In this blog, we’ll top ten online courses to improve your writing skills.
Not everyone has the innate ability to write well, especially in a language that’s not their first.
You see, writing is not just about putting words together to make a sentence; it’s also about effectively communicating what your mind is trying to convey.
It’s a common misconception that writing is easy and requires little effort. However, the reality is quite different. Writing takes practice, skill, and dedication to master.
Whether for professional purposes or personal growth, improving your writing skills will impact various aspects of your life. You may not realize it initially, but writing prowess opens doors to opportunities you never thought possible.
If you’re ready to take your writing skills to the next level, here are the top 10 online courses to help you achieve that.
1 – BerkeleyX: How to Write an Essay
Hosted by the University of California, Berkeley, this course makes an excellent starting point for those looking to hone their academic writing skills.
Geared towards beginner and intermediate writers, the course focuses on improving grammar and writing clear, structured essays.
It comprehensively explores the essay writing process, offering valuable insights on developing compelling arguments, conducting research, organizing thoughts, and revising drafts.
Alongside the practical aspects of essay writing, the course emphasizes embracing proper English grammar.
Understanding grammar is crucial to effective writing, enhancing readability and overall communication.
Balancing grammar mastery and essay writing techniques, this course empowers budding writers with the skills they need to express their ideas in an academic setting.
The course runs five to six hours per week and is self-paced. In other words, you can take your time or get through the course materials in one go. It’s free, but there is an option to upgrade.
2 – Writing in the Sciences
https://online.stanford.edu/courses/som-y0010-writing-sciences
“Writing in the Sciences” is a standout Stanford University program offering a unique take on writing courses. The course is tailored for scientists to enhance their capacities in producing effective and clear scientific manuscripts.
However, this course isn’t confined solely to scientists.
The first four weeks engage participants in exploring the general principles of effective writing, which any aspiring writer can learn from.
The course delves into the technical elements of writing scientific manuscripts, including using precise language, creating and supporting arguments, writing clear sentences and paragraphs, and constructing logical outlines for future articles.
As such, the course holds significant value not only for scientists hoping to improve their manuscript writing skills but also for anyone who wishes to enhance their ability to communicate ideas clearly and convincingly.
This makes the course a versatile learning platform, beneficial for a broad range of writers.
It uses a combination of video lectures, reading assignments, peer-reviewed writing assignments, and optional participation in online discussions to create an engaging and inclusive learning environment.
The course lasts eight weeks, with an estimated time commitment of four to five hours per week.
3 – Grammar and Punctuation
https://www.coursera.org/learn/grammar-punctuation/
When it comes to writing, mastering grammar and punctuation means everything.
Even with creative flair and a rich vocabulary, poor grammar will detract from the overall quality of your writing.
This course affords an in-depth exploration of English grammar and punctuation rules.
Designed for non-native English speakers and anyone who feels they need a basic refresher, this course covers everything from sentence structure to verb tense usage. The course also addresses common grammatical errors and offers tips for improving writing style.
Grammar and Punctuation is made up of four modules, namely:
Module 1 – Course Introduction
This module sets the stage for the entire course. It provides an overview of what learners can expect from the course, including the key topics covered, i.e., sentence structure, verb tense usage, and common grammatical errors.
The module outlines the learning outcomes, helping learners understand what they will gain from the course. It also introduces the course structure, including the format of each module, assessment methods, and the resources available to aid learning.
Module 2 – Verb Tenses and Conjunctions
This module delves into verb tenses, one of the trickiest aspects of English grammar. It explores present, past, and future tense usage and the different forms of verbs. The module also covers conjunctions, teaching when and how to use them correctly for effective sentence construction.
Module 3 – Compound and Complex Sentences
This tackles compound and complex sentences, two-sentence structures that add depth and sophistication to writing. It provides a detailed breakdown of each structure, including how to use coordinating and subordinating conjunctions to link ideas.
Module 4 – More Commas, Parallel Structure, and Sentence Variety
The final module goes into more advanced topics, including comma usage for clarity, parallel structure to create balance and harmony in sentences, and the importance of sentence variety to keep readers engaged.
It’s where many beginners struggle, making it a must-do module for anyone looking to improve their writing skills.
4 – Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself Specialization
https://www.coursera.org/specializations/memoir-personal-essay
As the title of this course reveals, you’ll be writing about yourself.
Memoirs are meant to be written to share personal experiences, reflections, and insights with readers. Writing a memoir or personal essay takes courage, honesty, and skill.
Aside from the valuable insights and tips, this course also presents a range of exercises and challenges meticulously designed to refine your skills in crafting personal narratives.
The practical exercises provide an opportunity to apply the concepts and techniques learned, while the challenges stimulate creative thinking and encourage the development of a unique writing style.
These hands-on activities are instrumental in shaping you to become a proficient writer, capable of articulating personal experiences and reflections in a compelling, deeply engaging manner.
Offered by Wesleyan University, the specialization consists of four courses:
- Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader
- Writing in First Person Point of View
- Writing a Personal Essay
- Writing Stories About Ourselves
5 – Creative Writing: Crafting Personal Essays with Impact
Proofreading is often overlooked as a critical part of the writing process despite its crucial role in enhancing written content’s clarity, accuracy, and overall flow.
Many writers, novices, and even some experienced ones mistakenly consider it a mere final check for spelling and grammatical errors. In truth, proofreading extends beyond these aspects, encompassing a comprehensive review of the structure, coherence, consistency, and style of the text, among other things.
