Brad Kelly: From history teacher to full-time freelance writer

AWC courses completed:
Magazine and Newspaper Writing Stage 1
Freelance Writing Masterclass Program
Copywriting Essentials
Profile Writing
The Business of Freelancing
Writing Australian History

After a 15-year career as a history teacher, Brad Kelly was ready for his next challenge. With a keen interest in the world of writing, he completed a course at the Australian Writers’ Centre. “I had always been drawn to long form journalism and features, and I wanted to learn the nuts and bolts of the trade,” says Brad.

Before long, and with ongoing support and mentoring from the Australian Writers’ Centre, Brad transitioned out of teaching and is now a full-time writer. “I do a variety of work for corporates, for content writing, for book publishers and for private contracts and commissions.”

Brad has completed several courses at the Australian Writers’ Centre. “My first course was Magazine and Newspaper Writing – and it opened up my mind to how many ideas and opportunities are out there,” he says. “My involvement with the Australian Writers’ Centre has given me lots and lots of confidence to approach clients.”

A brilliant return on investment
He says that the course paid for itself two or three times over BEFORE he got to the end of the five-week course. Brad now writes for many clients including AIA Insurance, Singtel, JLL, McDonald’s, Alibaba, various Universities and government departments, Yahoo, Toll, DBS Bank and many more.

After completing the course in Magazine and Newspaper Writing, Brad completed other courses to hone his skills. These included: Copywriting Essentials and Profile Writing.

Brad Kelly
Graduate of Australian Writers’ Centre, freelance writer

Access to ongoing mentoring and support
Brad also became a member of the Freelance Writing Masterclass Program, a membership program that provides regular tutorials, ongoing mentoring and access to a vibrant community of emerging and established freelance writers.

“The Freelance Writing Masterclass Program is really really helpful, it is industry knowledge on a stick,” says Brad. “Firstly, it had taught me that making a living from writing is absolutely possible. Secondly, it has taught me that there is a need for good writers out there and more than anything you just have to get out there and pitch.”

A nurturing community
“The best thing about Freelance Writing Masterclass Program was access to some of Australia’s best freelancers. These are people who are working in the industry and being published every week. They’re very generous with their knowledge and very talented people, just to be able to have access to those people 24/7 is a really great thing.

“And finally – writing is a business. The Masterclass program has helped me treat it as such. I have spreadsheets, financial targets and a business plan.”

Ultimately, Brad has found his dream career. “The Australian Writers’ Centre really gave me the push that I needed to get my writing career going. It taught me the nuts and bolts of it … journalism and interviewing people. And writing to briefs and pitching.

“It opened up a whole world of ideas that I wouldn’t have been previously exposed to.”