Do you know the five most common reasons why manuscripts are instantly rejected--often without even being read? Do you know how to correctly format and submit a manuscript? Do you know which publishing markets most fit your writing style? Can you write a query letter that publishers won't be able to resist?

If your goal is to become a published freelance writer of fiction or nonfiction for books or magazines, this comprehensive course will help you guide your work directly into the hands of an editor and onto the shelves of your favorite stores.

Your success in the writing game will be determined by the amount of credibility publishers attach to you and your work. If you have credibility, getting your manuscript published will no longer be a dream. It will become reality. This course will teach you how to give yourself the kind of credibility you need to succeed.

Taught by a successful journalist and author, this course will provide you with instant access to critical information most other writers don't discover for years. This patient and experienced instructor will walk you through every step of the publishing process. What's more, she'll be standing by to answer your every question about important legal issues, including copyright, agents, and the use of pseudonyms.

With the knowledge you gain throughout this course, no editor will ever surprise you or stump you with phrases like “on spec” or “kill fee.” If you really want to be a writer, this step-by-step course will give you all the tools you need to get published--again and again and again.

A new section of each course starts monthly. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when lessons are released. You will have access to all lessons until the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such, we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

The final exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the final exam has been released, you will have two weeks to complete all of your course work, including the final exam.

Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be LeeAnne Krusemark.

LeeAnne Krusemark is a journalist, published author, successful business owner, and adjunct professor. LeeAnne began her career in journalism, working as a reporter, then editor, then managing editor for various newspapers in New York and California. She started a successful writing/public relations business in 1988, and has served as Chamber of Commerce president. She is the published author of countless newspaper and magazine articles and two non-fiction books. LeeAnne also spends time guest lecturing about business and writing at a number of colleges, including Purdue and Kent State University.

“ Although I had been published before taking this course, there were many things about the publishing world that I did not know. This course helped me to be more professional in preparing my submissions and gave me the nudge I needed to get going on my writing again. Thanks! ”

“ Although I have a ways to go before actually submitting some of my work for publication, the information in this class has been fantastic to learn, and to keep on hand for future reference. ”

“ Doing as the assignment asked, I wrote an article. On a whim, I emailed it out. Today I received a call from the publication, and was advised that my article will be published. What a RUSH! ”

“ Excellent course. I believe it should be made mandatory for every aspiring writer to get this information before submitting anything. A lot of rejections could be avoided. LeeAnne is a excellent teacher, she has a down to earth approach, very imformative. If she did not know an answer she researched it. This, in my opinion, is the mark of a gifted teacher. Great course, enjoyed it, would recommended anytime. ”

“ I just heard that a major magazine is publishing an article I submitted last week. Before submitting, I meticulously followed the formatting guidelines from this class and was shocked at how much better it looked. I guess first impressions do make a difference. ”

“ Prior to taking this course, I was completely in the dark as to how to submit my writing. Now I feel confident that I will at least get the protocol right when adressing potential publishers. Thank you so much for your good work. ”

“ Thank you for helping me get the courage to write a controversial piece. I am currently involved with having my name listed on a book that is in the process of being published. It will be exciting to walk into Barnes & Noble and find my name on the title page of a book! ”

“ There sure are a lot of things you need to know before you can even think about getting your work published. It's not just about the writing - that's the easy part! Now that I have all this information, I'm more focused than before. Thanks! ”

“ This course was extremely helpful to me. I have already won $200 in a writing contest that I only entered because of a class assignment, and I just got word that an article I wrote is scheduled to be published in the fall! Thanks to Ms. Krusemark for all of her instruction. I'm on my way now! ”

“ This is my second time taking this course. I took it first five years ago, and it got me started writing and filling in the gaps in my writing skills. I have since that time had 22 pieces published - articles, short stories and essays. ”