Publishing II

Discover the nature and scope of publishing, opportunities for careers and business - learn the basics, lay a foundation for working in the media.

Course Code: BWR202
Fee Code: S3
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification Statement of Attainment
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Publishing books for adults requires a diverse set of skills, from editing and selecting a cover through to page layout and marketing.

  • Self-publishing is a rapidly growing industry with new avenues for authors across genres.
  • Learn how to calculate costs for publishing print books and ebooks and decide which one is for you.
  • Learn how to take your work from good to great with typesetting, layout, and appropriate designs for binding and publishing.

If you want to work publish a book for adults, start a magazine, or get involved with digital media, this course will help you get started.

Lesson Structure

There are 8 lessons in this course:

  1. The Publishing Process for Fiction for Adults
    • Stages of the publishing process, from wiring through to publishing the final product
    • Overview of non-fiction genres
    • Overview of fiction genres
    • Defining subgenre
    • Types of story and their word count, including novellas and short stories
    • How word counts vary with genre
    • Graphic novels
    • Defining world building
  2. The Law and Publishing Fiction
    • Copyright
    • Public domain
    • Defamation
    • Criminal libel
    • Author's agents
    • Vanity press vs self-publishing
    • Contract law and types of contract
    • Creative control
    • Scams
  3. Ethics and Morality in Fiction Genres
    • Culture
    • Diversity in fiction
    • Writing diverse characters
    • Sensitivity readers
    • Religious content and niche publishing
    • Content and ratings
    • Censorship
    • Right to privacy
    • Manipulation of digital images
  4. Production Systems I: Costing and Constructing a Book
    • Understanding production costs
    • Costs for website, social media, and software
    • Costing out creative services, including art & design and editorial
    • Printing and distribution costs
    • Self-publishing print
    • Self-publishing ebooks
    • Hybrid publishing
    • Assisted publishing
    • ebook production processes
    • Digital file formats
    • Releasing foreign language editions
  5. Production Systems II: Editing and Perfecting a Book
    • Developing the manuscript
    • Editing the manuscript, including line editing, copy editing, and proofreading
    • Manuscript critiques and beta reading
    • Front matter requirements
    • Back matter requirements
    • Categorisation, sales, and coding, including ISBN, BIC, and BISAC
  6. Layout for Print Media
    • Page layout for books
    • Selecting a font
    • Page setup for working with books
    • Layout for magazines and news sheets
    • Offset printing
    • Binding
    • Graphic designers
  7. Media Advertising for Self-Published Fiction
    • Establishing the market
    • Retail and distribution
    • Print advertising, including reviews, catalogues, and bookmarks
    • Public relations activities
    • Social media presence
  8. Marketing & Distribution Systems and Author Promotion
    • Writers’s groups and cross-promotion
    • Print distribution
    • Local author promotions
    • eBook distribution
    • Sales and marketing for self-published authors
    • Book trailers
    • Marketing a publication
    • Using a website for self-promotion

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

  • Explain the stages and general timeline for self-publishing a fiction book.
  • Discuss different types of genres and how they affect expectations for a fiction book.
  • Discuss word counts and their relationship to genre.
  • Explain the basics of law in relation to self-publishing fiction.
  • Explain the basics of ethics and morality in relation to publishing fiction.
  • Describe the production systems of self-publishing from writing to printing.
  • Discuss layout and design requirements for self-published print media.
  • Discuss ways to sell self-published fiction.
  • Discuss author promotion methods through print and website media.

THE LAUNCH MEETING

 

After a manuscript is submitted the publisher checks the text and references are complete, logs incoming permissions releases, and contacts the author with questions. A "cast-off," is also performed whereby a chapter-by-chapter tally of the manuscript estimates the length and complexity of each of the components (e.g., text, lists, figures, tables, photos, references) that make up the book's interior.

Now the production process begins in earnest. The first step is the launch meeting: The individuals who will be involved in editing, producing, and marketing the book meet to discuss the manuscript, set a schedule for its production, and make formatting and pricing decisions. This meeting gives members of each department the opportunity to learn about the book, ask questions, and outline how production and marketing efforts will proceed.

At the end of the launch meeting, an acquisitions editor formally passes the manuscript to a book production editor who will work closely with the author during the next several months. He or she is responsible for overseeing the book's copy editing and production and keeping the author apprised of deadlines so that the book prints by its projected publication date.

COPYEDITING

The book production editor begins editing the manuscript online with disks provided after he or she has thoroughly reviewed the hard copy. (It's very important that the hard copy and the copy on disk match.) He or she edits the manuscript for spelling, punctuation, grammar, clarity, consistency, and so forth, making sure to query the author along the way if questions arise.

