PUB5008 - The professional editor

Leader(s): Mr Nick Walker

Offered

City (Melbourne) First semester 2009 (Day)
City (Melbourne) Second semester 2009 (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. The professional editor will already have trained as a copy-editor. This advanced unit will concentrate on developing a sound understanding of the broader responsibilities and professional concerns of the editorial manager in a variety of situations.

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;
6. a sound understanding of the broader responsibilities and professional concerns of the editorial manager in a variety of situations.

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.

Prohibitions

PUB4008