Course Title: Writer and Publication

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Writer and Publication

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM2170

City Campus

Postgraduate

345H Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 2 2006

Course Coordinator: Jeremy Parker

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9024

Course Coordinator Email:jeremy.parker@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 36.04.07


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

It is expected that you will have expertise as a writer.


Course Description

This course examines all of the main aspects of getting published. The focus of this course is on the major issues relating to the professional writer and book publication such as book concept creation, book titles, the pitching process, contracts, copyright, the role of agents and editors, small press publishing, digital book publishing, book marketing and publicity and the creation of a publishing proposal package. In addition, aspects relating to the professional writer and publication in literary magazines will also be discussed. You will be expected to discuss your existing book concept and will be asked to generate and workshop a number of new book concepts.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course will develop both your written and oral communication skills.


On successful completion of the course you should be able to:

  • Create a publishing proposal package.
  • Generate new book concepts and argue a case as to why these concepts could be successful in the current publishing climate both in Australia and internationally.
  • Analyse, compare and contrast the respective roles of the writer, editor, agent and publisher with regard to the book and literary magazine publication process.
  • Describe the key components of the standard book contract and explain the concepts of assigning and licensing rights, in particular.
  • Explain key aspects of Australian copyright law in relation to book and literary magazine publication.
  • Analyse and describe the major issues facing Australian and international book and literary magazine publishers.
  • Identify publishers’ expectations of a professional writer.
  • Identify the similarities and differences between the way transnational book publishers, independent book publishers and small press publishers operate within Australia.
  • Describe the role of the writer in relation to digital book publishing.
  • Describe the procedures for self-publishing and cooperative publishing.
  • Explain the role of the writer in the marketing and publicity phase of book publication.
  • Discuss aspects of the current state of literary magazine and book publishing in Australia.


Overview of Learning Activities

There will be a variety of activities including:

  • Weekly workshops.
  • In-class book concept development exercises.
  • Individual consultation and guidance.
Book publishers (and/or book editors) occasionally visit the group as guest speakers. If and when publishers attend the class, you will pitch your book concepts for feedback.


Overview of Learning Resources

You are encouraged to read the books listed in the recommended reading section of Part B: Course Details Guide and to read Australian Bookseller and Publisher magazine.


Overview of Assessment

There are two assessment items for this course: a publishing proposal package and a seminar presentation.

Please refer to Part B: Course Detail Guide for further information on assessment.