CPC Course Description

For over 60 years, the Columbia Publishing Course has provided an intensive introduction to all aspects of book and magazine publishing as well as digital media, from evaluations of original manuscripts to sales and marketing of finished products. Students learn from writers, editors, and publishers, design directors and illustrators, advertising experts and publicists — all are leaders in the industry and many are course graduates. More than 125 publishing professionals come to the Publishing Course each summer to describe the nature of their work, conduct workshops and seminars, and answer questions in classroom discussions and informal sessions. The course provides a comparison of book and magazine publishing and digital media which helps to determine students’ career preferences.

The Book Program: Weeks 1-3

During the first weeks, the course concentrates on book publishing, from manuscript to bound book, from bookstore sale to movie deal. Through lectures and small seminars, students study every element of the process: manuscript evaluation, agenting, editing, design, production, publicity, sales, and marketing. Students also learn about different types of publishing houses, publishing strategies, and career paths. Students are asked to complete assignments based on the real-world responsibilities of publishing’s editorial, publicity, marketing and sales departments. These exercises are then graded by industry professionals. After two weeks of classroom instruction, students embark on a seven-day hands-on workshop. The class divides into smaller groups to simulate the operations of a publishing house, giving students a chance to apply what they’ve learned and to gain hands-on experience in a particular area of book publishing. You can read more about the workshops below.

The Magazine & Digital Media Program: Weeks 4-6

Magazine and Web professionals lecture on every facet of magazine and Web site publication, from planning, writing and design to marketing, promotion and distribution. Through lectures and regular assignments, students learn what it takes to publish a successful magazine and launch a profitable Web site. During the magazine and digital media workshop, student groups develop proposals for new magazines or Web sites, researching possible audiences, establishing editorial mission statements, designing layouts and wireframes, assessing competitors, determining potential advertisers and developing a Web strategy. By the end of the six weeks, course graduates have a greater understanding of book, magazine and digital media publishing than many people now working in the field.

The final week of the Publishing Course continues to focus on digital media, as well as career planning. Lectures by top online professionals give a broad exposure to writing and editing for the Web. Individual and group career guidance sessions are offered throughout the course.

Workshops

The two hands-on workshops during the program give students an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in lectures. These week-long workshops are intensive, collaborative simulations that require interaction with writers, agents, illustrators and advertisers. Based on their particular areas of interest, students are assigned to one of 10 workshop groups and have specific job responsibilities. During the book workshop, there may be a large trade publishing house, a small independent or regional press, and an academic press. In the magazine and digital media workshop, students can choose from shelter, lifestyle, fashion, teen or political/current events magazines or Web sites to name a few. Within these groups, each student has specific job responsibilities. Teams of carefully selected mentors work with each group, facilitating discussion and providing guidance and professional advice. At the end of each workshop, top publishing leaders carefully evaluate every group’s proposal, giving constructive criticism and real-world feedback. These workshops equip students with the practical knowledge, experience and confidence needed to succeed in their careers.

Career Resources

During the course every effort is made to prepare students for entry into the job market. Resume workshops are held throughout the course, giving students the opportunity to work one-on-one with professionals to develop their resumes. Human resources professionals talk to students about interviewing and the process of finding a job. The course ends in a job fair where students can meet representatives from the publishing industry and begin their job searches. While students are not guaranteed job placement, the course offers extensive career placement and support services. The course has an excellent job placement rate, and people in the publishing industry know that course graduates make excellent employees. The course not only helps students find their first jobs, but creates a network that stays with them throughout their careers.
The Columbia Publishing Course provides an unparalleled overview of the entire publishing process, teaches basic publishing skills, and offers students the opportunity to meet and learn from top publishing professionals. It would take you a year in an entry-level position in publishing to learn what you will learn in six weeks at the publishing course.