Some stories go beyond what’s on the surface. They deserve a deeper look—or even a book. 

This week, we’re introducing two new Poynter training programs designed to help journalists take their storytelling further.

Breaking Into Books: A Non-fiction Writing Workshop for Journalists helps journalists transform their reporting into compelling books. Led by acclaimed author and Columbia Journalism School professor Samuel G. Freedman, this workshop guides participants in developing a strong proposal, navigating publishing and refining longform storytelling.

Will Work for Impact: Fundamentals of Investigative Journalism will equip journalists with the tools to identify impactful investigative opportunities and craft stories that drive change. Two sessions—one in May and one in October—offer expert-led training on accessing key information and organizing findings into powerful narratives.

Keep reading for more details on these courses and other Poynter training opportunities.

Breaking into Books: A Non-Fiction Writing Workshop for Journalists (June 2025)

In-person training
June 10-12, 2025, St. Petersburg, Florida
$2,000

In this workshop, journalists will master narrative non-fiction techniques, gain insights into the publishing world and build resilience for handling rejections. Expert-led sessions will teach how to work with agents and help participants develop their own book proposals, with personalized guidance from experienced writers. Space is limited to maximize feedback, so apply by April 2, 2025.

Online seminar
Thursdays, May 5-June 5, 2025
2-3 p.m. Eastern
$499

This five-week, hands-on seminar is for reporters and editors with ambition to do investigative journalism that functions as an important part of democracy. Now in its 11th iteration, this seminar regularly sells out, so be sure to enroll soon. Another session is available in October 2025.

Online webinar 
March 27, 2025
1 – 2:15 p.m. Eastern 
$15 

This comprehensive immigration webinar provides practical insights from experienced reporters and policy experts on covering immigration policy under the Trump administration with accuracy and depth. Participants will also gain eligibility for an exclusive El Paso workshop and reporting grants of up to $7,500.

In-person training
June 2-6 2025, St. Petersburg, Florida
$1,350 

This immersive, five-day program provides experienced managers and leaders with the tools and strategies to engage with their teams more effectively, communicate their strategic vision and steer their organizations toward success. Apply by March 24, 2025.

Beat Academy: Polarized America
Webinar series
Poynter’s Beat Academy explores Polarization in America and Christian Nationalism to empower newsrooms to foster understanding and inspire meaningful dialogue. Originally broadcast Feb. 20 and 27, 2025.
Cost: $15. Enroll now.

Grant Writing for Journalists
Online, self-directed course
Learn the ins and outs of applying for grants to support your journalism, from developing a project or program to measuring its success. Cost: Free. Enroll anytime.

Work-Life Chemistry
Six-week newsletter course
Kristen Hare, who teaches and covers local news for Poynter, has spent years preaching this popular reframe for work-life balance. In this course, she'll walk you through discovering your formula, building it for growth and using it to combat burnout. 
Cost: $50. Enroll anytime.

Immigration resources
Tip sheet and online self-directed course
Zita Arocha is a bilingual journalist, writer and educator who's offering her decades of expertise covering immigration to Poynter learners through her Immigration Matters tip sheets and Understanding U.S. Immigration from the Border to the Heartland, a free six-part, self-directed course.
Cost: Free.

Poynter ACES Certificates in Editing
Self-directed online courses
Our Introductory Certificate helps you achieve greater communications clarity; learn how to embrace accuracy and verification; gives you ways to perfect your grammar, word use and style; and imparts the skills you need to make you the kind of editor people are hungry to work with.
Cost: $150 or $99 for ACES members.
The Intermediate Certificate goes deeper into topics like grammar, working with writers, ethics, law and tech, offering a thorough grounding in the skills editors need to succeed in today's news, corporate and freelance environments. 
Cost: $250 or $175 for ACES members. 
Building on the skills in the introductory and intermediate certificates, the Poynter ACES Advanced Certificate in Editing is a seven-part certification program that engages participants in the most advanced facets of editing. Delve deeper into artificial intelligence, developmental editing, developing style guides and building trust and career resilience with this new program. 
Cost: $650 or $500 for ACES members. Learn more.