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Instructor: Linda S. Melin
                     LindaSuzane@ureach.com

Course Description:
For beginning and experienced writers, this course includes both writing and Internet components. It will explore writing opportunities on the Internet, including self publishing, eBook publishers, POD, and zines. It will include elements of good writing, including grammar as well as the specialized terminology and techniques special to the Web. The course goal is to prepare a work to publish on the Internet. Prerequisites: Internet access and an understanding of Internet browsers.

CLASS 1
Introduction to Internet writing and e-publishing:
Exploding the Myths

The current state of Internet Publishing -- Looking at the Truth

Why would you want to be published on the Internet (Pros & Cons)

What is different about being an Ewriter

Writing assignment:
Write a non-fiction article 100 to 800 words for a web page or zine. It can be on any subject. It might be an opinion piece for a site such as epinions.com, a tip on writing for a writing zine, it might be an idea for an ongoing column at Suite101.com or About.com, or something to add to your own web page.

Additional Materials:
Michael Marcotte’s Article: Digital Publishing: Fatal E-traction or Economics in Action?

CLASS 2
The old way - The new way
Using the Internet to research markets

Finding a writing gig

The e-query

Submitting your work - format & standards

Write for the Internet
Length 

Problem of writing for a world wide audience 

Lack of editing (need to find readers, editors)

Spelling!

Poor writing

Where to find help -- Grammar and style book resources

Internet Writing Opportunities
Flash fiction

Pay per click - Themestream, writtenbyme, the vines

Writing for Communities: Guides, Gurus, Hosts

Writing Assignment:
Write a piece of flash fiction, no more than 500 words. Must have a beginning, middle, end, and dramatic tension. It must tell a story.

CLASS 3
More Internet Writing Opportunities
Zines & Newsletters

Book Reviews

Writing content

Writing for free versus being paid

Doing Your Own Thing
Creating your own eBooks (info products)

Compilers

Webseed

Starting a newsletter

Writing Assignment:
Research possible markets for your non-fiction article or your flash fiction or your book. Select one and determine their submission requirements. Prepare an e-query. Email your query to

CLASS 4
e-Publishing
Different kinds of publishers

Royalty Paying Publishers

Vanity e-publishers (We publish anything)

Pay to Publish (iUniverse, Xlibris, etc.)

Finding a good publisher

Contracts

What you can expect - sales, etc. Risks and benefits

What you don’t see is important - Meta Tags
What is a meta tag and why is it so important

Search engine placement

Developing keywords

Making your text work with your keywords

How to find out if you have good meta tags

Writing Assignment:
Prepare a series of descriptions and keywords that describe your article, flash fiction, or book. These should include a one liner to be part of your sig, a meta tag description, a description that will appear as a subject when posting, a series of no more than 20 keywords. Check these keywords to determine how often they appear in your opening paragraphs and how well they rank.

CLASS 5
Marketing and Promotion
What should be in your Press Kit

Writing a press release

Creating a web presence

Lists and Forums

Search Engine submission

Book reviews

Online booksellers

Writing Assignment:
Write an author’s bio for your press kit.

CLASS 6
Website design
If you are going to be a writer on the web you need a website.

Basic HTML for writers

What your website needs (design criteria)

Simple options for building a website

Do it yourself - Free tutorials

Hiring a web designer

Writing Assignment:
Write a press release for your press kit.

Additional Materials:
Bev Walton-Porter’s article: Developing a Press Release

CLASS 7
Making websites work
Merchant accounts, shopping carts, etc.

Downloads, CD-Rom

Affiliate Programs - Webrings

Creating your own newsletter (egroups, topica, etc.)

Author chats

Writing Assignment:
Write a book review. This can be a review of your own book or someone else’s book.

CLASS 8
The Internet Writing Community
Classes

Tutorials

Brain bench

Critique groups

Organizations, Epic, HTML Guild

Wrap up and review
Celebrating success