- Department: English and Related Literature
- Module co-ordinator: Dr. J T Welsch
- Credit value: 10 credits
- Credit level: I
- Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
- See module specification for other years: 2022-23
Publishing in the twenty-first century is undergoing enormous transformations. As an ageing industry seeks to keep up with societal changes and developments in technology, it must learn to innovate and shape-shift if it is to remain cutting-edge, sustainable and value-driven in the modern world.
The Business of Books is a module designed and taught in collaboration with New Writing North, the region’s literary development agency, introducing essential concepts and practices in contemporary publishing. Discussions will be centred around a practical examination of a living and breathing industry: what it is, what it does, and where it is headed – with a particular emphasis on the geography of the industry, with the North’s growing role in relation to publishing’s historical roots in London.
At the core of the module are questions about how the book business generates cultural and economic ‘value’. This includes publishers’ role in creating value through editing, design, and marketing, alongside an understanding of how authors generate income and access support networks. We will also look at new modes of digital storytelling and consider how ethical issues underscore trade the book business. The content will be especially useful for students with an interest in working in literature, publishing, or the arts, and will include visiting speakers, such as writers and publishing professionals.
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Summer Term 2021-22 |
On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework Team presentation |
N/A | 100 |
None
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework Reassessment essay |
N/A | 100 |
You will receive feedback on all assessed work within the University deadline, and will often receive it more quickly. The purpose of feedback is to inform your future work; it is designed to help you to improve your work, and the Department also offers you help in learning from your feedback. If you do not understand your feedback or want to talk about your ideas further you can discuss it with your tutor or your supervisor, during their Open Office Hours
Key texts may include: