The Business of Books - ENG00121I

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Module summary

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.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

• To introduce students to key issues and professional roles in the contemporary publishing industry
• To explore challenges and opportunities faced by authors working in writing today
• To gain a working knowledge of the ways books are created, curated and prepared for the market
• To explore a range of critical approaches to the ways in which the publishing industry creates economic and cultural value

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an informed understanding of and engagement with the contemporary publishing industry.
2. Examine relevant critical and cultural contexts for the production and selling of books.
3. Successfully manage a collaborative project, making use of digital tools where appropriate.
4. Deliver a presentation, demonstrating proficient oral, written, performance, and/or digital skills.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Module feedback

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

Indicative reading

Key texts may include:

• Joanne Walsh, Seed (Editions at Play, 2017).
• Diana Athill, Stet (Granta, 2000).
• Michael Bhaskar, The Content Machine: Towards a Theory of Publishing (Anthem, 2013).
• Ted Striphas, The Late Age of Print (Columbia UP, 2011).
• Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2019 (Bloomsbury, 2018).
• Trade publications such as The Bookseller magazine and website.
• Articles on current topics from Guardian Books, Telegraph Books, London Review of Books, etc.