10 Best Writing Courses & Training Programs Online To Take In 2023
Discover the ultimate writing journey with our meticulously curated list of the top 10 online writing courses and training programs for 2023, tailored to meet the needs of all writers seeking to enhance their skills and unleash their creativity on the literary world.
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Are you on the lookout for the perfect writing course to hone your skills and take your creativity to new heights? Look no further! We have painstakingly researched 5,654 popular writing courses from various providers, enrolling a whopping 81,090,980 students who left a combined 4,549,550 ratings and reviews. Our mission is to help you save time and effort by presenting you the meticulously curated list of the top 10 online writing courses and training programs.
In our evaluation process, we have considered numerous factors, such as ratings, reviews, enrollments, learner satisfaction, content quality, comprehensive curriculum, release date, affordability, and our own experiences and expertise. So, get ready to embark on an amazing writing journey with our list, as we provide the best of the best courses tailored to every writer's needs – be it overcoming initial challenges, boosting writing confidence, or mastering personal essays.
This writing course offers an excellent opportunity for English Language Learners to improve their essay writing skills. As an introductory course, it covers essential topics such as essay development, grammatical correctness, and self-editing. Over a five-week period, participants will delve into fundamental grammar concepts, learn to write effective sentences and paragraphs, and explore strategies for crafting more extended texts. The ultimate goal of the course is to empower students to create well-structured, clearly presented essays that effectively communicate their ideas.
One of the noteworthy aspects of this course is its partnership with the U.S. Department of State. This collaboration aims to extend the reach of the program and provide valuable resources for students worldwide. Participating U.S. Embassies will host in-person discussions and provide supplementary support to enhance the online learning experience. Additionally, the EducationUSA network, supported by the State Department, will offer facilitated discussions in select locations for those interested in pursuing higher education in the United States. This partnership showcases the global commitment of the U.S. Department of State to promote 21st-century English language education and skills development.
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This course is excellent for those looking to enhance their essay writing skills, providing fundamental grammar concepts and strategies for crafting well-structured, clearly presented essays. The collaboration with the U.S. Department of State helps extend the reach of the program and offers valuable resources for students worldwide.
The Advanced Writing course is designed to elevate your academic writing skills, preparing you effectively for college-level work. Throughout this comprehensive program, you will learn to plan and write compelling argumentative essays, identify plagiarism and understand how to prevent it, read and analyze various articles to form well-informed opinions, and effectively use sources when crafting your essays. Developing these writing techniques will not only improve your overall communication abilities but also enhance your critical thinking and analytical capabilities.
Furthermore, this course will help you make connections between multiple articles, enabling you to construct strong and coherent thesis statements based on your readings. These valuable skills will ultimately support you in producing higher quality written work, essential for success in academic and professional settings. Please note that while the free version of this course provides access to all instructional videos and handouts, the paid version offers additional support with peer feedback and quizzes for a comprehensive learning experience.
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This course is ideal for those who want to elevate their academic writing skills, effectively preparing them for college-level work and enhancing their critical thinking and analytical capabilities.
Starting to Write is a beginner's course in creative writing designed to help unleash your inner author by proving that you don't need a 'big idea' to kick off your writing journey. The course provides a toolkit of proven strategies and practical techniques, enabling you to create word sketches, sense impressions, and write on location. You will be guided through the secrets of successful writers, such as the benefits of embracing imperfection in your first drafts, and given actionable next steps to advance your writing when you feel ready.
This comprehensive course features various sections, each tailored to different aspects of the writing process, including starting to write, writing on the road, assessing your starting point, and drafting and redrafting your work. The content also covers possible next steps for your writing journey, introduces creative challenges to overcome, and even includes a bonus section with additional tips and tricks for aspiring writers looking to hone their skills and develop a unique writing style.
User review:
I was a reporter and left the job 15 year ago pursuing my own dream in food business. Since then I become to busy to "continue" my writing habit. I lost in translation. Until recenlty I still disconnected from my writing habit in the past. Fortunately I found this course and it become my "AHA" moment. The techniques you teach here like "make a list of words", "go outside" and "turning up regularly" are really inspiring and sound really easy to develop except of course the last one :). Yeah I have to struggle to make time for writing. Anyway thanks a lot for this course. Your course enables me to once again "reenter" into past time during my job as a journalist . I can smell the atmospher once more. [1]... Read More
Sri Nanang Setiyono
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This course is the best for those who want to begin their writing journey by learning foundational skills, techniques, and strategies to find their unique voice and develop their writing style.
