Publishing and Editorial Production Course

Lesson 1 • The Publishing Workflow Overview

Traces a manuscript from submission to final product. Connects each workflow stage to the roles and decisions covered in this chapter.

Lesson 2 • Rights, Contracts, and Intellectual Property

Introduces copyright principles, licensing, and author agreements. Grounds students in the legal and ethical framework governing all publishing activity.

Lesson 3 • Editorial Roles and Responsibilities

Defines every editorial position from acquisitions to production. Students can identify where each role fits in the content lifecycle.

Lesson 1 • Writing Reader Reports and Synopses

Builds the skill of translating manuscript assessment into clear, actionable documents. Reports produced here feed directly into acquisition meetings.

Lesson 2 • Evaluating Manuscript Quality

Provides criteria for assessing structure, voice, argument, and originality. Students apply a consistent evaluative framework across diverse manuscript types.

Lesson 3 • The Acquisitions Decision Process

Examines how editorial, financial, and strategic factors combine in acquisition decisions. Students simulate a full acquisitions meeting scenario.

Lesson 1 • Editing Across Genres and Formats

Applies developmental principles to fiction, narrative nonfiction, and reference works. Students adapt their approach based on genre conventions and reader expectations.

Lesson 2 • Understanding Developmental Editing

Distinguishes developmental editing from copy editing and proofreading. Establishes the scope and goals that guide all work in this chapter.

Lesson 3 • Analyzing Structure and Organization

Teaches methods for diagnosing structural problems in nonfiction and fiction manuscripts. Students produce annotated outlines as diagnostic tools.

Lesson 4 • Writing the Editorial Letter

Guides students in composing a comprehensive, prioritized editorial letter. This document synthesizes all developmental findings into actionable author guidance.

Lesson 1 • Grammar and Syntax for Editors

Reviews grammar rules most critical to editorial accuracy. Focuses on patterns that cause recurring errors in published manuscripts.

Lesson 2 • House Style and Style Sheet Creation

Teaches students to build and enforce a house style from scratch. A well-maintained style sheet ensures consistency across all titles in a list.

Lesson 3 • Copy Editing on Screen

Covers digital copy editing workflows using track changes and comment tools. Students practice editing efficiently in standard word-processing environments.

Lesson 4 • Consistency, Fact-Checking, and Queries

Addresses internal consistency, factual accuracy, and author communication. These skills prevent costly errors from reaching the production stage.

Lesson 1 • Proofreading vs. Copy Editing

Clarifies the distinct scope and responsibilities of proofreading. Sets accurate expectations for what proofreaders should and should not change.

Lesson 2 • Quality Control Workflows

Establishes multi-pass quality control systems for complex publications. Students design a QC checklist applicable to any print or digital project.

Lesson 3 • Checking Layout and Design Elements

Extends proofreading to visual and structural page elements. Students verify that design specifications are applied correctly throughout the typeset document.

Lesson 4 • Proofreading Marks and Notation

Introduces standard proofreading marks for both print and digital workflows. Consistent notation ensures clear communication with typesetters and designers.

Lesson 1 • Production Stages and Timelines

Maps every production stage and its dependencies. Students build realistic schedules that account for author, designer, and printer turnaround times.

Lesson 2 • Managing Authors Through Production

Addresses author communication during the production phase. Students practice setting expectations and handling author corrections diplomatically.

Lesson 3 • Project Management Tools and Methods

Applies project management principles and digital tools to editorial production. Students build a production tracker for a multi-title publishing program.

Lesson 4 • Working with Designers and Typesetters

Defines the editor's role in briefing and reviewing design and typesetting work. Clear briefs and feedback loops prevent costly late-stage corrections.

Lesson 1 • Metadata, SEO, and Digital Discoverability

Teaches how metadata and search optimization drive digital sales and visibility. Students write and optimize metadata records for a sample title.

Lesson 2 • Designing for Digital Reading Experiences

Addresses typography, layout, and interactivity specific to digital reading environments. Students adapt print design principles to screen-based contexts.

Lesson 3 • Converting Manuscripts to Digital Formats

Covers the conversion pipeline from word-processed files to validated ebook files. Students practice conversion, cleanup, and structural tagging.

Lesson 4 • Digital Publishing Formats and Standards

Surveys ebook formats, their technical specifications, and platform requirements. Provides the technical foundation for all digital production work in this chapter.

Lesson 1 • Marketing and Publicity Collaboration

Defines the editorial team's role in supporting marketing and publicity campaigns. Students produce an editorial marketing brief for a forthcoming title.

Lesson 2 • Evaluating List Performance

Introduces sales data analysis and performance metrics for editorial decision-making. Students interpret a sales report and adjust list strategy accordingly.

Lesson 3 • Commissioning and Author Development

Covers proactive commissioning strategies and long-term author relationship management. Students draft a commissioning brief for an identified market gap.

Lesson 4 • Defining a Publishing List Identity

Guides students in articulating a list's editorial vision and market position. A clear identity drives consistent acquisition and marketing decisions.