Course coordinator
Dr Melanie Saward
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course is situated within the frameworks of publishing studies and creative writing. It prepares students for careers as authors, editors, and publishers: by introducing them to current professional practices and conditions of authorship; by developing fundamental skills at all levels of editing; and by exploring contemporary print and digital publishing practices and processes.
Thisﾠcourse examines a range of issues in contemporary publishing in both an Australian and an international context. The approach is forward looking, emphasising the changing nature of publishing, editing, and authorship in the post-digital era.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course assumes that you have a good command of idiomatic English sentence structure and style, and that you are personally and professionally committed to enhancing your knowledge of publishing and your skills in writing, editing, and presenting. You are also assumed to be competent in using e-mail;ﾠresearching using both printed and electronic sources; and synthesising and applying research. You are also assumed to have an interest in books (fiction or non-fiction), be a regular book reader,ﾠand committed to attending class throughout the semester.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
4 units of WRIT courses, or permission from the course coordinator.
Restrictions
This course may be cancelled if there are less than 20 students enrolled.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Melanie Saward
Tutor
Dr Taryn Bashford
Dr Emily Larkin
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
This course will help students to understandﾠthe contemporary publishing industry through a program of readings, seminars, and discussion. This course will also assist students to develop practical skills in editing, and pitching a bookﾠto a publisher or agent.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
demonstrate an understanding of the issues facing the publishing industry in the post-digital era
LO2.
demonstrate an understanding of the role of editors and of editing resources
LO3.
demonstrate an understanding of the issues facing authors in the post-digital era
LO4.
demonstrate editing skills for non-fiction
LO5.
communicate effectively with peers
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Research Listicle | 25% 800-1000 words |
16/08/2024 4:00 pm |
| Practical/ Demonstration | Practical Editing Assignment | 25% 90 mins |
4/10/2024 4:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique | Seminar Participation | 10% |
25/10/2024 4:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique | Researched Essay | 40% 1800-2000 words |
25/10/2024 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Research Listicle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 25% 800-1000 words
- Due date
16/08/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L05
Task description
A listicle is a short article that is structured as a list, which is often fleshed out with additional text relating to each item. For your listicle, you will provide a short (50 word) introduction and then identify five important trends in the publishing industry over the last two years. Your listicle should provide a brief overview of each trend and summarise its importance. The listicle should reference at least ten sources, approximately two sources per point. These can be a combination of academic books and articles, including those on the course reading list, as well as other forms of “grey” literature such as author interviews, industry reports, and trade journals such as The Bookseller.
800-1000 words
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Practical Editing Assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 25% 90 mins
- Due date
4/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L04, L05
Task description
In this assessment, you will edit a piece of non-fiction using digital tools and preface your edits with a letter to the author outlining strengths and weaknesses.
Students should apply for an extension if they are unable to complete this during the given time.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Seminar Participation
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
25/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Self-assessed at the end of semester based on your personal participation goals, 10% total. Runs throughout the semester, except independent study weeks. You will need to submit a self-reflection on TurnItIn.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit final self-assessment via TurnItIn through Blackboard
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Researched Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40% 1800-2000 words
- Due date
25/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Choose an issue related to contemporary publishing and write an academic essay on one or several major changes that have taken place in respect to that issue over the last two years (a list of suggestions is given on Blackboard). Please check with your tutor if unsure. You may expand upon an area identified within your research listicle but do not include any of them same text. Use citations with MLA style, and include a bibliography with at least 15 items.
1800-2000 words
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply. ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Seminar |
Week 1: Introduction to Contemporary Publishing The Communications Circuit and changes in publishing and bookselling which ushered in the post-Amazon era. Discussion of readings. Sub-activity: Review Blackboard Materials & Read Course Profile Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Seminar |
Week 2: Author as a Small Business New opportunities for author. Income streams, branding, profile. Discussion of readings. Preparation for first assessment Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Seminar |
Week 3: Authors, Communities and Presses Authors and their interactions with the industry. The rise of marketing and the role of social media. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 4: Work on Research Listicle - NO CLASS |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Seminar |
Week 5: Pitching, Marketing and Branding Discussion of readings. How to pitch a book. The interface between editorial and marketing. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Seminar |
Week 6: Project Management Learn how to organise your workload and lead a team; understand how to effectively collaborate. No readings this week. In-class workshop with UQ Ventures. Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Seminar |
Week 7: Practical Editing I - structural Gatekeepers in the publishing industry. Structural editing skills. Discussion of readings. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Seminar |
Week 8: Practical editing II line editing Planning your edits. Proofreading marks. Practical editing exercise. Discussion of readings. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Seminar |
Week 9: Practical editing III copy edits Editing expectations in different markets and organisations. Ethics and good practice. Good communication skills. Practical editing exercise. Discussion of readings. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Mid Sem break (23 Sep - 29 Sep) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester break |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 10: Take Home Editing Assignment - NO CLASS Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Seminar |
Week 11: Digital Disruption and Innovation Academic essay primer. New trends in digital publishing. Artificial intelligence. Post-Covid-19 disruption and innovation. Discussions of readings. Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Seminar |
Week 12: The Future of Publishing Second academic essay primer argument, scope, and structure. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats. Discussions of readings. Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Seminar |
Week 13: Drop-in workshop Drop-in to have questions answered about your assessment. Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.