Writing With Confidence: Writing Beginner to Writing Pro is an expert-designed course that focuses on transforming your writing abilities while guiding you through the writing fundamentals to the elite techniques practiced by top copywriters, such as the instructor Dr. Clare Lynch. This comprehensive writing course will teach you essential techniques to defeat writer's block and get your ideas onto the page in a way that motivates readers, compels them to take action, and keeps them hooked on your content. The course tackles various areas that can hone your writing skills, including crafting irresistible content, tapping into your target audience’s emotions, and sharpening your message for maximum persuasive power.
The course is not only filled with valuable writing lessons, but it is also designed to be engaging and entertaining, which makes learning easy and enjoyable. By enrolling in the course, you will benefit from one-to-one feedback from a University of Cambridge writing tutor, access to advanced and practical writing techniques, and countless free resources. You will also be given over 30 writing exercises that will help you practice and apply the skills you learn throughout the program. Previous students have successfully polished their skills in creating cover letters, landing writing gigs with recognized publications, and much more. By the end of the course, you will have built a solid foundation for your career as a professional writer.
User review:
Clare, thank you for this fantastic course. There are so many things I could say applauding all of the detail in this course, but I would be writing for days.
I have had roughly 20 years in the banking world where writing abstract corporate babble was the majority of my job. On the flip side, have owned a digital marketing agency for the better part of 16+ years. Sales copy, content writing(blogs), as well as web copy is a daily routine for me.
I have generally reprogrammed my way of writing to be a lot less full of abstract babble in today’s world. So writing for my clients has been much easier over the years. After taking this course, you have indeed brought me many ah-ha moments which have made things much clearer for me to move forward.
I will even say that your explanation of nouns and verbs from an English perspective is so much easier to comprehend. If things were taught this way growing up in grade school, I would say that more students would have done better in their English lessons for sure!
Thank you for your knowledge and amazign insight. [2]... Read More
Brandon Chaffinch
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This course is ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their writing abilities, from fundamentals to advanced techniques, in order to gain confidence and effectively engage readers with compelling content.
This writing course offers valuable strategies to overcome the challenges often faced during the initial stages of the writing process, such as writer's block and getting started. It introduces concepts like the "planning fallacy" and "temptation bundling," while also giving you the opportunity to experiment with "freewriting" and "writing before you are ready." Furthermore, the course showcases a diverse range of writers through "Good Sentences" and "Takeaways" segments, providing invaluable models and advice.
In addition to the hands-on lessons, participants gain access to a variety of resources that can be utilized even after completing the course. These resources include readings and exercises from the in-person versions of the course taught at the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago, two digital libraries of exceptional writing from various disciplines, and a monthly "Good Sentences" email for ongoing inspiration and guidance. With these comprehensive materials and expert instruction, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any writing project with confidence.
User review:
O curso é incrível. Conteúdo interessante, apresentado de forma didática e leve. O professor é didático e engajado. Apesar de ser dedicado a alunos do curso de Direito da Universidade de Michigan, pode ser aplicado a qualquer área do conhecimento. As dicas sobre o uso da língua inglesa são muito boas e proveitosas. Recomendo este curso para todos(as) que desejam escrever de forma persuasiva. [3]... Read More
Eduardo J K
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This course is ideal for individuals seeking to overcome common obstacles faced during the beginning stages of the writing process, such as writer's block and getting started, while also gaining access to valuable resources and expert advice for ongoing guidance and support.
This writing-focused course emphasizes the crucial aspect of the writing process: revising. It will assist participants in understanding the distinction between editing and proofreading, as well as mastering the skills of clarifying and enhancing data and statistics to create compelling content. Moreover, the course introduces a valuable framework for giving and receiving feedback, enabling systematic determination of the elements to be retained or removed from each draft.
In addition to the comprehensive knowledge gained during the program, participants will have access to an extensive array of resources, even after completing the course. This includes readings and exercises used by students at prestigious universities, digital libraries featuring outstanding work from various authors and professionals, as well as a monthly email filled with exemplary sentences to continue nurturing participants' writing and editing skills.
User review:
Very good and well organized course. It appears to focus mostly on law, but it's still a valuable editing course.
One thing that needs fixing (or explaining in case I missed something) is to distinguish between paying and non-paying participants. I keep getting marked as "overdue" even thought I completed all the requirements by the due date. I think it is because I was not able to submit quizzes for grading since I was a non-paying student. It is still unfair to give me an "overdue" mark.
I come back a month later and find message that I did not complete assignments in time. Not true, as explained above. I'd like the course managers to mark this course "completed" because I completed everything by the original due date. Except quizzes that were locked to me. [4]... Read More
Zlatica S H
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This course is ideal for individuals looking to sharpen their revising skills, learn the differences between editing and proofreading, and understand the process of enhancing data and statistics for compelling content. Additionally, it offers a valuable framework for providing and receiving feedback, ultimately fostering better overall writing quality.