This course, provided by journalist Tom Geller, seeks to rectify the common neglect of proofreading and demonstrate its significant impact on writing.
Geller’s approach focuses on instructing writers to systematically and efficiently proofread their work, ensuring their ideas are communicated with precision and impact.
The course emphasizes the importance of meticulous proofreading in eliminating common writing errors, refining language use, and ultimately enhancing the effectiveness and persuasiveness of the writer’s message.
6 – Online Writing Classes – Gotham
https://www.writingclasses.com/classes/online
Gotham Writers hands out a highly flexible online writing course for people who need the extra push to master their preferred niche, i.e., fiction, non-fiction, screenplay, and even blog writing.
The online course (available for a reasonable fee) is a six-week program that includes weekly one-on-one feedback sessions with instructors, writing exercises to enhance skills, and encouragement and motivation of students to work on their original content.
Gotham’s online writing classes are designed for all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting or already have some experience in writing, this course has something valuable to offer, sharpening both your technical and creative abilities.
You may also interact with other aspiring writers online, providing a supportive community.
Suppose you’re serious about improving your writing skills but unable to commit to on-site classes due to time constraints or personal reasons.
In that case, Gotham’s online writing classes are a sensible alternative for receiving professional guidance and feedback while learning at your own pace.
7 – Bookfox
https://thejohnfox.com/writing-courses/how-to-write-a-splendid-sentence/
Bookfox’s online writing course, titled “How to Write a Splendid Sentence,” zooms in on the fundamental unit of writing – the sentence.
This course offers a deep dive into the art of crafting sentences that are not only grammatically correct but also memorable.
It emphasizes the significance of sentence variety, balancing short, crisp sentences with longer, more complex ones to maintain reader engagement.
The course comprises 28 videos and several quizzes, challenges, and PDFs designed to help writers master the intricacies of sentence structure, word choice, and rhythm, which are vital for creating a distinct writing style.
Students are encouraged to experiment with different sentence styles and structures through practical exercises and insightful feedback.
It also explores using punctuation to control pacing and create emphasis, equipping writers with an essential tool for effective communication. “How to Write a Splendid Sentence” provides a sensible foundation for writers, promoting precision and impact in their work.
8- The Art of Storytelling
https://www.masterclass.com/classes/neil-gaiman-teaches-the-art-of-storytelling
Neil Gaiman, an acclaimed British author, offers his storytelling prowess to aspiring writers in his first-ever online writing course, The Art of Storytelling. Hosted on MasterClass, the course draws from Gaiman’s vast experience across genres – from fantasy and science fiction to graphic novels and children’s books.
Students will gain exclusive access to Gaiman’s writing process, including brainstorming ideas, developing characters, building worlds, and generating unique plots. Particular focus is given to the art of storytelling itself, with comprehensive modules on dialogue, pacing, revisions, and many more.
Gaiman’s insights should be more than enough to inspire any writer, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
Through lectures and practical assignments, Gaiman guides students in unleashing their creative potential and writing gripping stories. Pricing starts at $10 a month, but that’s expected due to the instructor’s calibre and the comprehensive curriculum.
9 – The Story Grid
The Story Grid, an online writing course, deviates from the flood of writing courses available on the web that promise to equip you to write a book in 30 days. Instead, this course emphasizes the importance of patience and persistence in the journey to mastery in writing.
The platform encourages writers to set aside the allure of quick results and instant gratification. It believes that becoming an accomplished writer is a long-term commitment that requires consistent skill-building and practice.
The Story Grid focuses on refining the writer’s understanding of storytelling principles, story structure, and genre conventions, often overlooked in speed-based writing programs.
The Story Grid helps writers produce quality work that stands the test of time by establishing a more in-depth understanding of these essential writing elements.
They offer a one-on-one writer mentorship program in which writers are paired with experienced and successful authors to guide them through the writing process.
10 – Ed2Go
https://www.ed2go.com/courses/writing
Arguably one of the most comprehensive online writing courses, Ed2Go offers many courses for writers of all levels. While the company offers extensive educational courses, ranging from business and legal to math and science, its writing program provides a diverse curriculum.
Their writing courses cover various topics, the most notable of which are the following:
- Beginning Writer’s Workshop
- Advanced Fiction Writing
- Beginner’s Guide to Getting Published
- Creative Writing Value Suite
- Grammar Refresher
Since this provider is linked up with various universities, you get a certification from a prestigious institution once you finish the course. Moreover, their flexible schedules make them ideal for busy individuals juggling multiple responsibilities.
Final Thoughts On the Best Writing Online Courses
Online writing courses bring convenience and excellence to your foray into the writing profession. They provide a range of flexible, accessible, and high-quality educational resources right at your fingertips.
This empowers you to improve your writing skills at your own pace, from the comfort of your home, without compromising the quality of learning.
But get this: they’re not exclusive to professional writers.
These courses offer significant value even if writing isn’t your day job.
They unlock the skill of effective communication, boosting your capability to express your thoughts, ideas, and stories in a manner you’ve never done before.
Regardless of your profession, articulating well is a valuable asset these days. Therefore, these writing courses aren’t just a pathway to becoming a better writer but also a more effective communicator and, ultimately, a more confident individual.
Joel Mark Harris graduated from the Langara School of Journalism in 2007. Joel is an award-winning journalist, novelist, screenwriter and producer.
He has ghostwritten numerous books in all types of genres including true life crime, business, memoir, and self help. With over 1,000 blog posts to his name, he has helped hundreds of business owners scale their business and increase their visibility. You can email him at info@ghostwritersandco.com
