Feedback is important during and after the writing process. Online courses let aspiring writers share their work with others and receive feedback. Interacting with other writing enthusiasts can increase creative thinking and generate new ideas, too. It also may open doors of opportunity, providing connections to internships, editors, publishers and industry insiders. The flexibility of online programs also is a plus for writers who work full-time while they're honing their skills.
The University of Central Florida (ucf.edu) and South New Hampshire University (snhu.edu) are among schools that offer online writing programs. You will receive preparation for a variety of careers, including publishing, journalism, editing, copywriting and teaching. For those seeking a less costly alternative, Ashworth College (ashworthcollege.edu) offers a career program that leads to a diploma for about $700 as of April 2011.
Writers must spend time cultivating their craft. Classes teach valuable concepts, including analyzing an audience, understanding the market, creating characters, plot development, proposals, manuscript submissions, research methods, rhetorical theory, persuasive and technical writing, revising, editing and project management. SNHU's online program allows students to receive a creative writing bachelor's degree in three years or a master's in five.
Colleges tend to offer online fiction and nonfiction writing degrees only at the master's level. SNHU is among schools offering a bachelor's degree in creative writing. Other appropriate bachelor's degrees often use the title of English degree with an emphasis in writing. Even if you intend to write a novel, a degree in technical writing can help you when it comes to grammar and mechanics, style and genres. Publishing in literary magazines such as SNHU's The Manatee allows online students more opportunities to share their work.