E-reader
devices and online magazines are enjoying a large amount of popularity
today, and publishing in this realm is on the rise. At the same time,
there is still big business in the worlds of book publishing and magazine publishing.
Companies such as Random House Canada, Toronto Life Magazine, Nelson
Educational Publishings, Chatelaine Magazine, Harper Collins Canada,
Outpost Magazine, McClelland & Stewart, McGraw-Hill Ryerson, Profit
Magazine are among some of the most well known book and magazine
publishing companies in Canada. All of these places are also known for
hiring graduates of Centennial College’s Book and Magazine Publishing
program, which trains students for both the book publishing or magazine
publishing as well as digital publishing in just one semester.
What
is it about this program that makes it so popular and well respected in
the book publishing and magazine publishing industries? First, it was
established in 1974 and holds several accolades for academic excellence
and for the career success of its graduates. In addition, the program is
associated with Centennial College Press, a commercial publishing
operation. Then there is the book publishing and magazine publishing
curriculum itself.
A
one-year accelerated format covers all facets of the publishing process
including e-books. One of the standout features is the Book and
Magazine Publishing program’s hands-on aspects. Students participate in
publishing On the Danforth, a twice-a-year magazine. In addition,
Centennial College students complement their formal learning with an
industry field placement at a book publishing or magazine publishing
company in Toronto, where they acquire critical working experience,
industry knowledge and professional relationships as they initiate their
new career.
Specific courses that cover book and magazine publishing
include: Book Production (works its way through the entire book
production process from design into type and then through the
manufacturing processes and business practices of making books. Towards
the end of the course, new methods of distributing e-books and
print-on-demand may be discussed); Book Marketing and Sales (emphasis is
on two critical skills: communicating and selling. Students explore the
course material through a variety of role-playing exercises, case
studies, class presentations, and individual and group projects); Online
Magazines (students learn the creative and technical processes of
online media by developing and practicing website design, software
applications, and developing hands-on knowledge of emerging technologies
such as social media, multi-platform, and hybrid media for a converging
media and publishing environment); and more.
Applicants
must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful
completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program. Centennial
College will also consider applicants presenting a combination of
partial post-secondary education and relevant work experience. Also,
they must attend a program admission session that includes editing
exercises, presentation of a portfolio of writing and a resume. Please
note that a minimum C grade is required in all courses for graduation.
