction writing than in fiction or creative writing.
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Types of Nonfiction
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 2: Article, Project or Book?

Lesson 3: Subject, Title, and Subtitles

11 Points
In order for your work to make sense, you must limit or draw boundaries around a portion or niche of your subject matter. If you have no boundaries or niche, then your writing becomes ineffective and does not accomplish your intent or persuasively convey your thesis.
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 3: Subject, Title and Subtitles

Lesson 4: Researching Your Subject

9 Points
This lesson is about the references and material available to you to properly write about your subject.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Research
  • Assessment: Lesson 4: Researching Your Subject

Lesson 5: Reviewing Your Competition

35 Points
Before you bid on a nonfiction writing project and before you begin writing your material, you must review your competition. Additional lesson topics: Freelance Writing; Selling Your Nonfiction Book
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 5: Reviewing Your Competition

Lesson 6: Structure and Organization

7 Points
It doesn't matter how bright or educated you are, if you cannot keep your manuscript together so that others can easily understand it when they read, then you are not producing salable nonfiction work.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6: Structure and Organization

Lesson 7: Writers Write; Getting Comfy in Your Own Skin

35 Points
When you are comfortable with yourself, and as a writer, your personal writing style will flow naturally. The best way to get there is to practice your art.
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 7: Writers Write; Getting Comfy in Your Own Skin

Lesson 8: Get to the Finish Line; What to Do When You Hit a Block

12 Points
As an editor, one of the questions I am most often asked is, "How do I get my work finished?" This question is common, especially among new or first time writers. Additional lesson topics: Overcoming Writer's Block
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Writer's Block
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 8: Get To The Finish Line; What To Do When You Hit A Block

Lesson 9: Rewriting and Rhythm; Polishing for Your Audience

33 Points
As an editor, one of the first things I tell writers is to consider your audience. Always consider your reading audience.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 9: Rewriting and Rhythm; Polishing for Your Audience

Lesson 10: Spelling, Grammar, and Proper Punctuation

34 Points
Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are important finishing touches that will make the difference in whether your manuscript gets off of the editor's desk to the press or into the "never" basket.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 10: Spelling, Grammar and Proper Punctuation

Lesson 11: Edit and Edit Again

8 Points
While the nonfiction writer must be prepared for the inevitable changes to his or her manuscript when submitting to an editor or client, it is of utmost importance to edit your work before submission.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11: Edit and Edit Again

Lesson 12: Fact Checking and Proper Notation

34 Points
If you do not get your facts correct, then you lose credibility as a nonfiction writer and you soon become someone that editors and publishers are not interested in publishing.
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 12: Fact Checking and Proper Notation

Lesson 13: Layout, Proper Spacing, and Format - Your Finished Product

91 Points
While it is easy to understand the intention, most editors and clients want the finished product delivered in a very plain form. The reasons have to do with publishing rather than your manuscript's content.
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Course Completion Poll: Your Thoughts; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 13: Layout, Proper Spacing and Format – Your Finished Product
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
330
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Summarize how to think like an editor.
  • Define article, project and book.
  • Identify subject, title and subtitles.
  • Research your subject.
  • Review your competition.
  • Identify structure and organization.
  • Write.
  • Summarize what to do when you hit a block.
  • Identify what needs to be polished for your audience.
  • Perform spelling and grammar check.
  • Edit and edit again.
  • Fact check and provide proper notation.
  • Demonstrate layout, proper spacing and format, and submit your finished product.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Nonfiction Writing 101
Course Number: 9770555
Lessons Rating: 4.55 / 5 Stars (1,879 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is available online in all U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in English-speaking countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: March 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.9 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Dana Kristan
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "So far she is my favorite instructor on Universal class. Her classes are packed with very informative lessons. Nothing is fluff." -- Erin C.
  • "The course give me valuable information concerning how professional writing is done; how to please an editor, how to displease an editor, where to look for potential markets, developing a rhythm in writing ,using headings and subheadings to hold a reader's interest, etc. Most of the lessons, I realize, will be most valuable in use as reference materials. I wish to thank the instructor for an enjoyable class. I plan to take more from her. I would recommend her highly to friends planning to take courses in this area." -- Bill M.
  • "Very helpful instructor." -- Tracy C.
  • "This course was great." -- Janet M.
  • "The various lessons were very helpful in gaining knowledge about writing." -- Tenika J.
  • "I liked how the instructor didn't just grade the assignments, but gave comments about my work. She seemed very knowledgeable in the subject. I will be taking other classes from Universal." -- Laura V.
  • "The lesson material and the related links were most helpful. I liked the condensed comprehensive lessons, they contained essential information without being overwhelming. The links contained excellent resources that I can use any time. The lessons were well thought out and flowed in a logical manner and was very useful. The instructor was prompt in marking." -- Dyanne C.
  • "The instructor gave excellent advice and was very knowledgeable and helpful. The entire course was helpful; learning everything to get started with nonfiction writing; how to succeed at it. Lots of excellent advice; extremely helpful." -- Heather P.
  • "What a great teacher for this class, I thought." -- S. Marie V.