Book and Magazine Publishing Helps Shape Canadian Landscape

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 publishing 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.