Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course covers the foundational principles, processes and practices editors must master to acquire, develop and polish fiction manuscripts in the commercial publishing industry.
WRIT7070 Editing the Manuscript has been designed in consultation with editors and publishers working across the publishing industry in Australia. It introduces you to the practices and principles you will need for editing fiction in the commercial publishing industry, teaching foundational skills in structural editing, copyediting, proofreading and production design. The course is practice-rich: over the semester, you will work hands-on with real manuscripts and learn from industry professionals who have worked in publishing and the arts. You will also have an opportunity to view and analyse Fryer Library manuscripts by eminent Australian authors.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Only students enrolled in Writing, Editing, and Publishing programs may take this course.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
WRIT7250 or WRIT7260
Restrictions
Must be enrolled in Graduate Certificate in Writing, Editing and Publishing or Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Amber Gwynne
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 aims to teach students the processes and practices, as well as the underlying principles, required for editing fiction in the commercial publishing industry. Students interested in careers in publishing will gain valuable editorial skills. Students interested in creative writing will gain valuable knowledge about the craft of effective prose.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand the commercial publishing process from acquisition of a manuscript to final proofreading.
LO2.
Understand and apply conventions of structural editing.
LO3.
Understand and apply conventions of copyediting and proofreading.
LO4.
Develop skills in conveying assessments and advice to authors and industry professionals.
LO5.
Develop basic skills in using contemporary desktop publishing software.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Proofreading exercise
|
10% Online quiz |
25/07/2024 - 18/10/2024 |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Tutorial exercises and reports | 20% |
25/07/2024 - 4/10/2024 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Acquisitions proposal | 20% |
23/08/2024 4:00 pm |
| Project | Structural report | 50% |
4/11/2024 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Proofreading exercise
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10% Online quiz
- Due date
25/07/2024 - 18/10/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04
Task description
On Blackboard, you will find a link to the proofreading exercise. This is an online quiz that assesses your knowledge of proofreading marks and prompts you to learn additional marks you may not already know. You can take the quiz at any time up to the due date in Week 12 and repeat it once if you make mistakes. Grade Centre will record your highest mark. Please read the detailed instructions under the Assessment tab on Blackboard.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Take this quiz online via Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Tutorial exercises and reports
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
25/07/2024 - 4/10/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
You will have six copyediting modules and two mini reports to complete across the semester for a maximum total of 20% of your course marks. Each copyediting module is worth 2%, and each mini report is worth 4%.
- Copyediting modules #1 to #6 are due in Weeks 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 & 8 — you must submit these BEFORE class each Thursday.
- Your Fryer Library fieldwork report is due in Week 9 and your Adobe InDesign sample is due in Week 10 — you should submit these AFTER the sessions.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit all tutorial exercises and the two reports (Fryer and InDesign) to the relevant forum on our Blackboard discussion board.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Acquisitions proposal
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
23/08/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04
Task description
Read one book that is listed as a debut Australian novel on Blackboard (see the folder in Assessment).
You are an editor who has just read this story in manuscript form, and now you have to take a publishing proposal to an acquisitions meeting. Write a proposal (between 800 and 1000 words) that will sell the book to a roomful of wary sales, marketing and finance people. On Blackboard, you will find an acquisitions proposal proforma designed by a large Sydney-based publisher. Use this proforma to write up your assignment. We will cover more detailed instructions in Week 2 of classes.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT 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
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.
Structural report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
4/11/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
Choose one of the manuscripts available on Blackboard to print out and work on throughout the semester.
You may decide the overall structure your structural report takes, but it should range between 3000 and 3500 words. Each report will differ depending on the manuscript you've chosen and your individual preferences and assessment. In writing up your report, however, you should aim to provide concise, comprehensive and constructive advice to the author. The report should offer specific suggestions (where appropriate), adopt a supportive tone, and list the strengths of the work as well as its weaknesses. Naturally, you should express yourself lucidly and carefully proofread your work so that it is mechanically flawless. High-achieving reports usually share some similar features: they are thoughtful, consistent and ultimately helpful to the author. Tip: grade one or more of the sample structural reports on Blackboard using the criteria sheet. Where can you do better? Which aspects of good practice can you learn?
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT 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
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.
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) |
Lecture |
Week 1: Overview of the course Overview of the course, proofreading marks, and production schedules Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 1: Introduction to copyediting Resources and training for copyediting fiction Proofreading quiz opens (self-paced, due by Week 12) Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
|
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 2: Acquisitions Guest lecture: how are manuscripts acquired? Preparation for acquisitions proposal assessment item Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 2: Copyediting module #1 Copyediting module #1 (submit your attempt before class) Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 3: Structural editing overview The role of the editor and the purpose of a structural report Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 3: Copyediting module #2 Copyediting module #2 (submit your attempt before class) Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 4: NO CLASSES THIS WEEK Use this time to finish your acquisitions proposal assignment. You might also like to look through the manuscripts on Blackboard and choose one to work on for your final structural report. |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 5: Plot and Pace Story parts and their proportions + learning techniques to modulate pace Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 5: Copyediting module #3 Copyediting module #3 (submit your attempt before class) Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 6: Primary and secondary characters Motivation and reaction, possibility and plausibility, drama and narrative interest Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 6: Copyediting module #4 Copyediting module #4 (submit your attempt before class) Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 7: Setting and context The role and development of context; identifying relevant elements including repetitions, integration, sufficiency and consistency Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 7: Copyediting module #5 Copyediting module #5 (submit your attempt before class) Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 8: Theme, tone and continuity Plot logic, continuity and other nuanced structural issues Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 8: Copyediting module #6 Working with a real manuscript, the tutorial classes workshop the copyediting process across 6 modules, looking at module #6 this week. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Fieldwork |
Week 9: Authors, editors and publishing practices AT FRYER LIBRARY: Using a worksheet with a set of guided exercises, explore edited manuscripts at the Fryer Library. Remember to submit your worksheet after class. Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Information technology session |
Week 10: Using Adobe InDesign (IN OWN TIME — NO CLASSES) Learn the basics of InDesign that every editor needs to know in this self-guided online activity. Remember to submit your InDesign learning summary or your design after class. Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 11: Authors, editors and publishing practices Understanding technical, creative and professional aspects of digital publishing tools and business models Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 11: Editing in a digital workflow Workshop: eBook creation Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 12: Writing a structural report Approaches to the final assessment — remember to complete the online quiz Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 12: Guest author and editor Q&A Hear from current industry professionals Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 13: READING WEEK Independent study — write up your structural report |
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.