Free Online Writing Courses
"Free Online Writing Courses are out there and they offer much more than a class, they can lead you to your great new career!"
Do free online writing courses really exist? Yes, they do and you may want to check them out. You want to break into the writing field, but just don't really know if you need take a formal writing class. "If you want to write, but don’t, this course will show you how." - Anna Paradox Honestly, it doesn't matter if you are looking to break into the field of writing or currently write professionally, formal writing courses can help you to polish your skills and make you a better writer. Yet with the price of education skyrocketing, you may just not have the money for campus-based courses. But don't despair, there are plenty of universities offering free writing courses online. Yes, you heard me right, free online writing courses are offered and I am going to tell you where!
But I also would like to make a request!
If you have taken a great class, or if you offer one, I would love to hear from you!
Share Your favorite writing course!
Listed here are many different classes that you can take for free. These free online writing courses are a great way to try some different styles of writing so you can strengthen your skill set and see what you enjoy most.
- Steven Barnes' UCLA Writing Course - Life Write
Best selling author and screenwriter Steven Barnes offers a free version of the writing class he has been teaching for many years at UCLA on his website. The course offers in-depth instruction on writing, which is why Barnes suggests completing each part of the nine-week course one week at a time. Nevertheless, the course can be downloaded all at once. No registration is required.
Steven Barnes 9 week introductory screen writing course
- Wikiversity
Wikiversity is an active learning project that encourages people to create and benefit from online courses and tutorials. There are currently several different writing courses that can be found at Wikiversity, many of which focus on technical writing. Although these courses vary in length and content, there's something for everyone. No registration is required.
Introduction to Web Writing
Narrative Dialog Editing
Technical Writing Courses
- Utah State University
The English Department at Utah State University publishes three free courses in writing through the school's Open-Course-Ware program. The courses are extensive and may take up to 16 weeks to complete if you study at the average pace. No registration is required. These courses are similar to the courses that might be found in a professional writing degree program.
Intermediate Research Writing
Technology for Professional Writers
Intro to Writing Academic Prose
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT offers dozens of free undergraduate and graduate writing courses online through its MIT OpenCourseWare initiative. Course topics include everything from writing fiction, poems and essays to analyzing all forms of literature. Lecture notes, videos, suggested reading lists and more will help you to become the writer you've always wanted to be. No registration is required.
Introduction to Fiction
- Purdue University
In 1994, Purdue University brought their writing lab to life online to offer a writing resource to students no matter where they were located. Online Writing Lab (OWL) materials are now free to everyone regardless of location or student status. You can visit the OWL site anytime, as it offers writing instruction, grammar and usage information, individualized help from tutors and much more. No registration is required.
The Writing Process
Mechanics
Common Writing Assignments
- News University
News University has a solid e-learning program designed to provide training for journalists and other professional writers. Most of the courses offered at News U are free, especially those that are self-directed. Courses cover everything from writing and editing to reporting and ethics. News U also offers a newsletter, a blog and other great resources. Registration is required, but the course is free for everyone.
Beat Basics and Beyond
Managing Your Journalism Career and Skills
Cleaning Your Copy
Tell Us About YOUR Favorite Writing Class!
Return from free online writing courses to freelance writing success

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