Online Class: Nonfiction Writing 101

Rooted in truth and authenticity, this course elevates your nonfiction writing skills by exploring the intricate balance of research, structure, and style. Dive deep into techniques for creating impactful content, ready to captivate audiences and meet industry standards.

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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 13
    Lessons
  • 31
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 2,020
    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:
4.6 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,879 votes)

Lesson 1. Mastering Nonfiction: A Writer's Comprehensive Guide

A nonfiction writer's journey from crafting ideas to manuscripts involves embracing authenticity and structuring compelling narratives to resonate with audiences. Fact-checking and inspiring change are paramount, ensuring work resonates with readers and fosters a broader transformation. 28 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1: Before You Start, Think Like An Editor
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Nonfiction Mastery: Crafting Engaging, Fact-Based Narratives

Transitioning from articles to projects involves developing extensive, data-driven content that educates and informs, focusing on subjects like technical guides or comprehensive manuals. Projects require cohesive planning to compile detailed, informational articles that collectively achieve an overarching instructional purpose. 20 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Types of Nonfiction
  • Assessment: Lesson 2: Article, Project or Book?
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. Holistic Learning: Embracing the Full Spectrum of Education

External experiences—ranging from internships to community projects—serve as invaluable conduits for real-world applications and broader perspectives, augmenting classroom learning. These engagements cultivate crucial skills like problem-solving, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity, pivotal for thriving in a global context. 13 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3: Subject, Title and Subtitles
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. Writing with Depth and Precision

In the intricate dance of research and storytelling, nonfiction writers turn complex subjects into engaging narratives, enriched by vivid detail and emotional connection. The blend of library exploration and digital inquiry amplifies the scope and depth of content. 14 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Research
  • Assessment: Lesson 4: Researching Your Subject
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. Navigating Nonfiction Competition: A Path to Success

To succeed in nonfiction writing, authors need to balance innovation with relevance, drawing inspiration from established writers while engaging with ongoing market trends. Building a strong network and adapting to the ever-evolving publishing world are key strategies for thriving in this dynamic field. 44 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 5: Reviewing Your Competition
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

Lesson 6. The Power of Structure in Nonfiction

An effectively structured nonfiction piece uses logical patterns like the 'structure funnel,' which starts with general insights and narrows down to specific arguments, then circles back in the conclusion. This logical approach aligns with human cognitive patterns, guiding readers smoothly through a narrative that balances creativity with a disciplined framework. 21 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6: Structure and Organization
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. Writing: A Practice in Patience and Perseverance

Writing flourishes when woven with personal experiences and awareness, akin to adapting to different dance styles. This adaptability, rooted in self-awareness and understanding your societal role, enhances your ability to craft resonant and insightful narratives. 11 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7: Writers Write; Getting Comfy in Your Own Skin
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. Overcoming Common Writing Hurdles

Writer's block and narrative disconnects are common challenges that can impede creative progress, as seen in the abrupt transitions that can disorient readers. By refining the art of paragraph hooks and applying strategies like changing the environment or establishing rituals, writers can reignite inspiration and turn hurdles into opportunities for growth. 23 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Writer's Block
  • Assessment: Lesson 8: Get To The Finish Line; What To Do When You Hit A Block
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. The Art of Sculpting Words: Embracing the Rewrite

Through rewriting, writers channel their narrative into a seamless flow, echoing a journey with thoughtful transitions while embracing the rhythmic nuances of sentence structure. By diving deep into themes and structures, authors enrich stories with vivid analogies, compelling engagement and resonant experiences for their readers. 41 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 9: Rewriting and Rhythm; Polishing for Your Audience
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Review Exam

Lesson 10. Words Matter: The Art of Spelling, Grammar, and Punctuation

Punctuation dictates intonation and rhythm in writing, with periods, commas, and semicolons refining narrative flow. By mastering punctuation’s nuances, writers enhance readability and emotional impact within their work, guiding readers with precision. 43 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 10: Spelling, Grammar and Proper Punctuation
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Review Exam

Lesson 11. Transformative Touch: Elevating Your Writing Through Editing

The editing process is pivotal in a manuscript's journey from draft to publication, involving developmental, copyediting, and proofreading stages, each contributing to the work's coherence and brilliance. An effective writer-editor partnership balances creative inspiration with critical insights, forging a path to the polished final product. 28 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11: Edit and Edit Again
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Review Exam

Lesson 12. The Bridge of Trust: Ensuring Reliability in Nonfiction Writing

In nonfiction writing, fact-checking transcends simple verification, forming a bridge of trust between writers and readers by ensuring accuracy and credibility. Missteps can ruin this trust, so writers must utilize tools like dictionaries and reputable sources to safeguard their work from inaccuracies. 29 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 12: Fact Checking and Proper Notation
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Review Exam

Lesson 13. From Draft to Darling: Engaging Editors with Formatting Finesse

Engage readers with a clear voice and real-world examples that enhance nonfiction narratives, making them relatable and evidence-based. Personal anecdotes and scientific studies can deepen your message and establish rapport with your audience. 86 Total Points
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Course Completion Poll: Your Thoughts; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 13: Layout, Proper Spacing and Format – Your Finished Product
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Review Exam
401
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: 4.6 / 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
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.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
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.