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FOUNDATION DIPLOMA IN EDITING AND PUBLISHING VBS301

Duration (approx) 1000 hours
Qualification Foundation Diploma

Study publishing and editing with this distance learning course

The Foundation Diploma In Editing And Publishing is an ideal course for journalists, writers, bloggers, academic writers any anyone interested in developing a career in publishing and editing.

  • Students will gain extensive knowledge in publishing and editing.
  • Learn about how to make written content effective, informative, engaging, and relevant.
  • The course consists of ten 100 hour modules covering publishing, editing, technical writing and other modules to suit your own interests.

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A publishing and editing course to provide you with a detailed insight into the knowledge required to work in this industry.

The course is made up of ten 100 hour modules. Each of them work to develop your knowledge in a specific area of editing and publishing.

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
Course Duration: 1000 hours.

Start Date: Start at any time - study at a pace that suits you, and with full tutor support for the duration of your studies.

Content:
Study 7 Core Modules and then choose 3 Elective Modules.


The Core modules cover Editing I, Editing II, Editing Practice, Technical Writing, Publishing I, Publishing II, Publishing III.

Then choose 3 Electives from – Freelance Writing, Advanced Freelance Writing, Script Writing, Photojournalism, Starting A Small Business

All modules for the Foundation Diploma In Editing And Publishing are summarised below.  Follow the title link for further information on each.


THE CORE MODULES
Editing I BWR106
This module provides students with an introduction to editing.  Through 8 lessons, the module considers what the role of editing is, what tools are used, and how it fits in with publishing.  Students will consider what constitutes clear writing and the use of correct spelling, punctuation, grammar and so on.  They will look at how to assess manuscripts, what they should be looking for and what form their relationship takes with the author of a document.  The module then focuses specifically on the editing process and what is involved with editing a document, proof reading it and checking final proofs before printing/publishing.

Editing II BWR302
Editing II is an 8 lesson module which builds upon the student’s knowledge, as covered in Editing I.  This module further refines the student’s ability to effectively edit and proof documents, with lessons expanding into specific areas such as the use of graphic content, headings, captions, and design.  As well as being able to adhere to a house style, the editor needs to be aware of the reader and how to match the style and context of content to their expectations.  As well as looking at legal and ethical issues in publishing, students will be given a practical editing project which will enable them to apply the skills that they have acquired through their studies.

Editing Practice BWR305
This module focuses on gaining practical experience in editing as students will undertake a project, under the guidance of their tutor, to will plan, design, write, and publish a magazine, journal, or other publication of their choice.  This useful module provides students with real-life practical experience where they can demonstrate their abilities and refine and develop these under the guidance of an expert tutor.  Upon completion of the module, students will have tangible evidence of their skills.

Technical Writing BWR301
Technical Writing is a 9 lesson module which will teach the student how to write for a defined audience/purpose.  As well as learning to plan and develop formats for different types of document where appropriate and logical structures are required, students will learn how to effectively work within a team – understanding the roles of others, whilst focusing on their own tasks and being able to make the required contribution to a project.  The module is then broken down into lessons which concentrate specifically on writing for specific purposes – technical articles for periodicals, writing procedures, manuals, project reports and so on.

Publishing I BWR107
This 10 lesson module will provide students with a solid introduction to the publishing industry.  Students will look at different publishing techniques as well as studying different types of publishing.  They will also learn about the evaluation of content – what sorts of illustration or graphical content is necessary or appropriate for inclusion in a publication.  As well as research and marketing, the module also includes a lesson looking at the impact of ethics and the law and how a publisher will need to be aware of relevant factors.  The module is concluded with a publishing project which will provide students with the opportunity to apply their learning from this module.

Publishing II BWR202
An 8 lesson module, Publishing II builds upon the knowledge students will have gained with Publishing I with lessons covering
the publishing process, different types of media (print/electronic), law and the media (covering such areas as copyright, libel, contract law), ethics and morality (including codes of conduct, censorship, and the manipulation of digital images).  Students will study the whole production process – from the writing of a document to its publication (in whatever form), and learn about the differing requirements dependent upon the media format for publication.  The module concludes with a lesson concerned with the marketing and distribution of both printed and electronic media.

Publishing III (Business Practices) BWR303
This 7 lesson module looks at the business side of publishing.  The first lesson in the module is concerned with determining what to publish – the lesson looks at the nature of publishing enterprises and the factors that may influence the decisions as what to publish.  The module then looks at each of the stages involved with producing the chosen item(s) – planning, costing, resources, managing risk, managing writers, and managing production and distribution.  During the course of completing this module, students will undertake practical research which will provide them with real-world information to back up their learning.


