KWB312 Editing and Publishing
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | KWB312 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | Completion of 60 Credit points of KWB units |
| Equivalent(s): | KWB217, KWB310 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | KWB312 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | Completion of 60 Credit points of KWB units |
| Equivalent: | KWB217, KWB310 |
| Coordinator: | Kari Gislason | k.gislason@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit introduces the practices of professional editing and explores the contemporary Australian publishing landscape. You will learn how editors work with writers to shape manuscripts for publication, developing the critical and technical skills required to assess, refine, and present written work. Through practical exercises and case studies, you will practise key editorial tasks such as evaluating manuscripts, writing reader’s reports, and editing prose for clarity, consistency, and style, using industry-standard technologies. The unit also examines how publishing operates in Australia today, including the roles of editors, agents, and publishers, and the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. By the end of the unit, you will have developed the ability to analyse and edit the work of others with care and precision, while gaining a deeper understanding of how editorial decisions influence both literary culture and professional writing practice.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critically analyse and edit others' work.
- Employ professional communication skills in author-editor interactions.
- Utilise the basic lexicon of manuscript assessment, editing, and proofreading.
- Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse the Australian publishing industry by examining key trends, stakeholders, and market dynamics
Content
You will develop advanced skills in editing and publishing, with a focus on the contemporary Australian literary landscape. You will learn key editorial practices in depth, including structural editing, copyediting, and proofreading, as well as professional communication and author–editor relationships. The unit also explores how publishing operates in practice, examining industry structures, current trends, and the pathways through which writing reaches audiences. Through practical exercises and critical analysis, you will build the skills required to work professionally as an editor and to engage more effectively with your own writing.
Learning Approaches
In this unit you will learn through engaging with the following: 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 creative 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. The teaching staff include published authors and industry professionals who share their knowledge of the art and business of writing.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback in this unit by participating in weekly discursive tutorials and through developmental conversations with your peers. You will also receive written feedback from your tutor on your portfolio, reader’s report, and presentation.
Assessment
Overview
At mid semester, you will perform the authentic task of assessing a manuscript for a particular publisher and offering your recommendations for its suitability and development. These practical editorial skills and understandings of the contemporary publishing landscape are foundational aspects of employment in this context.
For the second assessment task, you will complete a folio of work gathered over the semester which demonstrates your engagement with formative tasks in editing and publishing, and participate in the process of applying key editorial techniques in a collaborative setting.
The final task is a presentation that requires you to critically analyse key debates, trends, and topics in contemporary Australian publishing and present your findings to the class.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Reader's Report (written)
You will develop a reader's report for a selected publisher, including editorial suggestions and corrections.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Proofreading and copyediting portfolio
A series of three in-class writing tasks that test your copyediting, proofreading, and author communication skills, along with a log book detailing your reflections on these tasks.
The automatic 48-hour extension is available for this item.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Issues in contemporary publishing presentation
Choose from a number of supplied questions about an issue in contemporary publishing and write a 10min presentation to answer the question.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.
Resources
There are no resources that are required to be purchased for this unit. Resources will be available in the unit's Canvas site.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Australian Style Manual -- https://www.stylemanual.gov.au/
Other
To enable your full participation in the virtual learning environment, for example, participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.
Where substantial computer-based work is required, particularly in the case of fully online students, you are recommended to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Creative writing often explores a wide range of topics and themes, some of which may touch upon sensitive or triggering subjects. While we believe in the power of storytelling and self-expression, we also want to prioritize your emotional well-being. Please be aware that this course may contain content that could potentially trigger or upset individuals. These triggering topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Sexual assault or violence
- Self-harm or suicide
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Eating disorders or body dysmorphia
- Mental health conditions or trauma
- Racism, discrimination, or hate speech
- Religious or political extremism
- Domestic or child abuse
- Loss or grief
- War or conflict
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BA01 Bachelor of Arts
- Recognise, develop and apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge through critical and creative processes.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Reader's Report (written), Proofreading and copyediting portfolio, Issues in contemporary publishing presentation - Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Reader's Report (written), Proofreading and copyediting portfolio, Issues in contemporary publishing presentation - Communicate to diverse audiences using a range of modes and technologies to share and disseminate knowledge, skills and ideas.
Relates to: ULO2, Reader's Report (written), Proofreading and copyediting portfolio, Issues in contemporary publishing presentation - Work productively as a reflective learner, team member and collaborator to achieve goals and to build personal and professional networks and develop entrepreneurial thinking in community and workplace contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Reader's Report (written), Proofreading and copyediting portfolio, Issues in contemporary publishing presentation
CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts
- Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Reader's Report (written) - Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Reader's Report (written) - Demonstrate technical proficiency and a knowledge of contemporary digital practices and technologies in one or more disciplines and apply these in creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Reader's Report (written) - Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Reader's Report (written) - Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Reader's Report (written) - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Reader's Report (written) - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Reader's Report (written)
KK43 Bachelor of Creative Industries
- Demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and practical knowledge required for creative enterprise, career development and interdisciplinary collaborations, supported by depth in at least one creative disciplinary area.
Relates to: ULO3, Reader's Report (written) - Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
Relates to: ULO1, Reader's Report (written) - Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Reader's Report (written) - Communicate effectively in a range of forms across multiple media modes, for sharing and disseminating knowledge, skills and ideas, and collaborative practice and navigation of social networks.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Reader's Report (written) - Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Reader's Report (written) - Embody social and ethical responsibilities and exhibit well-developed judgement with resilience, integrity, curiosity and responsibility.
Relates to: ULO2, Reader's Report (written) - Practise self-management of career and learning with enterprise and an entrepreneurial outlook, including the building of personal and professional relationships and partnerships.
Relates to: ULO2, Reader's Report (written)