Publishing requires diverse skills, from understanding ethical and legal considerations to creative services, such as art and design. Whether you want to publish a book for adults, start your own magazine or work in the digital media landscape, this online publishing course is ideal for you!
Certificate of Publishing – Adult Fiction is an online professional development program exploring the stages of the publishing process, from writing to publishing the final product for mass-market appeal.
In this adult fiction publishing course, you will learn about typesetting, layout and design for binding and publishing, and costs for print and eBooks. You’ll also learn about morality, ethics, censorship and the law in relation to publishing fiction. Plus, discover the importance of SEO, marketing, author promotion and distribution systems.
On completion of this course, you will have a strong foundation knowledge of the publishing process for adult fiction, whether for self-publishing or to gain employment in the dynamic publishing industry.
Course Structure
Unit - Publishing II
Unit 1 – The Publishing Process for Adult Fiction
- Publishers
- The publishing process: stages and timeline
- Stage 1: Writing
- Stage 2: Editing
- Stage 3: Design
- Stage 4: Metadata
- Stage 5: Publishing
- Genres
- Non-fiction
- Fiction
- Subgenres
- Short stories
- Novelettes, novellas, novels
- Graphic novels
- Common genre word counts
- World building and genre
Unit 2 – The Law and Publishing Fiction
- Self-publishing and the law
- Copyright
- J M Barrie – Peter Pan
- Other works in fiction
- Character creation and world building
- Public domain
- Creative commons licensing
- Defamation
- Criminal libel
- Steps to avoid libel
- Law and the internet
- Self-publishers and the law
- Author’s agents
- Vanity press vs. Self-publishing
- Contract law and types of contract
- Exclusive licence
- Royalties retail price
- Illustrations and design contracts
- Commissioning printers
- Creative control
- Scams
Unit 3 – Ethics and Morality in Fiction Genres
- Ethics and morality in fiction genres
- Cultural traits
- Transmission of knowledge
- Societal structures and processes
- Socialisation
- Subcultures
- Diversity
- Patterns of behaviour
- Diversity in fiction
- Writing diverse characters
- Resources for diverse characters
- How to use a sensitivity reader
- Know your reader
- Religious content and niche publishing
- Sexual content, ratings
- Censorship
- Right to privacy
- Manipulation of digital images
Unit 4 – Production Systems I: Costing and Constructing a Book
- The production process
- Your time and money
- Types of self-publishing
- Self-publishing print
- Self-publishing eBooks
- Self-publishing e-serials
- Hybrid publishing
- Assisted publishing
- The e-book production processes in self-publishing
- Digital formats
- EPUB, PDF, e-book design software
- Designing your eBook
- Production process – non-fiction print book
- The development stage
- Releasing foreign language editions
Unit 5 – Production Systems II: Editing and Perfecting a Book
- Stages of working with a manuscript
- Stage 1: development
- Potential helpers: writing coaches, alpha readers, developmental editors
- Stage 2: editing
- Manuscript critique and beta reading
- Line editing
- Copy editing
- Proof-reading
- Stage 3: front matter requirements
- Stage 4: back matter requirements
- Categorisation, sales, and coding: ISBNS and BISAC
- Categorisation
- Sales and coding
- ISBN, BIC, BISAC
- The role of the editor
- What does an editor do?
- Have you finished?
Unit 6 – Layout for the Print Media
- Print media
- News and magazines
- Books
- The layout of print media – books
- Page layout
- Fonts, missing fonts, free fonts
- Font weights and sizes
- Headings
- Chapter title
- A smaller chapter subtitle or quote that adds context
- Page setup and margins
- Layout for print media – magazines and news sheets
- Layout and design
- Offset printing
- Binding
- Using graphic designer
Unit 7 – Media Advertising for Self-Published Fiction
- How do you promote your self-published work?
- Establish your market
- Retail and distribution
- Print advertising
- Reviews and interviews
- Catalogues
- Bookmarks
- Alternative print promotion
- Public relations activities
- press/media release(s)
- media incentives/gifts
- local readings and book signings
- school visits
- Social media presence
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Author
- Self-publisher
- Publisher
- Publishing agent
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