Do you have an idea for a commercial non-fiction book? Have you always wanted to work in the publishing industry? Whether you’re looking to self-publish or gain employment in publishing, this course is ideal for you.
Certificate of Publishing – Commercial Non-Fiction is an online professional development program exploring the process of commercial non-fiction publishing for mass-market appeal.
In this non-fiction publishing course, you will explore how to write a book proposal, conduct a competitor analysis and develop a business proposal for a non-fiction book. You’ll also learn how to manage writers, illustrators and freelancers, attract a target audience and identify critical distribution channels.
On completion of this course, you will have a strong foundation knowledge of the publishing process for commercial non-fiction, whether for self-publishing or to gain employment in the competitive publishing industry.
Course Structure
Unit - Publishing III
Unit 1 – What to Publish in Commercial Non-Fiction
- Introduction to non -fiction
- General perceptions of non-fiction
- Defining non-fiction and commercial non-fiction
- Strong voice
- Narrative
- Non-fiction types
- Non-fiction genres
- Deciding what to publish
- Factors that influence the decision of what to publish
- Reader interest and expectations
- Perceived need
- Cost and profit-making potential
Unit 2 – Planning a New Publication: Developing a Non-Fiction Book Proposal
- Book proposals in self-publishing
- Why self-publishers need a book proposal
- Publisher/business perspective
- Author perspective
- Reader/audience perspective
- Questions to ask and answer in the book proposal
- The publication process
- Editing and proofreading
- Designing the document and preparing artwork
- Consistency of language
- Illustrations or visuals
- Black and white drawings
- Coloured drawings
- Black and white photographs
- Typesetting
- Type faces and sizes
- Standard book sizes
- Number of pages, or extent
Unit 3 – Financial Management and Costing a Publication
- Costs involved with self-publishing a non-fiction book
- Print vs Ebook
- Print publishing
- Making the business case for a print book: market analysis
- Estimating the initial print run
- Poor production
- Timing
- Trends
- What does a publication cost?
- Creation costs
- How can content be obtained for free?
- Production costs
- Marketing costs
- Distribution costs
- How royalties work
- Additional income
Unit 4 – Managing Resources and Expectations
- Publishing – publishing can be a resource-intensive business with high labour costs.
- Print vs. Ebook publishing
- The best of both worlds: print on demand and just-in-time printing
- Publishing in print
- How many to print
- The type of binding, cover and paper
- Commercial potential and financial management
- Publishing an Ebook
- Analysing the market
- Small publishers
- Developing a business plan
- Why have a business plan?
- The planning processes
- A checklist for your business plan
- Is small business for you? – personal considerations
- Are you the right type?
- Can you afford to start?
- What business do you plan on being in
- Market research and promotion
- What market will you be serving?
- Who are your competitors?
- How to develop a business plan
- Identifying assistance
- The importance of business planning
- What does a business plan look like?
- Primary objectives
- Business description
- Swot analysis
- Marketing strategies
Unit 5 – Risk Management
- Process of identifying, then assessing and managing risk
- Financial risks
- Poor cash flow
- Unrealistic income targets
- Not meeting a deadline
- Unbalanced relationship between activities
- Scalability and risk management
- Production
- Print on demand
- Just-in-time
- Copyright
- Case study – Australian law
- Income from writing
- Copyright licensing payments
- Lending rights
- Specific non-fiction risks
- Slander, defamation, false light, fact checking
- Perspective and time shift, societal shift
- Legal risks
- Protecting intellectual property
- DRM (digital rights management)
- IRM (information rights management)
- Electronic books and magazines
- IRM or information rights management
Unit 6 – Managing Writers and Illustrators in the Freelance Market
- Types of freelancers
- Editors
- Developmental editors
- Ghost writers
- Publishers, writers, and illustrators
- The support role of the publishing staff
- Photographers
- Photo libraries
- Copyright-free material
- Why would an author choose to write a book?
- Lending rights
- Sub licensing through publishers
- Sub licensing apart from publishers
- Promoting your business
- Promoting yourself as a consultant or public speaker
- Specialist professionals and consultants
Unit 7 – Managing Production, Distribution, and Author Promotion
- Sales agencies, pr, and conferences
- Establishing an author platform
- Visibility
- Established credibility
- Expertise and authority
- Target audience reach
- Networking
- Social media
- Media releases
- Interviews
- Endorsements
- Timing of production and distribution
- Quality control
- Quality control during production and distribution
- Managing the marketing process
- Selecting target markets
- Total market approach
- Developing the market mix
- Managing the market effort
- Publicity and public relations
- Managing distribution
- Distribution channels and retail outlets
- Direct sales
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
My experience studying with Australian Online Courses has been nothing but positive. Whenever I had a question, either by email or phone, it was answered promptly. I have gained considerable experience in what is involved with publishing a book and this information will be handy in my line of work. I have my next course picked out to enrol in the coming months 🙂
Marie | Kingaroy, QLD | Certificate of Publishing – Commercial Non-Fiction
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
Related Blogs
