Book Publishing or Magazine Publishing: The Choice Is Yours

There is much more to being a published author than having a good idea and executing it. The book cover must be designed to appeal to a wide range of people, a price point must be set, there is a specific typeset that must be picked, the book must be edited to zero per cent error rate and much more. That’s where book publishing professionals come in. Meanwhile, to publish a magazine, a magazine publishing professional steps in to ensure the financial health of the magazine, which includes managing circulation, sales, production and editorial.

In order to enter either one of these exciting fields, Centennial College offers a Book and Magazine Publishing program that is geared towards mature students who have already obtained a post-secondary credential. As such, the offering is presented in a condensed, accelerated format, covers all facets of the publishing process (including e-books), and is completed in just two semesters.

Students become prepared for both book publishing and magazine publishing positions through course such as: Introduction to Publishing (offers a broad overview of book and magazine publishing to acquaint students with these two cultural industries); Book Marketing and Sales (follows the “narrative” of a book’s development to examine the twin roles of sales and marketing, and emphasizes two critical skills: communicating and selling); Magazine Editing (special emphasis is placed on the interplay of text, art, and advertising in the creation of an overall “style” for a particular publication); and much more. Thanks to courses with such specific focuses, students learn how they will become an integral part of the team that helps to shape the evolution of Canada’s cultural and literary landscape.

To round out training, students participate in publishing On the Danforth magazine twice a year. In addition, they head out for 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. Lastly, it is worth noting that the program is associated with Centennial College Press, a commercial publishing operation.

Please note that a minimum C grade is required in all courses for graduation and entry into either the book publishing or magazine publishing industries.

Among the book publishing and magazine publishing companies that have hired Centennial College students are: Random House Canada, Toronto Life Magazine, Nelson Educational Publishings, Chatelaine Magazine, Harper Collins Canada, Outpost Magazine, McClelland & Stewart, McGraw-Hill Ryerson, Profit Magazine and more.

Students who wish obtain their training for the book publishing or magazine publishing industries at Centennial College are required to submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program. In addition, they must attend a program admission session that includes editing exercises, presentation of a portfolio of writing and a resume. Centennial College will also consider applicants presenting a combination of partial post-secondary education and relevant work experience.