Best Online Writing Courses and Programs (2024)

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Online writing course curriculum

With online writing courses, any learner can master the skills needed to become a strong writer. Start with the fundamentals in an online grammar course, where you can learn about the different parts of speech, punctuation, conjugation, and sentence structure. Or more advanced writers can practice their storytelling and persuasive writing skills with an essay writing course. Develop your own style by reading and analyzing the works of other writers, and explore how to write in different formats and tones in creative writing courses.

You can even find courses that teach writing for specific contexts. For example, a business writing class may cover how to relay tough feedback or how to adjust your tone to build consensus.

For learners interested in advancing their knowledge in a variety of subjects, edX offers a range of educational opportunities, including boot camps, as well as bachelor's degree programs, and master’s degree programs. Explore how online education can help you build the critical skills you need and get started learning today.

Explore writing jobs

Clear writing and communication skills are assets in nearly every industry. Regardless of whether you work as a lawyer or a mathematician, you will likely need to be capable of crafting a well-written message.

But for those who enjoy writing, there are careers that can leverage their talents, including:

  • Journalist: Writes news or feature articles for video, online, or print publications.

  • Novelist or author: Focuses on storytelling by writing longform fiction and nonfiction.

  • Copywriter: Writes marketing-driven copy such as advertisements and emails.

  • Communications or public relations specialist: Delivers strategic messages on behalf of a client or an organization.

  • Speech writer: Crafts speeches for individuals including leaders or lawmakers.

  • Screenwriter: Develops scripts for movies, television shows, and other visual media.

  • Editor: Reviews and revises written materials for accuracy, clarity, and style.

How to start a career in writing

Writing takes practice. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the field, it’s important to ensure that you have a mastery of the fundamentals of writing. You can build those skills through instruction and coursework in which you have to apply what you have learned. That means responding to prompts, writing essays, and critically reviewing your work to better understand how you can improve.

Writing also requires expertise. While you can be a general writer, somebody who wants to pursue a technical writing career, for example, will need background knowledge of that field in order to be able to understand what they are reporting on or writing about. A strong understanding of how to research, interview, and source can also be beneficial for aspiring professionals in this space.

If you dream of being the next great writer, begin honing your craft with online courses delivered through edX.

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NewMaster's DegreesOnline degree programs from top universities
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Frequently asked questions

What makes written communication effective?

Effective writing is clear and accurate and provides enough context to engage readers and help them understand the message you are trying to deliver. For example, journalists provide context by focusing on the “who, what, when, where, and why” of a situation.

What are different types of writing?

There are many different types of writing including, but not limited to: persuasive writing, creative writing, poetry, script writing, journalism, nonfiction, academic writing, speech writing, and song writing.

How long does it take to become good at writing?

Learners develop writing skills at their own pace. Developing mastery takes practice and time.

Why is learning grammar difficult?

Sometimes grammatical rules are not universally applicable, which can make them difficult to remember. Everyone has different learning styles and speeds. Memorization can help, but practice is key.

How can you learn business writing skills?

There are online courses that can help you learn how to organize your ideas and develop your voice for a business setting. You can practice writing effective emails, reports, and presentations.

How do beginners learn creative writing?

Aspiring creative writers can develop their skills by taking classes that not only teach them about the essential elements of storytelling, but also give them opportunities to practice writing and critiquing both their own work and the work of other writers.

Best Online Writing Courses and Programs (2024)

FAQs

Best Online Writing Courses and Programs? ›

You can choose to major in English language and literature or composition and rhetoric. If you want to be a writer, getting plenty of time to practice is important. Some people think that an English degree is too general to help you secure a good job. However, the major allows you to be flexible.

What is the best course for writing? ›

  • Creative Writing Specialization.
  • Writing for Business Course.
  • Memoir Personal Essay Specialization.
  • Journalism Course.
  • Resume Writing Course.
  • Poetry Workshop Course.
  • Teaching Writing Specialization.
  • Writing in the Science Course.

Which course is best to become a writer? ›

You can choose to major in English language and literature or composition and rhetoric. If you want to be a writer, getting plenty of time to practice is important. Some people think that an English degree is too general to help you secure a good job. However, the major allows you to be flexible.

