Adult and Continuing Education
School of Professional and Community Development
Sponsored by the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College
For INFORMATION or REGISTRATION: 718.270.6400 –
Adult and Continuing Education
Online Publishing Certificate: The Online Publishing Certificate was created as a collaboration between the Adult and Continuing Education Program and the Center for Black Literature, and is designed to be completed in 12 weeks, beginning in September of 2009. The program includes five courses: Introduction to Publishing, The ABC’s of Self‐Publishing, Online Publishing/New Media Workshop, Fundamentals of Copyediting, and the Role of the Agent. Individual course registration is available but certificates will be awarded upon successful completion of the entire program. Courses are three hours in length and range from 3 to 7 sessions. All courses are taught by experts in the field who have specific experience in the courses they are teaching.
Admissions Criteria: A minimum of a high school diploma is required. An AA degree or the equivalents are desirable but not required. Students should be motivated and highly proficient in English and should be interested in the book business.
Introduction to Publishing $299
This course will introduce students to the world of book publishing. Students will study the current issues in the publishing world, including the impact of bookstore chains, consolidations and international conglomerates, and alternative publishing ventures. Students will 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.
Tues. & Thurs. 6 – 9 pm (7 sessions) Sept. 22 – Oct. 13
The ABC’S of Self‐Publishing $199
As the major book publishers publish fewer books by unknown authors, and as technology has made formatting and printing books cheaper, self‐publishing is now seen as an attractive alternative for people seeking to make a name for themselves as authors. This class will give an in‐depth look at what a self‐published author will face.
Tues. & Thurs. 6 – 9 pm (5 sessions) Oct. 15 – Oct. 29
Online Publishing/New Media Workshop $199
This fast‐paced, hands‐on workshop will be an introduction to basic skills in online journalism for media and non‐media professionals. The two‐hour, once a week course will allow 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 course will focus on the basics of Web design using standard industry tools. (Students will be required to work in the computer lab).
Tues. & Thurs. 6 – 9 pm (5 sessions) Nov. 3 – 17
Fundamentals of Copyediting $99
The course will help students develop the editing skills required for trade, reference, and other types of print work, as well as those of online editing. The course will cover 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.
Tues. & Thurs. 6 – 9 pm (3 sessions) Dec. 1 – 8
Role of the Agent $149
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.
Tues. & Thurs. 6 – 9 pm (4 sessions) Dec. 10 – 22
TOTAL: $990: Total cost if paid all at once, including processing fee and certificate fee. Courses may be taken on an individual basis without applying to the Certificate Program.
For information about the Center contact:
Dr. Brenda M. Greene, Executive Director
Center for Black Literature
bgreene@mec.cuny.edu
www.mec.cuny.edu/blacklitcenter