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Editing and Developing the Manuscript

Unit code: KWB304
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs

This unit develops your understanding of the editing process - in particular, the developmental intervention required to bring a creative manuscript to a publishable standard. These skills are crucial to those of you intending to work in the publishing industry, and of great benefit to professional creative writers. You will receive the opportunity to learn to edit the work of others with insight, understanding and technical skill.


Availability
Semester Available
2013 Semester 1 Yes

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit develops your understanding of the editing process - in particular, the developmental intervention required to bring a creative manuscript to a publishable standard. These skills are crucial to those of you intending to work in the publishing industry, and of great benefit to professional creative writers. You will receive the opportunity to learn to edit the work of others with insight, understanding and technical skill.

This unit is concurrently taught with KWP404, with appropriate learning outcomes tailored for undergraduate students.

Aims

This unit aims to provide you with advanced skills in and a theoretical understanding of the manuscript development and editing processes which are vital for both your own craft and if you are to work in the publishing industry.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Critically analyse and edit other students' work;
2. Employ professional communication skills in author-editor interactions
3. Utilise the basic lexicon of manuscript assessment, editing, and proofreading.

Content

This unit addresses content such as the language and stages of editing: production of text, reviewing the text, structural editing, copy-editing and proofreading.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Classroom practice includes an integrated program of lectures and tutorials, with a balance of small group, large group, online and individual activities. Guided writing activities and critical discussion of writing theories and works will form the backbone of most tutorials. You are encouraged to develop your understanding of the theoretical content of the course by engaging in innovative forms of writing and analysis. Opportunities for the discussion of alternative forms of writing practice or analysis, and workshopping of works in progress will be part of some sessions. The lecture series also include guest lectures from published authors and other industry professionals who share their knowledge of the art and business of writing.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.
Formative Assessment
Elements in assessment item one in this unit (peer critique and the editing exercise), which are undertaken throughout the semester, (but will also be assessed),are designed to provide a succession of opportunities to test your progress. Weight: 0%.

Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: (Summative and formative) An extended piece of literary criticism. (1500 words)
Relates to objectives: All
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid semester

Assessment name: Peer Review
Description: (Summative and formative) Assessment and editing of piece of creative writing and consultation with author.
Relates to objectives: All
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid semester

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: (Summative) Copy-edit and proofread a nominated piece of short fiction.
Relates to objectives: All
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required Text
(2002) Style Manual for Authors, Editors and Printers, John Wiley, Milton, 6th Edn.

Recommended Readings
Also consult the unit Blackboard site.

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Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 04-Oct-2012