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Advanced Book Publishing (PUBL90020)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 25On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Email: davismr@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This subject introduces students to the processes by which book publishers evaluate proposals and build their lists. Through seminars and hands-on workshops, students are introduced to the business and management aspects of book publishing that underpin list-building, and to the processes involved in selecting and commissioning titles, researching potential markets, building a distinctive list, choosing formats (print and digital), and providing effective commentary on work in progress. The subject also examines the management of publishing enterprises, including project costing, production management and quality control, distribution, management of suppliers, the negotiation of contracts, and the sale of subsidiary rights. On successfully completing this subject, students will have acquired advanced skills in manuscript appraisal, a detailed knowledge of the characteristics of a successful book publishing list, and a wide-ranging understanding of financial and management systems in the publishing industry.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should:
- have developed a knowledge of the structure of the markets for published books and the broad strategies involved in building a list;
- be familiar with the roles and responsibilities of the major parties involved in the manuscript acquisition process;
- understand the contractual basis of publishing and the management of subsidiary rights;
- have developed an analytical and critical understanding of contemporary publishing management practice; and
- have developed their publishing production skills in a project-centred, flexible and collaborative environment.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:
- high-level written and oral communication skills through contribution to class discussions, the completion of exercises and assignments, wide reading on issues of contemporary publishing processes, and exposure to the protocols of industry practice;
- a capacity for effective teamwork through group discussions and collaborative exercises;
- skills in information technology literacy and understanding of information management through completion of exercises and assignments;
- skills in research, including the use of online as well as print-based materials in the course of exercises and assignments;
- skills in time management and planning through managing workloads for recommended reading, tutorial presentations and assessment requirements; and
- a capacity for critical analysis through engagement and critique of a range of publishing strategies.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PUBL90002 | Editorial English |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PUBL90003 | The Contemporary Publishing Industry | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- 2,500-word appraisal of a book proposal (25%), due early in semester.
- A 2,500-word book proposal with full costing (25%), due mid semester.
- A 5,000-word group proposal for developing a publishing list (50%), due during the examination period.
- Hurdle: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject and regular class participation is expected.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Mark Davis Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total 48 hours: 2x2-hour seminars, taught weekly Total time commitment 340 hours Teaching period 29 July 2019 to 27 October 2019 Last self-enrol date 9 August 2019 Census date 31 August 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 27 September 2019 Assessment period ends 22 November 2019 Semester 2 contact information
Email: davismr@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
340 hours
Additional delivery details
A result of 70% or higher in 106-473 / PUBL90002 Editorial English, or equivalent academic experience, or equivalent professional experience.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
A subject reader will be available.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022