COMM70927
How to Get Your Work Published		 Sheridan
 
  I: Administrative Information   II: Course Details   III: Topical Outline(s)  Printable Version
 

Land Acknowledgement

Sheridan College resides on land that has been, and still is, the traditional territory of several Indigenous nations, including the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Wendat, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We recognize this territory is covered by the Dish with One Spoon treaty and the Two Row Wampum treaty, which emphasize the importance of joint stewardship, peace, and respectful relationships.

As an institution of higher learning Sheridan embraces the critical role that education must play in facilitating real transformational change. We continue our collective efforts to recognize Canada's colonial history and to take steps to meaningful Truth and Reconciliation.
Section I: Administrative Information
  Total hours: 21.0
Credit Value: 2.0
Credit Value Notes: N/A
Effective: Spring/Summer 2022
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: N/A
Equivalents: N/A
Pre/Co/Equiv Notes: N/A

Program(s): Freelance Editor and Writer
Program Coordinator(s): N/A
Course Leader or Contact: N/A
Version: 20220509_00
Status: Approved (APPR)

Section I Notes: Access to course materials and assignments will be available on Sheridan's Learning and Teaching Environment (SLATE). Students will need reliable access to a computer and the internet.
 
 
Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
In this course, students learn to identify key markets and publications for their writing, and develop their own pitches for these audiences. Using industry and platform-specific (digital and print) standards, authors and writers will create pitch letters, learn about networking and business relationship building, and explore a target publication in detail through a case study.

Program Context

 
Freelance Editor and Writer Program Coordinator(s): N/A
Continuing and Professional Studies Students


Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes

  Critical Performance:
By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated the ability to create a pitch letter for a target publication. They will also create a case study based on a publisher of interest, by researching and analyzing their target publication for their work and correctly identifying its audience, market and key roles.
 
Learning Outcomes:

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Distinguish between different editorial roles, publications and markets.
  2. Analyze the role and responsibility of various editorial positions.
  3. Interpret industry and platform-specific standards and guidelines for pitches.
  4. Create a case study of a potential publisher of interest.

Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

 Evaluation Plan: ONLINE
 Quiz15.0%
 Pitch Letter - draft15.0%
 Case Study Planning and Research Plan15.0%
 Individualized case study/proposal for a target publication30.0%
 Revised Pitch Letter25.0%
Total100.0%

Evaluation Notes and Academic Missed Work Procedure:
TEST AND ASSIGNMENT PROTOCOL The following protocol applies to every course offered by Continuing and Professional Studies. 1. Students are responsible for staying abreast of test dates and times, as well as due dates and any special instructions for submitting assignments and projects as supplied to the class by the instructor. 2. Students must write all tests at the specified date and time. Missed tests, in-class/online activities, assignments and presentations are awarded a mark of zero. The penalty for late submission of written assignments is a loss of 10% per day for up to five business days (excluding Sundays and statutory holidays), after which, a grade of zero is assigned. Business days include any day that the college is open for business, whether the student has scheduled classes that day or not. An extension or make-up opportunity may be approved by the instructor at his or her discretion.

Provincial Context
The course meets the following Ministry of Colleges and Universities requirements:

 

Essential Employability Skills
Essential Employability Skills emphasized in the course:

  • Communication Skills - Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken, visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
PLAR Contact (if course is PLAR-eligible) - Office of the Registrar

  • Not Eligible for PLAR
 
 
Section III: Topical Outline
Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances such as weather cancellations, College and student activities, and class timetabling.
Instruction Mode: Online
Professor: N/A
Resource(s): N/A
Applicable student group(s): Continuing and Professional Studies
Course Details:

Module 1: Introduction/overview/self-assessment

Introduction to the course

An initial look at the industry and process of submitting work and getting it published

 

Module 2: Overview of print and digital publishing industry   

Different publishing markets: books, magazines, newspapers, online outlets  

The differences and similarities in these markets  

Traditional versus self-publishing in print and digital formats 

(Quiz 15%) 

 

Module 3: An introduction to pitching/submissions  

Assessing a fit for your published work  

Writing an effective pitch letter: voice, structure, and style  

Accessing and assessing submission guidelines  

Tailoring a pitch to different markets   

(Pitch letter draft 15%) 

 

Module 4: Roles you may encounter in a publishing company   

Deciphering the masthead  

How to pitch to the correct person/section  

How to develop these editorial relationships.  

Networking and gaining industry connections  

 

Module5: Targeting A Publication  

Performing market analysis and examining audience demographic  

Understanding media kit components and information  

Resources for company information  

Identifying your market  

Choosing your publication  

Workshop  

(Case study planning and research plan 15%) 

 

Module 6: Adapting your Pitch Letter  

Adapting your pitch letter to different markets  

Next steps after pitching  

(Revised pitch letter 25%) 

 

Module 7: Review and Next Steps  

Review of course lessons  

Questions about the course and key markets 

(Individualized case study/proposal for a target publication 30%) 

                                                                                                                    

 

Sheridan Policies

It is recommended that students read the following policies in relation to course outlines:

  • Academic Integrity
  • Copyright
  • Intellectual Property
  • Respectful Behaviour
  • Accessible Learning
All Sheridan policies can be viewed on the Sheridan policy website.

Appropriate use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools: In alignment with Sheridan's Academic Integrity Policy, students should consult with their professors and/or refer to evaluation instructions regarding the appropriate use, or prohibition, of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for coursework. Turnitin AI detection software may be used by faculty members to screen assignment submissions or exams for unauthorized use of artificial intelligence.

Course Outline Changes: The information contained in this Course Outline including but not limited to faculty and program information and course description is subject to change without notice. Nothing in this Course Outline should be viewed as a representation, offer and/or warranty. Students are responsible for reading the Important Notice and Disclaimer which applies to Programs and Courses.
[ Printable Version ]

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