106-212 Principles of Editing and Publishing

A quota of 160 students applies to this subject. Students must consult the Department of English for application forms.

Usually 25 points of first year English, see Prerequisites including completion of first year creative writing prerequisites.

Through seminar-workshops and lectures from industry specialists such as publishers, designers, authors, editors, students will gain a basic knowledge of the range of skills involved in professional writing, editing, book design and production. The subject has six major components: copyright, contracts and libel; structural and stylistic editing; the 'nuts and bolts' of line editing, covering 'house style' and aspects of grammar and punctuation; proofreading; design, production and marketing; and ethics - misrepresentation, plagiarism and broader questions of author responsibility.

• be able to critically and analytically engage in the editorial mode with written material;

• be able to negotiate and communicate effectively and productively with an author;

• develop an understanding of the social, ethical, cultural and historical context in which publishing occurs;

• develop interpersonal skills and team work.

Written work totalling 4000 words including an analysis of a publication 25% (due early in semester), a letter to an author 40% (due mid-semester) and a reflective essay or project 35% (due at the end of semester). Students must attend a minimum of 75% of scheduled classes to receive credit for this subject.

A subject reader will be available.