PUB4008 - The Professional Editor

Leader: Dr David Dunstan and Nick Walker

Offered

City (Melbourne) First semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

The professional editor plays a central role in the productive and creative operations of a publishing house. He, or she, sets or maintains editorial and production standards and is largely responsible for the day to day management of major publishing projects (including complex electronic publications), the publishing program and the editorial and production team. This unit will concentrate on developing a sound understanding of the broader responsibilities and professional concerns of the editorial manager.

Objectives

Upon completion of this subject student have acquired

1. an understanding of the role of the senior or managing editor in a publishing house;
2. an understanding of the responsibilities of the professional editor in major publishing projects and also in-house or freelance editors, designers, illustrators and book production staff;
3. an ability to scrutinise codes of publishing practice and editorial standards;
4. an ability to critically review style guides and production manuals;
5. an understanding of the role of the professional editor in the development of complex electronic publications.

Assessment

Essay (1750 words): 40%
Essay (1750 words): 40%
Practical Exercise(1000 words): 20%

Contact hours

Two hours per week plus site visitations and guest lecturers.

Co-requisites

Normally undertaken as part of the Graduate Certificate in Professional Editing with PUB 4020 and PUB 4007

Prohibitions

PUB5008