What is the best online writing platform? ›

Whether your goal is to diversify your content reach or build a solid freelancer portfolio, the following platforms will help you do just that.
  1. Medium. Medium continues to grow as one of the top free blogging platforms, drawing businesses and publishers to its ranks. ...
  2. Jekyll. ...
  3. Tumblr. ...
  4. Ghost. ...
  5. Wix. ...
  6. Postach.io. ...
  7. Squarespace. ...
  8. Web.com.
Mar 8, 2024

What is the most prestigious writing workshop? ›

The University of Iowa is home to the most prestigious writers' workshop in the nation. A key factor in that prestige is that the program is one of the oldest, starting nearly three decades before any other writing workshop in the U.S. It was also the first program in the country to offer an MFA in English.

What kind of writing is in most demand? ›

‍1. Book writing (ghostwriting)
  • Case studies. Case studies are another profitable type of writing that's in high demand. ...
  • Cryptocurrency. ...
  • Digital Marketing. ...
  • E-commerce. ...
  • Email marketing. ...
  • Healthcare and medical writing. ...
  • In-depth guides or long-form blog posts. ...
  • Landing pages or sales pages.
Jan 4, 2023

Is it worth taking a writing course? ›

Writing is a fundamental skill that we use every day, from emails and business writing to essays, anecdotes and, for some, even novels. Whether you're an aspiring writer or you just want to improve your day-to-day writing, taking a writing course could be one of the best decisions you'll ever make.

Can I become a writer without a degree? ›

The good news is that you don't need a degree to be a freelance writer. But that doesn't mean a degree can't be helpful. Studying English, journalism, communications, or creative writing can all be helpful when starting a career as a freelance writer.

Do writers make good money? ›

As they gain more experience (1-4 years) are expected to earn an average of $52,945. With 5-9 years of experience, the average salary can increase to $65,971. In their later career (20 years and higher), writers can make an average total compensation of $69,109.

What is the 1 site for writing professionals? ›

In this article, we'll explore some of the top freelance writing sites and platforms to help launch or expand your remote writing career. Upwork: Upwork is one of the largest and most well-known online marketplaces for freelancers of all types.

What is the most popular writing website? ›

Here are our favorite writing websites that can help you perfect your craft:
  • Scribophile. ...
  • Self-Publishing Formula. ...
  • Almost An Author. ...
  • Creativity Portal. ...
  • Writer's Digest. ...
  • Insecure Writer's Support Group. ...
  • LitReactor. ...
  • Now Novel. Now Novel is a comprehensive platform that helps writers plan, outline, and write their novels.
Feb 12, 2024

How can I learn online writing? ›

Start with the fundamentals in an online grammar course, where you can learn about the different parts of speech, punctuation, conjugation, and sentence structure. Or more advanced writers can practice their storytelling and persuasive writing skills with an essay writing course.

What writing pays the most? ›

9 High-Paying Writing Jobs for Word People: Editors, Writers, and...
  1. Editor. Average salary: $57,164. ...
  2. Content marketing manager. Average salary: $71,590. ...
  3. Communications manager. Average salary: $69,856. ...
  4. Technical writer. Average salary: $63,929. ...
  5. Medical writer. Average salary: $78,571. ...
  6. PR manager. ...
  7. Copywriter. ...
  8. Research analyst.

What is the most professional writing style? ›

Professional writing should always be clear and easy to read and follow. You should also avoid being too casual with new or unfamiliar audiences. And even familiar audiences should still be written to with a respectful, positive tone.

Who is considered to be the best writer in the world? ›

1. William Shakespeare. William Shakespeare is considered one of the greatest writers in the world. He was an English poet, playwright, and actor.

What is the highest paying writing career? ›

High Paying Creative Writer Jobs
  • Writer Producer. Salary range: $51,000-$78,000 per year. ...
  • Book Reviewer. Salary range: $47,000-$76,000 per year. ...
  • Script Writer. Salary range: $40,500-$73,000 per year. ...
  • Staff Writer. Salary range: $47,000-$65,000 per year. ...
  • Ghost Writer. ...
  • Freelance Writer. ...
  • Blog Writer. ...
  • Writer.

What is a basic writing course? ›

Basic writing, or developmental writing, is a subdiscipline of composition studies which focuses on the writing of students sometimes otherwise called "remedial" or "underprepared", usually freshman college students.

Is there a course for writers? ›

Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing is a four-year program that is designed to nurture and guide aspiring student writers in the four major genres: poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and drama.

What college has the best writing program? ›

If you're wondering which school has the best creative writing program, Brown University is the top-ranked college to attend for students interested in creative writing. Brown University's English Department offers various courses for students to explore their interests and hone their writing skills.

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