This workshop is designed for both aspiring and experienced authors looking to improve their novel writing skills. It covers essential topics such as story structure, character building, viewpoint, tense, voice, setting, conflict, suspense, mystery, dialogue, writing big, beginnings and endings, and getting published. With a focus on breathing life into old manuscripts and creating new novels that read like bestsellers, this course will help you put the spark back into your writing life.
Whether you have a novel idea in mind, have started a manuscript and found yourself stuck, or have completed a first draft and want to polish it, this workshop is for you. Through lively and engaging video lessons, you will learn step by step how to plan your novel, develop characters, create a compelling story structure, write and polish your manuscript, and ultimately sell your completed novel. Unlock your creative writing potential and create a captivating manuscript with the guidance of this comprehensive course.
User review:
I saw this course and thought why not only write but ensure it is fit for publishing and sharing with others! Steve's video course is broken into manageable sections that are easy to comprehend. Quizzes mark the end of a section to ensure that you have grasped the content well. He also provides handy materials that you can use along with the course. I bought the book he mentioned (at a discount he provided) and found it was full of the same helpful advice. (I like having a physical book as it helps ingrain the content and I can flip through at anytime without an internet connection.) I also found the udemy iphone app also allowed me to take Steve's course with me on the go when required. I found Steve's tone soothing, the quality of content informative and at the flexibility of my own pace. Learning is enoyable when you have the right teacher. Therefore, I've already signed up for another of his courses! [5]... Read More
Simone Early
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This course is excellent for both aspiring and experienced authors looking to improve their novel writing skills, covering essential topics such as story structure, character building, and getting published.
The 7 Lessons on Writing for Becoming a Standout Writer offers a comprehensive approach to developing fast writing skills improvement. Designed and tested by an experienced university professor and published author, this course provides detailed and practical guidance on how to deal with the 7 most common problems found in people's writing. By engaging with the lessons and exercises, students can expect to see notable improvements in their writing, leading to higher grades, better job prospects, and overall stronger command of the writing craft.
Through these lessons, students will learn how to see sentences more objectively, remove dead language, avoid clichés, and introduce poetic and rhythmic elements into their writing. The course is designed to be applicable across a range of writing disciplines, including creative non-fiction, journalism, fiction, and academic writing. The skills imparted by these lessons have been proven effective in both an academic and professional context, allowing students to impress employers, editors, and online readers with their newfound prowess in writing.
User review:
I think I'm quite a good writer - and so this course was strange for me. I didn't know if I was a good writer the whole time and so found this course relatively easy, or if I wasn't as good as I thought I was and so learned to be better.
That said I think this course has improved me, has helped my writing to become more interesting, more action oriented as it recommends. I think this course has helped me. It's very clear very easy to follow and calls for a balance of writing rather then any dogmatic form as you might find in scriptwriting (my other pursuit).
Thank you for the course. It has been interesting to follow. My main problem I suppose is lacking the knowledge of how good I really am. I think I'm good, maybe even very good. But I can't be certain.
Thanks again,
Rob [6]... Read More
Crashbang
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Ideal for those who aim to distinguish themselves in various writing disciplines, such as creative non-fiction, journalism, fiction, and academic writing, by improving their sentence structure, language use, and unique writing style.
In the realm of creative writing, the memoir and personal essay have become some of the most popular and well-received genres. With a focus on telling one's unique story and inviting readers in, this writing course is designed to help you develop and amplify your voice on the page. From planning and structure to the use of bold narrative brushstrokes and significant detail, the course will guide you in creating a compelling personal essay or extending your work into a full memoir.
Through engaging and detailed instruction, the course will provide you with the opportunity to hone your skills and tap into your own experiences for inspiration. Whether you're just beginning to explore the world of personal storytelling or are a more seasoned writer, this course aims to elevate your writing to new heights. Embrace the power of your own story and discover the rich, expressive potential of the personal essay and memoir genres.
User review:
I am giving five stars to Amy Bloom, whom I also know from the 'Creative Writing Specialisation'. Amy Bloom is a wonderful instructor. Her passion is catching. Amy Blooms personality and forthcoming ways, makes you as a student, believe that you can do this. That is so wonderful.
To Coursera I cannot award anymore than one star and that is just for being here. Since the introduction of the 'Finish at your own pace' concept, it has destroyed any sense of being part of a community. The grading and peer review systems are not working as they should. The new concept, I am sure, works perfectly well in factbased courses, where two plus two, can only be four. But not in liberal arts.
