2008 SUMMER/FALL SCHEDULE
Publishing Certificate Program

For INFORMATION or REGISTRATION: 718.270.6400 –
Adult and Continuing Education

• Brochure
• Registration Form

Registration is on a first come first serve basis. Individuals must be registered 1 week BEFORE the selected course begins. There is a $20 non refundable processing fee, per student, per registration.

The Center for Black Literature’s Publishing Certificate Program is offered through the Department of Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) in the School of Professional and Community Development at Medgar Evers College, CUNY.

Program Description
The Publishing Certificate Program of the Center for Black Literature provides students with an awareness of the publishing industry in totality and the skills to obtain an entry level position. Students will have an opportunity to take courses with experts in the field. Required courses include an overview of the publishing industry, online publishing, copyediting, the role of the agent and graphics and typography. Students are also encouraged to take an internship. The Program is designed to increase the percentage of writers of color in the publishing industry.

Admissions Criteria
To qualify for the certificate track, a minimum of a high school diploma is required and an AA degree or the equivalents are desirable. Students should be motivated and highly proficient in English and should be interested in the book business. All students admitted to the program will be required to submit with their registration an essay describing their interest in the program.

Course Requirements
Students must complete required courses PD-PC100, PD-PC101, PD-PC102, PD-PC103, and PD-PC104 to attain certification.* Students may enroll in individual courses which range from 2 to 10 sessions.

PD-PC100 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLISHING
TUESDAYS, OCTOBER 7 – NOVEMBER 25 (7 SESSIONS)
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
$295
This course introduces students to the world of book publishing. Students study the current issues in the publishing world, including the impact of bookstore chains, consolidations and international conglomerates, and alternative publishing ventures. Students also examine the economic, financial, and marketing issues related to publishing and the role of the editor, agent, author, and graphics designer in the publishing industry.

PD-PC101 ONLINE PUBLISHING/NEW MEDIA WORKSHOP
THURSDAYS, OCTOBER 16- 30 (3 SESSIONS)
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
$150 (CLASS IS HELD IN COMPUTER LAB)
This fast-paced, hands-on workshop is an introduction to basic skills in online journalism for media and non-media professionals. The two-hour, once a week workshop allows students to upgrade or learn new skills through group discussions, case studies and hands-on sessions. In addition to ethical and theoretical issues in online newsgathering and the changing media landscape, the workshop focuses on the basics of Web design using standard industry tools. (Students are required to work in the computer lab).

PD-PC102 FUNDAMENTALS OF COPYEDITING
WEDNESDAYS, NOVEMBER 5 -19 (3 SESSIONS)
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
$150
The course helps students develop the editing skills required for trade, reference, and other types of print work, as well as those of online editing. The course covers standard proofreader’s and copy editor’s marks; common word usage problems; style sheets or house styles; use of reference works; and the interrelationship of copy editor and editor to production editor.

PD-PC103 ROLE OF THE AGENT
THURSDAYS, NOVEMBER 6 – 20 (3 SESSIONS)
6:00PM – 9:00 PM
$150
The literary agent has become one of the most important players in the book-publishing world. Topics include an overview of the agent’s role and functions; how to become an agent; steps in the acquisition process; specifics of contracts and contract negotiations; subsidiary rights; genre publishing; packaging; and the editor’s perspective on the agent’s role.

PD-PC104 GRAPHICS AND TYPOGRAPHY
WEDNESDAYS, DECEMBER 3- 17 (3 SESSIONS)
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
$150
This course examines how books are designed both from the inside typeface and flaps to the outside covers and flaps; the reasoning behind key decisions on author’s photo placement, cover lines and use of fonts and color.

PD-PC105 HISTORY OF BLACKS IN PUBLISHING
TUESDAYS, DECEMBER 2-9 (3 SESSIONS)
6:00 – 8:00 PM
$100
This elective course is an overview of the role that blacks have played in both the established publishing industry and the black owned press.

PD-PC106 PUBLISHING INTERNSHIP
DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED.
$295
This internship provides an opportunity for students to apply their skills in the workplace or in an organization related to publishing. Students are supported by scheduled meetings with the Publishing Certificate Program Director.