Demystifying Digital for Publishing

Get a thorough foundation in the development of digital books and journals on this short course designed for publishing professionals.

Led by Frania Hall, Course Leader for MA Publishing and author of The Business of Digital Publishing, you’ll be introduced to the key technological developments and reader trends that have created new business models. It will review all sectors of publishing.

There will be an introduction to the changes to workflow and content management for publishing, and the implications for product planning. You’ll find out about the opportunities digital technology has brought – looking at different business models: subscription, PAYG, multiplatform and sponsored. You’ll also look at current issues and debates in digital publishing though a series of case-studies: pricing, copyright, user-generated content.

Using the business model canvas you will have the chance to apply your new knowledge by developing a business model and presenting it to the group. This will be a chance for you to synthesise your learning and apply it to a case-study relevant for your career.

Whilst this is not a ‘tecchie’ course you will have the opportunity to get to grips with technology in some practical workshops.

Course Content

Presentations, Case-Studies and Group Work

• Sector Developments
• What makes a digital product different?
• Overview – where is the technology?
• Publishing sectors
• Mindset

Technology Overview

• Workflow – moving towards a digital output
• Structured data
• Metadata
• XML
• EReaders and EPub
• Flowable text, fixed page layouts

Product Development and Planning

• Approaching digital product development
• Auditing content
• Format, lsources, permissions
• Demonstrations

Issues

• Copyright and legal
• Rights
• New consumers
• Disruption
• Legacy

Exploring Business Models

• Value and business modelling e.g.
  
  Subscription
  Crowdfunding
  IP – multiplatform
  PAYG
  Conversions

Futurising

• New Consumers
• Disruption
• Legacy

Workshops

• XML and Metadata
• HTML – Coding for Non-Coders
• User Experience Design (UX)
• Data visualisation
• EPub

Outcomes

By the end of the course you should be able to:

• Work on digital product development with confidence
• Use a publishing specific digital vocabulary
• Demonstrate an understanding of current issues and challenges in publishing
• Contribute to the development digital publishing business models

Level

Intermediate. You should have some prior publishing experience but you do not need to have any previous digital knowledge.

This course has been specifically designed for those who want to increase their digital vocabulary and approach digital products in the book and journal industries with more confidence.

You may be:

• In a senior publishing position and responsible for recruiting new staff
• An editor working with developers and digital designers
• Expanding your digital strategy or experimenting with new digital products
• Returning to work after a break for parental leave or other reasons
• A freelancer seeking opportunities and networks

If you have any questions whether this course is suitable for you please contact us.