Pitching and Writing Masterclass
Learn how to translate your research into journalism and get the right kind of attention for your work in The Conversation’s Pitching and Writing Masterclass.
Led by a senior Conversation editor, our masterclasses are an intensive, individually tailored 4-hour workshop, split over two days. We limit our class sizes so every participant receives specific feedback on their “pitch” – including its realistic chances of being published by news outlets such as The Conversation, ABC News, major newspapers or targeted industry outlets.
Hundreds of researchers have completed our class since 2016, with feedback like this:
“The workshop delivered exactly what it had promised – teaching you how to craft a pitch and write for media outlets. I thought the Masterclass was perfect: informative, engaging and hands-on. It was also well-organised, supported by a range of handy materials.”
What we teach – including pre-class homework
Before each online class, you will be asked to submit a draft story “pitch” – ideally based on your own new/unpublished research, rather than something that’s already published.
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 with real-world examples. 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 asking what else you’re working on as a new pitch.
"Outstanding. The requirement to submit [a draft pitch] beforehand to receive personalised feedback meant that the more general advice provided was directly applicable to my pitch."
Since a well-written article often leads to follow-up media coverage, we also offer our tips on making the most of any broadcast interview.
Everyone who joins our class leaves with a clearer understanding of:
● why structure and timing are crucial when sharing your research with the public
● what “new research” means to journalists and the public – which isn't the same as in academia
● and the specific details you need to include to make your story stand out.
"I learned key techniques such as how to choose the best headline about your topic and the pyramid structure for crafting a news pitch. Overall, it was 10/10."
Experienced editors you can trust
The editors who lead our masterclass program have decades of journalism experience with media outlets including The Conversation, ABC News, Nature, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Sky News and Reuters.
Our editors work with academics every day, so they understand the pressures of producing rigorous, accurate research whilst finding time for public engagement.
Cost and 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.
“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.”
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.
