Module: PUB6100 -20 The Commissioning Editor

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Katharine Reeve

Module Tutor Contact Details: k.reeve@bathspa.ac.uk

Please note that in order to take this module you must have studied PUB4000-20 Introduction to Publishing.

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Commissioning editors are the creative curators and shapers of ideas in publishing; they understand the zeitgeist (important in predicting trends) and identify and work with the ‘talent’ (authors, new and established), using their taste and judgement to strategically build ‘lists’ (groups of titles), which represent great financial and reputational value to a publishing house.

Following a real industry process involving bookshop and non-traditional retail outlet research, ideas development and practical work, you will deepen your knowledge of a publication category of your choice, e.g. academic literature, cookery, lifestyle, current affairs, children’s or YA books. This will put you in a good position to make informed, critical decisions about potential new publications and publishing strategy. You will learn about the strategy, process and practice of commissioning, about how to work with authors and with colleagues at different stages in the process, to consider costs and income, and how to ensure the publications you feel passionately about find an audience.

You will develop your own original idea and take it through the various publishing stages to a final bound and/or digital sample. You will also produce a Publishing Prospectus for your title, containing key documentation. This gives you an opportunity to also consider other areas of publishing such as design and production, and marketing.

This module will provide you with specialist experience and knowledge and a professional portfolio to show prospective employers when applying for graduate roles as, for example, editorial assistant, marketing assistant, rights assistant, publications officer.

2. Outline syllabus:

• The commissioning editor’s role and job description

• Publication development processes and documentation from idea to publication

• Marketing, sales, rights, and financial context

• User (reader) experience

• Research and develop a new publication idea, producing print samples and/or digital prototypes

• Pricing, costings and income (P&L)

3. Teaching and learning activities: 

This module will be taught through workshops and tutor-guided independent work, with industry talks.

You will have access to our industry-standard Publishing Lab with a wide range of specialist industry software and equipment, standard book format templates, Publishing Technical Demonstrators.

Trips and talks will vary but might include a visit to London International Book Fair, field trips to Topping Bookshop or George Bayntun Antiquarian Books (dating back to 1829), Bath

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Publication category analysis: research report (1,000 words)

• % Weighting: 20

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Personal Project (equivalent of 4,000 words)

• % Weighting: 80