Book Acquisition & Editing

The editor acquires and develops the books that are essential to the success of a publishing venture. This class examines the publishing process from the inception of an idea to bound book, and studies the dynamics of the publishing environment. Students will learn how to determine the best sources for the acquisition of both fiction and nonfiction, how to identify new ideas for books, and how to bring them to market. Students will study the agent/editor relationship as well as the author/editor relationship, with a special emphasis on working with creative personalities in a business environment. Students will hone their critical faculties, develop editing skills, acquire effective communication strategies, learn to write jacket and catalogue copy, and examine how an editor influences major marketing and sales functions for print and e-books. The focus of the course is on trade book editing.