PUB5002 - Authorship, Editing and Text

Leader: Nick Walker

Offered

City (Melbourne) First semester 2008 (Evening)

Synopsis

An overview of the role of and the relationships between author, editor and designer in publishing in Australia and internationally. Students are taken through the processes involved in the transmission of a text from manuscript to edited form. The role of commissioning editors, literary agents and copy editors are discussed and analysed and opportunities provided for students to practise and enhance their copy-editing skills. Different styles and requirements of copy-editing introduced.

Objectives

At the completion of the subject the student should have acquired:

1. an understanding the structure and functioning of the publishing firm, of the structure and composition of the publishing industry in Australia and worldwide;
2. an analytical appreciation of the roles of the copy-editor and the commissioning editor;
3. foundation knowledge of the theory and practice of copy-editing and skills as copy-editors;
4. an understanding of different varieties of editing and style.

Assessment

Practical exercises (2000 words): 20%
Three assignments (6000 words): 60%
Participation and presentation: 10%
Examination (1 hour): 10%

Contact hours

2-hour seminar per week

Prerequisites

48 points at 4th year level.

Prohibitions

PUB4002