THE ELECTIVE MODULES
Students are to select 3 Electives from the following:


Freelance Writing BWR102
This 10 lesson module will familiarise students with the writing industry and equip them with the knowledge of how to go about approaching potential clients for work, and the processes involved in the publishing industry.  As well as developing quality and accuracy of students writing, the module looks at the process of planning what to write – from a concept, through to the synopsis, the actual writing process, and referencing.  Students will complete lessons on writing for different types of publication and applications, such as newspapers, magazines, books, and advertising.  The module concludes with the student reviewing their work before embarking on a project to plan and produce a written manuscript.   

Advanced Freelance Writing BWR201 (Applied Writing)
This 7 lesson module is focused on advancing students writing abilities and looking at specific styles of writing.  The types of writing covered in the module include: educational writing, technical writing, biographies, news articles, and works of fiction.  The module also includes sections on TV and radio scripts, and how to develop a story.

Photojournalism Practice I BPH302
This 11 lesson module looks at the use of photographic content and imagery within published articles.  It takes you through the processes of selection and publishing for a specific publication, submitting work for publication, and meeting the requirements of an editor and publisher. Under the guidance of a mentor (a photography/publishing tutor), you will learn to write according to specific criteria, deal with a publisher, and communicate effectively with others involved in the publishing process.  The module covers a wide range of areas on the subject including composition, determining how a picture should be taken, digital manipulation of images, and ethics.  The module includes practical work too in the form of a Problem Based Learning Project, where the student will develop and draft submission specifications for an electronic publication and then shoot a photo story which meets these specifications.

Script Writing - Available from mid 2017

Starting a Small Business VBS101
Through 12 lessons, this module introduces you to the world of running a business.  Students will learn about the first steps to take – what types of business there are, planning, and marketing a business.  As well as learning about forming a business, the module considers all important aspects in lessons including planning, budgeting, and bookkeeping.  The module will provide the essentials basics to forming a business and give those studying the pointers to the correct approach to making a success of their venture.


How the Foundation Diploma is Assessed
The Foundation Diploma In Editing And Publishing requires approximately 1000 hours of study. It is made up of ten 100 hour modules.

To pass the course –

1. Pass all assignments on the ten 100 hour modules. There will be an assignment at the end of each lesson to submit to your tutor for marking and feedback.
2. Pass ten examinations – one on each module. These are usually taken at the end of the module and can be arranged at a time and location to suit you.

This qualification is accredited by IARC

If you are not ready to study for the full Foundation Diploma qualification, each of the modules are available to study separately.

LEARN TO CREATE WORK FOR A TARGET AUDIENCE

Any publication needs a target audience in order to sell; a ‘target audience’ is the audience that is best suited to the publication. A target audience may be adults, teens or children but because readers differ in their reading preferences it will also be a ‘type’ of adult, teen or child. There is absolutely no point in trying to target your book, magazine or even marketing materials to the wrong audience. 

Text Books

Text books need to match the courses they are written for; but courses do change, and if the book is perfectly aligned to one course but lacks content and relevance to other courses, it can have a limited market or limited lifespan.

Magazine and Newspaper Articles

Periodicals survive by attracting repeat business. Readers need to buy new editions or take out subscriptions and they come to do that over time because they like the style of article, the layout or visual appearance of the publication and the style of what is published. They come to expect certain things from the publication The editor and publisher needs to recognise this and meet or exceed expectations in order to sustain an ongoing readership.

The High Concept Novel 

'High concept' is a term which originated in the film industry as a method of ‘pitching’ an idea for a film to potential producers. However, the publishing industry has also now adopted this term and applied it to certain types of novels, and the approach that is used to describe them. The high concept pitch is also used to pitch novels to potential publishers before they are even written – the pitch is written in such a way as to capture the publisher’s attention and hold it.

A high concept novel will also have instant appeal to the reader and attract their attention – captured by the book’s title, the cover and a short, pithy, concise (often one-line) yet comprehensive blurb. These three elements must move the reader to buy the book without any further investigation. 

High concept novels are original and often, but not always, unique, entertaining, and highly visual. They have an intelligible emotive emphasis, are easy to read and comprehend, and must appeal to a broad audience e.g. many science fiction novels and thrillers. However, high concept novels can fall within many other genres. High concept novels intrinsically use the ‘what if’ question to develop the story.  

Commercial Novels

Commercial novels appeal to a wide audience. They are usually easy to follow and easy to read, but also fall into many genres. The genre or sub-genre in a commercial novel should be easily recognised by the reader - the elements in the story should be what the reader would expect.  Commercial novels have a distinct plot and active characters i.e. characters that are trying to solve a problem, pursue a goal, overcome adversity or meet a challenge.  

