Course 03
Book Publishing
Explore the book publishing process, from manuscripts and editing to design, production, distribution, and launch.
Duration
24 weeks
Progression
3 levels
Course outline
3 progressive levels
Level 01 · Weeks 1–8
Beginner
8 weeks
Understanding the basics of book publishing and the journey from manuscript to published book
01Introduction to Book Publishing
What students learn
What book publishing is; the basic publishing process; roles of author, editor, designer and publisher
Practice / Assignment
Choose a book idea and identify its purpose and target reader
02The Publishing Journey
What students learn
How a manuscript moves from writing to editing, design, production and publication
Practice / Assignment
Create a simple publishing-process map
03Parts of a Book
What students learn
Cover, title page, copyright page, table of contents, chapters, acknowledgments and author bio
Practice / Assignment
Identify and organize the main parts of a sample book
04Editing Basics
What students learn
Developmental editing, copyediting and proofreading; why each stage matters
Practice / Assignment
Edit and proofread a short sample text
05Book Design Basics
What students learn
Page size, margins, fonts, spacing, layout and basic cover principles
Practice / Assignment
Create a simple interior layout and cover concept
06Copyright & ISBN Basics
What students learn
Basic copyright, ISBN, editions and essential publication information
Practice / Assignment
Prepare a basic publishing-information checklist
07Print & Digital Publishing
What students learn
Printed books, eBooks, PDFs and print-on-demand; basic differences and uses
Practice / Assignment
Choose a suitable format for a sample book
08Preparing a Book for Publication
What students learn
Final checks, book description, author information and basic release preparation
Practice / Assignment
Prepare a simple mini publishing package
Level 02 · Weeks 9–16
Intermediate
8 weeks
Preparing and developing a manuscript for professional publication
09Audience, Genre & Positioning
What students learn
Understanding target readers, genre expectations and how a book is positioned in the market
Practice / Assignment
Create a target-reader profile and positioning statement
10Manuscript Evaluation
What students learn
Assessing structure, clarity, consistency and areas that need revision
Practice / Assignment
Prepare a manuscript evaluation and revision plan
11Editing & Quality Control
What students learn
Copyediting, proofreading, consistency, fact-checking and using a style sheet
Practice / Assignment
Edit selected pages and create a basic style sheet
12Professional Book Design
What students learn
Interior layout, typography, trim size, margins, chapter styling and visual hierarchy
Practice / Assignment
Format a professional sample chapter
13Title, Cover & Book Description
What students learn
Developing effective titles, subtitles, cover briefs and book descriptions
Practice / Assignment
Create a title, cover brief and book description
14Metadata, ISBN & Categories
What students learn
Book metadata, keywords, categories, ISBN and information needed for publication
Practice / Assignment
Prepare complete metadata for a sample book
15Publishing Platforms & Distribution
What students learn
Publishing platforms, print-on-demand, pricing and basic distribution channels
Practice / Assignment
Compare publishing options and select a publishing route
16Publication-Ready Project
What students learn
Combining editing, design, metadata and final files into one complete package
Practice / Assignment
Prepare a publication-ready sample book package
Level 03 · Weeks 17–24
Advanced
8 weeks
Managing professional publishing, distribution, rights, marketing and book launch
17Publishing Models & Strategy
What students learn
Traditional, self-publishing and hybrid models; publishing goals, costs and revenue
Practice / Assignment
Create a publishing strategy for a book
18Advanced Editorial Management
What students learn
Editorial planning, author-editor collaboration, revision cycles and quality standards
Practice / Assignment
Develop a professional editorial workflow
19Production & Prepress
What students learn
Print-ready and eBook-ready files, print specifications, proofs and production quality control
Practice / Assignment
Prepare a production and prepress checklist
20Rights, Permissions & Ethics
What students learn
Copyright, permissions, quotations, images, contracts, plagiarism and ethical publishing
Practice / Assignment
Complete a rights and permissions checklist
21Distribution, Pricing & Sales
What students learn
Distribution channels, bookstores, online retailers, pricing, discounts and sales planning
Practice / Assignment
Develop a distribution and pricing plan
22Book Marketing & Publicity
What students learn
Launch campaigns, reviews, media outreach, events, partnerships and promotional content
Practice / Assignment
Create a multi-channel book launch campaign
23Author Brand & Publishing Portfolio
What students learn
Author platform, media kit, catalog copy, professional presence and long-term publishing strategy
Practice / Assignment
Create an author or publisher media kit
24Capstone: Publish a Book
What students learn
Integrating editing, design, rights, metadata, production, distribution and launch planning
Practice / Assignment
Present a complete publication-ready book package and launch plan