From Editing to Publishing: Gift Economies & Going Pro (Q3332)

15 credits, Level 5

Autumn teaching

This module demystifies publishing and honours the labour involved in print-cultures, including:

  • the gift economy of small press publishing
  • the ‘samizdat’ dissemination of censored work
  • the fanfiction and self-publishing which is shaking up the industry
  • global distribution networks.

Whether you’re looking to publish your own writing, to establish an imprint, to bring back out-of-print or lost classics, or to work in the industry, this module invites you to make a start. We’ll offer practical knowledge of publishing with guest industry professionals. This may include editors, literary agents, or rights managers. You’ll also learn about the workflow of contemporary publishing.

You’ll consider self-publishing, both bespoke and commercial, and its relationship to new technologies of distribution. As well as publishers, you’ll hear from professionals which may include writers for audio, screens, games or theatre. You’ll also and consider the benefits and threats of AI. We’ll take an honest look at often precarious work, but also demonstrate the joys of making print culture, including practical sessions from Sussex’s Print Group.

Teaching

33%: Lecture
67%: Practical (Workshop)

Assessment

60%: Practical (Portfolio)
40%: Written assessment (Project)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 33 hours of contact time and about 117 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We鈥檙e planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We鈥檒l make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: