BOOK PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

Meet your instructor, get a sneak peek at what’s ahead, and sort out the need-to-knows — assignments, deadlines, and all that good stuff. Let’s kick things off!

• Instructor intro
• Course overview

See a clear picture of how a book goes from manuscript to finished product. You'll break down the production process, meet the key players in publishing, and get a solid grasp on what a production manager actually does (hint: a lot!).

• Book production process
• Publishers: types, imprints, specializations, etc.
• Production manager: Involvement & role
• Departments: Who’s who

Learn how to break down a real production schedule, spot the key differences between overseas and domestic production, and even create your own streamlined domestic production plan.

• Case Study: Real production schedule example
• Domestic & overseas printing: Schedule differences

Assignment #1: Complete a domestic production schedule for a 1-color print job using the provided template.

Budgets can make or break a product — let’s make sure yours works for you. In this class, you'll break down production costs, decode pricing scales vs. quotes, and learn when (and how) to negotiate. Real numbers & real strategies.

• Estimates & P&Ls
• Production costs
• Scales VS quotes
• Case Study: Scaled pricing document
• Pricing negotiation

Assignment #2: Calculate the per-unit cost for your book based on the provided pricing document.

Navigate your way around binding options, fancy finishes, and the trends that make book covers pop. You'll get the lowdown on working with vendors — great design isn’t just about looks, it’s about knowing how to get it made.

• Sourcing items & vendor relationships
• Trim sizes
• Binding options: Paperback, hardback, different editions
• Finishes: Laminations & special effects
• Case Study: Exploring & discussing cover design trends

Assignment #3: Test your knowledge of finishing and effects with a 10-question quiz.

Printing is all about making the right choices to bring a book to life. Navigate printing methods, paper options, and tricky production timelines. Learn how to tackle delays — in publishing, Plan B (and C) is a must.

• Paper stock options: Novels VS picture books
• Tight printer schedule
• Logistics: Timelines, effects
• Dealing with delays & technical troubles
• Printing methods: web VS sheetfed
• Presses, machinery, printing process

Assignment #4: Begin working on the capstone assignment. Start building an overseas production schedule for a 4-color picture book/graphic novel, factoring in logistics, timing, and shipping.

Get the inside scoop on the digital production cycle and what it takes to make an ebook both accessible and user-friendly. Learn the key platforms, design considerations, and security essentials that shape digital publishing.

• Differences in digital production cycle
• Platforms & accessibility
• Designing for digital user-friendliness
• Security

Ever wondered what goes into making a great audiobook? From when they make sense to how they stack up against print, you'll explore the production process — script prep, recording, editing, and all. Plus, you'll get to judge what makes a voice truly captivating.

• When is an audiobook viable?
• Audiobook position in the market
• Differences in production cycle
• Workshop: Impact of voice & style

Learn how to spot and fix quality issues before they hit the shelves. Break down the post-production process, assess final products, and tackle real-world quality challenges with hands-on problem-solving.

• Communication with operations/inventory
• Quality assessment
• Workshop: How to resolve a quality issue?
• Feedback & discussion of solutions

Assignment #5: Write a 150-word response to address a provided quality control issue.

Building a great team isn’t just about hiring the right people — it’s about creating strong relationships, handling conflicts, and making the workplace inclusive for everyone. Learn how to approach this.

• Fostering work relationships & networks
• Training & mentoring staff
• Conflict resolution
• DEI in publishing
• Discussion: DEI, mental health, personal experiences

Juggle priorities and balance interests between departments, while keeping everything — and everyone — on track. Whether it's internal teams or external suppliers, you'll learn how to communicate and manage deadlines efficiently.

• Balancing interests & priorities: Author, publisher, editor
• Department coordination
• External suppliers & service providers
• Keeping track: Tasks, deadlines and progress
• Effective time management

Assignment #6: Draft an email requesting a quote from an overseas vendor for a picture book.

Explore the future of publishing, understand how self-publishing is shaking up traditional methods, and learn how AI is becoming the industry's game-changer. Think ahead and stay ahead!

• Future of the publishing industry
• Self-publishing & its impact
• Role of AI in publishing 

Assignment #7 (Optional): Prepare a cover letter applying for a production supervisor role at a major publishing house for feedback.

By the end of this class — and the course — you'll have a solid grasp of the publishing job application process, the know-how to tweak your CV and cover letter to stand out. We’ll walk you through the ins and outs of applying, acing interviews, and landing that dream job in publishing.

• Applying for a role at a publishing house
• Tailoring a resume & cover letter
• Interview process & tips
• Q&A

Capstone Assignment: Book Production Management Plan
Create a comprehensive plan, covering production schedules, budgets, vendor sourcing, quality control, and the impact of emerging trends like AI and digital formats.