Course Title: Publishing for Editors - From Commission to Production

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Publishing for Editors - From Commission to Production

Credit Points: 12.00

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities. 

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption. 

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209. 

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus 


Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance. 


Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM2735

City Campus

Undergraduate

345T Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019

Course Coordinator: Dzintra Boyd and Sarah Vincent

Course Coordinator Phone: +61399254269 (Dzintra)

Course Coordinator Email: pwecoordinators@rmiteduau.onmicrosoft.com


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Prerequisites

None

Required Prior Study

Successful completion of COMM2455 Copyediting and Proofreading

OR

Alternatively you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course. Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. Further information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=x94or0ccuu7k


Course Description

In this course you will focus on the role of the editor within a publishing team environment. You will investigate trends in publishing and analyse factors that influence the development of a manuscript or publication, and opportunities for expanding and building a list of titles. To do so you will identify how the needs of particular publishers and readerships can be met, recognising practical constraints including copyright, finance, time and available resources. You will learn how to create schedules and briefs for freelance editors, proofreaders, typesetters and designers and how editors contribute to marketing and production.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

-


Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • identify key book publishers and discuss the context within which they operate
  • analyse and evaluate challenges and pressures on the book market
  • create publishing lists through market analysis and development of book proposals
  • brief publishing professionals and contribute to book marketing and promotion activities
  • adapt existing material for new publishing formats.
     




 


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities included in this course are:

  • studios, where you will learn through practice, exploration and reflection
  • lectures and demonstrations including guest lectures, which provide the framework for exploring sample texts and developing and articulating responses
  • class exercises and activities designed to clarify course content and practise relevant skills
  • independent research and study, working through the course requirements as presented in classes, online and through learning materials
  • writing and editing workshops to assist development of appropriate techniques with feedback from peers and teacher
  • project and assignment work, both individual and collaborative, to develop ideas, apply skills and practise teamwork and project management techniques.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.

A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.

The University Library has extensive resources for Professional Writing and Editing students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies http://rmit.libguides.com/wcprp.

The Library provides guides on academic referencing:http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian.
 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Assessment may include a range of activities such as in-class exercises, assignments, and individual/group projects.

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: Assessment and exams.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment 1: Publishing industry investigation (20%)

You will investigate an aspect of the contemporary publishing industry and share your findings.

This assessment will cover the following course learning outcomes:

  • identify key book publishers and discuss the context within which they operate analyse and evaluate challenges and pressures on the book market.

Assessment 2: Book publishing project (50%)

In groups, you will work to build a publishing list for a publishing house of your choice and present your catalogue to a simulated sales conference. You will also complete individual tasks related to this brief, which may include conceptual work, publishing proposals and a marketing/promotional strategy.

This assessment will cover the following course learning outcomes:

  • create publishing lists through market analysis and development of book proposals
  • brief publishing professionals and contribute to book marketing and promotion activities
  • adapt existing material for new publishing formats.

Assessment 3: Publishing assignment (30%)

You will respond to a specific industry brief related to a publishing project.

This assessment will cover the following course learning outcomes:

  • brief publishing professionals and contribute to book marketing and promotion activities.