After the book production editor has finished copy editing, he or she will send the author a hard copy of the manuscript for them to closely review. (Additions will be in boldface, and deletions struck through.) The author is instructed to carefully respond to all queries and suggestions. Because making substantial changes to the text after typesetting is costly, authors and editors should take this opportunity to make all necessary changes.

CO-AUTHORED VOLUMES...
If more than one author wishes to review the copy edited manuscript, they must coordinate their changes and responses to queries so that all are marked in ink and only one hard copy is returned.

EDITED VOLUMES...
Each lead chapter author will receive a hard copy of his or her chapter to review; in rare cases the lead volume editor will simultaneously review the chapters. Chapter authors and editors should coordinate their changes and answers to queries so that they appear together in ink on one hard copy.

After the author(s) have reviewed the copy edited manuscript, the book production editor incorporates the changes and prepares the electronic files for the typesetter.
 

Who can benefit from taking this course?

Anyone needing to understand the ethical and legal considerations of writing and creative work. This course also covers morality, censorship, advertising work, and SEO, making it well-suited for entry- through managerial-level in many B2B and B2C industries (such as public relations, advertising, promotional and marketing companies, and small or alternative publishers just starting out).

Those seeking an alternate route to being published will also benefit from the clear mapping of responsibility, hierarchy, and management in the industry, alongside a grounding in legal and ethical issues involved in publishing.

Editors wanting to improve their knowledge of publishing and the general market to better reach potential clientele, or offer new services to their clients, including a deeper understanding of legal and ethical concerns (building on the ideas discussed in Publishing I).

At the end of this course you will:

  • Understand the differences between different types of publishing
  • Understand some of the moral, ethical, and legal considerations and their relation to publishing (including the difference between defamation, seditious libel, and criminal libel)
  • Know what is involved in print media vs. digital media, and have an understanding of some of the software involved
  • Understand some of the marketing and distribution systems involved in publishing

Next steps:



 
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How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
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What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course has been designed to cover the fundamentals of the topic. It will take around 100 hours to complete, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and anything else that is contained in the course. Our short courses are a great way to do some professional development or to learn a new skill.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $55 (AUS) $50 (O/S) for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exam and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Statement of Attainment. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.


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ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
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We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

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Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

John Mason

Writer, Manager, Teacher and Businessman with over 40 years interenational experience covering Education, Publishing, Leisure Management, Education, and Horticulture. He has extensive experience both as a public servant, and as a small business owner.
J

Jacinda Cole

Former operations manager for highly reputable Landscape firm, The Chelsea Gardener, before starting her own firm. Jacinda has over 20 years of industry experience in Psychology, Landscaping, Publishing, Writing and Education. Jacinda has a B.Sc., Psych.C

Rachel Syers

Rachel has worked as a newspaper journalist for the past 15 years in a range of roles from sub-editor and social columnist to news reporter, covering rounds such as education, health, council, music, television, court, police, Aboriginal and Islander affa





Tutors

Meet some of the tutors that guide the students through this course.

Nicola Stewart

BA(Hons); Dip.Pub; CIM Dip.Marketing; PGCE; Dip.Holistic Aromatherapy; Dip.Reflexology; Dip.Orton-Gillingham Multisensory Language Education; Masters in Education & Professional Studies/Research, PhD (underway)

Nicola worked in publishing before changing direction to teach Anatomy, Physiology and various complementary therapies in the UK’s post-compulsory sector for 16 years. She is the published author of 10 books, plus a range of magazine articles and has also ghost-written across a number of genres. When she is not working for ACS, she provides specialist literacy tuition for children with dyslexia.

Sarah Berry

B.Sc.(Hons)

Sarah completed a Bachelor of Science (Zoology) with Honours from The University of Queensland in 2014. With an honours project focusing on glow worms in Australia, she then moved onto a PhD in Aquaculture from James Cook University working with Australian prawn farmers to grow bigger, better prawns. She has a wide range of scientific experience over the past 5 years in physiology, genetics, ecology, molecular technology, statistics, animal health, care, and nutrition. Sarah is currently continuing her work in research while publishing her PhD work.

Lyn Quirk

M.Prof.Ed.; Adv.Dip.Compl.Med (Naturopathy); Adv.Dip.Sports Therapy

Lyn has 35 years of experience in the Fitness, Health and Leisure Industries. She has a string of qualifications that are far too long to list here; being qualified and registered to teach, coach or instruct a wide range of different sports and other skills.

Lyn established and managed Health clubs at three major five star resorts on Australia's Gold Coast, including The Marriott. She was a department head for a large government vocational college (TAFE), and has conducted her own aquafitness business for many years. Lyn has among her other commitments worked as a tutor for ACS for almost 10 years, and over that time, participated in the development or upgrading of most courses in her fields of expertise.

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