Benefits of Online Writing Courses
Why You Don't Need a College Degree to be a Successful Writer
Whether you are a novice or a published writer, online writing courses offer something for every stage of your writing career.
People will always debate the necessity of a college degree when it comes to the field of writing. Whether or not you are a college graduate, you can still be a great writer. The success of one’s writing career hinges primarily on one’s ability to write, and you don’t need to spend four years in a traditional college institution to hone your craft. Online courses are a great alternative. Here are some things to consider:
Cost of Traditional College Education vs. Online Writing Courses
The average four-year college education at a private university for the 2007-08 school year costs almost $24,000 according to collegeboard.com. Compare that with the average online writing course, which is approximately $400.
Ability to Focus Solely on the Craft of Writing
If you choose to attend a traditional college or university, chances are very good that you will be spending a majority of your time studying subjects other than writing. Even those who major in Creative Writing, English or Journalism are still expected to take courses in other areas. This means that at least half of the four years you spend in college, you are studying other things other than writing. However, if you decide to take writing courses online, you are only studying things that directly pertain to your craft. Instead of economics, statistics and biology, you are writing in workshops and building the skills necessary to be a competent writer.
Teachers that are Experts
While it is true that colleges hire professionals to teach in their respective subject, most have been actively out of the discipline for some time, or they are more focused on the academic portion of their field. However, a majority of online writing courses are taught by experts actively writing for publications, newspapers, websites and popular books. This means that they are up-to-date on current trends in the field. Not only do they provide students with the theory necessary to succeed, but also the practical and hands-on experience that college graduates often lack.
Courses for Every Stage of Your Writing Career
Online writing courses benefit everyone: from the stay-at-home parent, to the beginner fresh out of high school, to the experienced and published writer alike. With the amount of different courses offered, you can study in both your skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and your genre/field (article writing, novel writing, editing).
Some Popular Websites Offering Online Writing Courses
Some of the more popular and highest rated online writing courses include those offered by Mediabistro, Gotham Writer's Workshop and Writer's Digest. The length of each class varies as does the cost, depending on which site you choose.
Online courses can be a great way to build and improve your writing skills, as well as get working knowledge of the industry. Because college is not the right choice for everyone, online writing courses can give you an opportunity to learn about the field of writing as well as to obtain the practice and constructive criticism necessary to succeed in the industry.
