Pitching & Writing Masterclass
Most time-poor people don’t read more than a few sentences of a news story or journal abstract. You have just 15 seconds to win their attention – before they click away.
Our Pitching & Writing Masterclass, led by a senior Conversation editor, shows you how to win the right kind of attention, from the right readers, for your work.
This is an intensive, individually tailored 4-hour online workshop, split over two days. We limit each class to 5 participants per class, so you’ll receive focused feedback on your work – including its realistic chances of acceptance if you pitched it to news outlets such as The Conversation, ABC News, major newspapers or targeted industry outlets.
Practical tips, real success stories
Many of our best tips are based on real examples from past masterclass participants, who’ve gone on to successfully pitch and publish with outlets including The Conversation, ABC News, The Guardian, major newspapers, as well as key industry news publications.
The most useful professional development workshop I have ever attended. Every single point was new(s) to me and it was invaluable to have feedback from such experienced editors. Not only has this transformed my understanding of how to pitch to The Conversation and other media, the insights benefit my writing for professional newsletters and grant applications. 6 stars out of 5.
What we teach – including pre-class homework
Before each online class, participants are asked to draft a story “pitch” – ideally based on your own new/unpublished research – and identify where you’d like to see it published.
This is an essential step. The participants who’ve achieved the best outcomes, such as having their work published by a leading news outlet, have all put time and effort into their pre-class homework.
(If you're not sure if you have a story to seek feedback on, or can’t do the pre-class work, email masterclass@theconversation.edu.au to discuss the right time for you to do the class.)
Over two days, our senior editor will help you see if your story’s likely to attract media interest. We share practical tips on the elements and structure of a good pitch. If your idea has potential, we’ll show you how to make it even better.
But we also want to save you from needless rejection. If we can see your story has been covered already, we won’t waste your time. Instead, we’ll offer strategic advice on what else to try – including by asking what else you’re working on as another potential pitch.
Since a well-written article often leads to follow-up media coverage, as a bonus we finish day 2 with brief tips on making the most of any broadcast interview.
Everyone who joins our class leaves with a clearer understanding of:
● why timing matters so much when sharing your research with the public
● what the phrase “new research” means to journalists – and how it's completely different to standard academic timeframes
● how applying our simple tips can make your pitch stand out from the pack.
Experienced editors you can trust
The editors who lead our masterclass program have decades of journalism experience, not only with The Conversation but other media outlets including the ABC, Nature, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Sky News and Reuters.
Our editors work with academics every day, so they understand the pressures of trying to produce rigorous, accurate research – then somehow finding time for public engagement.
That's why we created this masterclass by request from our university partners. Since launching it in 2016, we’ve trained hundreds of researchers across Australia.
Outstanding feedback
“Will highly recommend this to colleagues. The tips from this session are invaluable for researchers. Communicating research findings with media and a wider audience is an essential part of increasing opportunities for our research to have real world impact.”
"Outstanding. Provided essential information on what media are looking for, how to draft it in plain language, and why timing matters. The writing assignments and revision process were great.”
This is the best PD I have engaged in over many years. Provided informative and focussed information and discussion in a friendly, professional environment.
Best use of 4 hours of my time.
Cost & class delivery
Our masterclass is taught by a Conversation editor via two, 2-hour interactive Zoom sessions over two days, with online and offline writing assignments.
Classes are AUD$1,200 + GST ($1,320) per person, or $6,000 + GST ($6,600) for a class of 5 participants.
Payment options include direct bank transfer (no fees) or credit card (1.75% Stripe fee).
● Most universities book one or more classes of 5 participants at a time. If a single participant is unable to attend, you have the option of nominating a replacement.
● We also offer one class for 5 individual researchers roughly every two months, with a waiting list.
Please contact us for upcoming dates.
Masterclass Cancellation Policy
When you book a masterclass, you are holding a space that’s no longer available to others. If cancellation or a date change is necessary, we require that you let us know at least a week in advance by emailing masterclass@theconversation.edu.au Your advanced notice will allow someone else to attend. A no show, or late cancellation for reasons other than illness, will not be eligible for a refund or change to another date.