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How to Write Op-Eds and Personal Essays

Learn to write essays and get published in magazines, in newspapers, and online. This is the age of the essay. Now, more than ever, writers are finding essays to be the best way to get their voices heard and to get published in the mainstream media. Learn the basics of how to pitch to columns such as the New York Times ’ “Modern Love”; to the opinion pages of major newspapers like The Washington Post and The Boston Globe ; and to online sites including Slate, Salon , and The New Republic . Learn what makes a good idea; how to write an op-ed, a personal essay, and a nonfiction essay; and what publications are looking for right now. You will learn how to pitch your story to an editor and you will come away from the class with a complete essay ready for publication.
Registering at least three weeks prior to the course start date is highly recommended.
This course may be used to fulfill the requirements of the Certificate in Journalism. It may be taken to pursue these certificates, or as a standalone course. Questions? Contact us at The Center for Publishing and Applied Liberal Arts (PALA). Email sps.pala.ce@nyu.edu or call 212-998-7289.
This course is delivered in an online, self-paced (asynchronous) format. The instructor interacts with students and facilitates group discussions within NYU’s online learning platform. There are weekly deadlines for lesson and assignment completion.

More details

You'll Walk Away with

  • An overview of how to write effective personal essays
  • A draft of your own essay

Ideal for

  • Writers of all levels
  • The curious and creative
NO open sections available for this course at the moment. Please check back next semester.
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    • Section

      1
    • Semester

      Spring 2024
    • Date

      Mar 4 - May 6
    • Day

      Self-Paced
    • Time

      Self-Paced
      • Online
    • Format

      Online
      • Online
    • Sessions

      N/A
    • Location

      Self-Paced
    Tuition $1099