Module: PUB6103-20 Non-Fiction Publishing 

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Neil Baber

Module Tutor Contact Details: n.baber@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Non-fiction publishing essentially goes to the heart of what makes us human, whether it is examining the past, present or future. Non-fiction books cover every aspect of the lived experience from politics and psychology through nature and environment to history and health. The non-fiction market over the last ten years has seen major growth and also a wealth of new imprints, publishers and voices being launched into the cultural consciousness. Non-fiction publishers work with experts from all fields to create compelling publications, taking a range of forms including true stories, journalistic investigations, memoirs and biographies, narrative-driven explorations and detailed examinations of ideas, events and people. Throughout this module, students will explore the world of non-fiction, focussing primarily on trade non-fiction but also looking at the vital sectors of educational and academic publishing and how these intersect.

The module will examine critical issues such as under-represented voices, challenging themes, routes to market and the influence of the digital and social media landscape on what and how we read. It will explore the reading motivations of a range of audiences and how publishers seek to meet their needs. It will also examine the influence of taste-makers and literary festivals and prizes in determining what becomes a publishing success.

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 non-fiction genre category of your choice, e.g. popular science, smart thinking, personal development and wellbeing, food and drink, nature and environment, technology, economics, business, current affairs, history, travel. 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 and publishing fiction, about how to work with agents, authors and 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 landscape of non-fiction publishing: key publishers, imprints, agents, authors

• Publication development processes and documentation from idea to publication

• Marketing, sales, rights, and financial context

• Audience analysis and 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 specialist industry software and equipment, standard book format templates, Technical Demonstrators.

Trips and talks will vary but might include a visit to London International Book Fair.

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 (4,000 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 80%