Some commercial novels are considered to be ‘mainstream’ i.e. they appeal to a wide audience of readers. That is not to say that commercial novels have no or little literary merit - this is far from the truth - since commercial novels need to be well-written. Some commercial novels have a literary bent.

Commercial novels adhere (in the main) to the formula:  whom, why, what and when (the characters, the events, the place and the time) and are also often based on the premise, 'What if?' (The idea i.e. the initial inspiration behind the concept of the novel you want to write).

Literary Novels

Literary fiction means different things to different people and the meaning of it is a subject of hot debate. Many people would say that literary fiction concentrates on style rather than plot, has psychological depth and acuity, is more prosaic, tends to have more complex characters, and focuses more on style and the characters reactions to events rather than the events themselves. The pace of a literary novel is usually slower than a commercial novel, and the plot is less obvious and underlying, rather than on the surface. Literary novels deal with the emotions, desires, thoughts, deeds and reactions of the characters, often within or because of certain social settings or cultural situations.  

Learn to Consider and Cater to Target Markets

Writers come in all shapes and forms. What they write about, and the way they communicate can vary greatly. The job of an editor or publisher is in the space between the writer and the reader. They need to be mindful of choosing appropriate writers in the first place, then adjusting the work supplied to ensure consistency; appropriate content and the proper style for their target market. 

 


THE ADVANTAGES OF STUDYING WITH ACS

 

  • You can start the course at any time and study at your own pace (we do not impose a time limit for you to complete your studies).
  • Fit your studies around your own busy lifestyle - we provide full tutor support for all the time you are studying.
  • Study where you want to - online studies offer the flexibility for you to determine where and when you study.


WHY SHOULD YOU STUDY THIS COURSE?

  • The Foundation Diploma In Editing And Publishing will give provide a broad based of relevant and detailed knowledge for anyone looking to advance a career as a journalist, writer, blogger, academic writer.
  • Understand how the industry operates, how to find opportunities and how to write accurate, honed content appropriately formatted and constructed.
  • Learn how to set up and develop your own business and how to identify opportunities for business.

 


Any Questions?

 

If you have any questions at all, our writing tutors are more than happy to help.

Click here to contact a Writing Tutor

 


 

Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

Meet some of our academics

John MasonWriter, Manager, Teacher and Businessman with over 40 years interenational experience covering Education, Publishing, Leisure Management, Education, and Horticulture. He has extensive experience both as a public servant, and as a small business owner. John is a well respected member of many professional associations, and author of over seventy books and of over two thousand magazine articles.
Jade SciasciaBiologist, Business Coordinator, Government Environmental Dept, Secondary School teacher (Biology); Recruitment Consultant, Senior Supervisor in Youth Welfare, Horse Riding Instructor (part-completed) and Boarding Kennel Manager. Jade has a B.Sc.Biol, Dip.Professional Education, Cert IV TESOL, Cert Food Hygiene.
Tracey Jones (writing)Tracey has enjoyed creative writing since she was a child. She has had several short stories published and a novella. She is also a keen writer of children's stories and poetry. She has also written many academic and non-fiction books in the fields of psychology, sociology, child development, writing and marketing.


Check out our eBooks

How to be a Successful EditorThere are plenty of books that show you the processes involved in editing; but knowing the process is in itself not enough to be a successful editor. This book not only covers aspects of the process; but it also goes beyond the process; showing you things that may help you to become better than the “average” editor.
Technical WritingThe Technical Writing ebook has been written for anybody who would like to become a technical writer, add technical writing to their repertoire of skills, or improve their technical writing skills. Technical Writing is not just limited to scientific or technical documents, is necessary for writing manuals, reports or promotional materials. To be a technical writer you must have a broad range of skills in order to secure employment or ongoing projects, if you are working as a freelance technical writer. To work successfully in this field you will need: - Excellent communication skills - Logic and precision - Excellent word processing skills - To be able to manage projects - To work efficiently and independently - A solid, broad education - Improving your skills and knowledge - Great networking skills
Professional WritingProfessional writing is any writing that you are being paid for. It can include fiction writing, a best-selling book, articles in a magazine, articles in a newspaper, blogs for companies, technical manuals or procedure manuals, copy for catalogues, newsletters, text books and other academic material and so on.
Creative WritingThe Creative Writing ebook can be useful for writing students or even professional writers to help improve their writing techniques and skills. The Creative Writing ebook is a fabulous starting point for budding writers. The topics that are covered within this book are an introduction to creative writing, Methodology and technique- the building blocks of writing, Genres, Creative non-fiction, creative writing techniques, developing your skill, building your career and a Glossary.