Commissioning Content: Working effectively with authors and editors

This course considers ways in which to develop and manage a commercially successful academic journal and book programme. Taking delegates step-by-step through the commissioning process, it aims to provide practical advice, relevant tips and techniques to commission and solicit successful content and titles – from market scanning and community development through to proposal management and eventual publication. It also considers appropriate financial forecasting models.

Programme

Commissioning – key activities and considerations
Commissioning and soliciting content for existing journal titles
Commissioning a new journal launch title
Commissioning a new book title – from proposal to publication
Preparing a proposal, including market scanning techniques and financial planning
Building effective relationships with authors and editors
List management and development
Relationships with key stakeholders in journals and book publishing
Identifying high-profile authors to target for article content
Influencing skills and change management
Key business issues affecting managing editors and publishers
What will you learn?

Utilise appropriate market scanning techniques, approach potential new authors and editors with increased confidence, prepare more effective proposals and develop successful lists, analyse and critically evaluate commercial opportunities, manage contracts and schedules effectively and develop techniques to avoid bad decisions.

Who should attend (Level 2)

This course is aimed at commissioning editors and managing editors involved in a new launch programme or book list commissioning role with one to two years’ experience. Staff newly appointed to these positions will also benefit.