Book publishing & MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT

This course provides a complete guide to the art and business of publishing and material development. It equips students with the skills to conceptualize, write, design, edit, produce, and distribute books and learning materials across various formats—print, digital, and audio. Emphasis is placed on creative development, publishing ethics, marketing strategies, and the use of modern publishing technologies.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and process of book publishing.
• Develop original manuscripts and educational materials from concept to completion.
• Apply editing, design, and formatting techniques effectively.
• Navigate traditional, self-publishing, and digital publishing models.
• Plan marketing and distribution strategies for published works.
• Understand copyright, ISBN registration, and publishing ethics.

This course is a 13 Units Course and a 200 hours Credit course which is spread across 24 weeks.

AWARDS:: Executive Certificate

Module 1: Introduction to Book Publishing

• History and Evolution of Publishing
• Overview of the Publishing Industry (Print & Digital)
• The Role of Authors, Editors, Designers, and Publishers
• Types of Publishing: Traditional, Self, Hybrid, and Academic
• The Publishing Value Chain

Module 2: Concept and Content Development

• Idea Generation and Concept Mapping
• Understanding Target Audience and Purpose
• Developing Book Outlines and Structures
• Writing Proposals and Synopses for Publishers
• Writing for Different Genres (Fiction, Nonfiction, Academic, Devotional, etc.)

Module 3: Manuscript Writing and Development

• Writing Techniques and Style
• Research and Content Accuracy
• Storytelling and Engagement Strategies
• Overcoming Writer’s Block
• Drafting, Revising, and Refining Manuscripts

Module 4: Editing and Proofreading

• Types of Editing (Developmental, Line, Copyediting, Proofreading)
• Grammar, Tone, and Consistency in Writing
• Working with Editors and Beta Readers
• Tools for Editing and Quality Control (Grammarly, ProWritingAid, etc.)

Module 5: Book Design and Production

• Principles of Book Layout and Typography
• Cover Design: Elements of an Effective Book Cover
• Formatting for Print and E-book (Word, InDesign, Canva, etc.)
• Understanding Paper Quality, Binding, and Printing Options
• Quality Assurance and Print Proofing

Module 6: Publishing Process and Models

• Traditional Publishing Workflow
• Self-Publishing Platforms (Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Smashwords, Lulu)
• Working with Publishers and Literary Agents
• ISBN, Barcodes, and Copyright Registration
• Contract Negotiation and Royalties

Module 7: Material Development for Learning and Ministry

• Principles of Educational Material Development
• Curriculum Writing and Lesson Structuring
• Developing Study Guides, Workbooks, and Training Manuals
• Adapting Content for E-learning and Mobile Use
• Integrating Multimedia (Audio, Video, Interactive PDFs)

Module 8: Digital Publishing and New Media

• E-books, Audiobooks, and Online Publishing Platforms
• Designing for Digital Distribution
• Using AI and Digital Tools for Content Creation
• Building an Author Website and Online Store
• Data Analytics in Publishing

Module 9: Marketing, Branding, and Distribution

• Creating a Book Marketing Plan
• Branding for Authors and Publishers
• Social Media and Online Promotion
• Book Launch Strategies and Virtual Events
• Distribution Channels (Online, Bookstores, Libraries, Institutions)

Module 10: Ethics, Legal, and Financial Aspects

• Copyright, Plagiarism, and Intellectual Property
• Censorship, Cultural Sensitivity, and Ethical Publishing
• Pricing and Budgeting for Publishing Projects
• Accounting, Royalties, and Author-Publisher Relationships

Module 11: Case Studies and Industry Trends

• Analysis of Successful Publishing Projects
• Emerging Trends in Global and Christian Publishing
• Sustainability and Green Publishing Practices
• Guest Lectures from Industry Experts

Module 12: Capstone Project – Publishing a Book or Material

• Each student develops a complete manuscript or learning material.
• Includes writing, editing, design, and a publishing plan.
• Final presentation or digital submission for peer and instructor review.

Assessment Methods:

• Class Assignments and Exercises – 15%
• Mid-Semester Project (Sample Chapter or Material) – 20%
• Practical Design and Editing Assessment – 25%
• Capstone Publishing Project – 30%
• Final Examination – 10%