In liberal arts, I see the writing of assignments and the giving and receiving of peer reviews, as a very important and integral part of the course, however, with the 'Finish at your own pace', it has been decapitated.
I have been informed by an employee not to expect this to change. Well in that case and once I have finished this course, I will change to another platform. [7]... Read More
Liliane M
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This course is ideal for those who want to dive into the realm of creative writing by focusing on personal essays and memoirs, as well as amplifying their unique voice on the page.
One of the biggest struggles writers have is with their mind. Doubts, fears, negative thoughts, dealing with reviews and opinions. These things can derail your business and take energy away from what is most important...writing and publishing your books. Through this training, I will help you gain a better understanding of how to deal with these problems, so you can build your business more easily by focusing on what you can do and what is most important for your ultimate success.
Too many talented writers don't get what they deserve because they are distracted with obstacles that are beyond their control. How you react to those obstacles can make or break you. When you know what's holding you back, and you counter with the right methods, you will be able to free your creativity to succeed writing books. Even if you question your ability to write good books, I will put that into perspective for you too. You don't need to be a university educated author to do well publishing your own books. In fact, you could be doing yourself a disservice writing to that standard in most markets. You just need to write what your readers can enjoy reading as I will explain. I focus on keeping everything simple so you can learn and get back to your writing.
User review:
I think this course is excellent and is the sort of stuff you do not get in a formal course. This is what I needed. I did Cert IV Level Writing and Editing last year. A full time, year long course. I wanted to massively change my life and become the writer I always thought I should be. Then I hit the wall. I do write constantly, but it's all over the place, unfocused writing. This is the nuts and bolts mechanic's workshop course that gets you going. I've downloaded the notes so I can refer back and re-read randomly. It's that sort of material. Inspiring without being esoteric. I'm very impressed. It's a life workshop applicable to any interest or occupation. I'm really glad I've done this. I recommend this one. It's a great course, worth every cent. [8]... Read More
Graham King
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This course is ideal for writers who want to overcome mental obstacles, boost their creativity, and learn methods to stay focused on their writing goals. Additionally, it helps writers understand their readers' perspectives, enabling them to create enjoyable content without unnecessary complexity.
Choosing the best writing course that suits your needs and objectives is crucial to your growth as a writer. Each course offers unique learning outcomes and caters to specific skills that you may want to develop. When making your choice, it's essential to keep the following points in mind:
Determine your writing goals and areas you want to improve upon, such as essay writing skills, advanced writing techniques, or writing basics for beginners.
Consider whether the course will help you gain confidence in your writing abilities or learn effective drafting and revising techniques.
Assess if the course is tailored to your preferred genre or writing style, such as novel writing or personal essay writing.
Look for courses that offer guidance on staying motivated, productive, and consistent in your writing journey.
Read reviews and testimonials from former students to gain insights on the effectiveness of the course in achieving their writing goals.
Consider factors like the course's duration, schedule, price, and the credibility of the facilitator(s) to ensure it aligns with your personal preferences and budget.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you will be better equipped to select the right writing course that nurtures your growth as a standout writer in your chosen field.
Conclusion
In conclusion, embarking on a writing course that is best suited for your needs is a vital step towards developing the necessary skills and techniques in your writing journey. Whether you're a beginner who wants to establish a strong foundation, an advanced writer looking to hone your expertise, or someone who is keen on getting the motivation to write regularly, the list of courses mentioned in this article caters to these objectives and more. By investing your time and effort in these courses, you are one step closer to becoming the writer you aspire to be.
Remember, there is no substitute for consistent practice and dedication in the art of writing. The lessons and insights gleaned from these courses will serve as valuable resources throughout your literary endeavors. But it is the conscious and committed effort you put into your craft that will ultimately fuel your growth and success as a writer. So, enroll in a course today, and be prepared to embark on an exciting and rewarding journey towards fulfilling your writing goals and dreams.
How much does a writing course cost?
The cost of writing courses can vary greatly depending on the platform and the course content. Some courses may be free, while others may cost anywhere from $19.99 to $169. Subscriptions and special offers may also be available for certain platforms.
How long do writing courses take?
The duration of writing courses can also vary widely, ranging from a few hours to several weeks or months. It depends on the course content, the teaching approach, and the student's pace of learning. Some courses may be self-paced, while others follow a specific schedule.
What skills can I develop through online writing courses?
Online writing courses can help you develop a range of skills, such as essay writing, creative writing, editing, revising, and storytelling. Depending on the course, you may discover techniques to improve your writing style, overcome writer's block, and effectively communicate your ideas in various formats.
Article sources
Sri Nanang Setiyono (August 1, 2022). "Starting to write".
Udemy. Retrieved
April 24, 2023
