EL5028 - Pitch to Publication

The module is taught through two weekly 1.5 hour sessions which will be a combination of seminars, writing exercises, writing workshops, and one-to-one tutorials.

In seminars and workshops you will develop ideas and pitch them to peers, and work collaboratively to turn the best pitches into real writing projects, under the guidance of the module tutor, and they will cover key aspects of running, promoting and contributing to professional writing projects. You will learn to write for different projects and in response to particular briefs, and develop creative contributions to your group’s project. The sessions encourage you to think about your own writing identity and to connect your creative work with real projects and audiences, helping you to understand your studies as a preparation for your later professional life. The aim of the module is to begin developing your professional writing portfolio and give you the skills, knowledge and confidence you need in your career. The module makes appropriate use of technology enhanced learning through use of the Blackboard electronic learning platform and the online support offered by Northumbria’s SkillsPlus programme.

In addition to the scheduled seminars, you are expected to undertake both directed and independent learning. Directed learning includes preparation for seminars and workshops (including both reading and written work) individually and in groups. Independent learning includes further reading and investigation, the consolidation of seminar materials, and revision/preparation for the module assignments. The writing projects will be produced through group working and a key aim of the module is for you to learn to work collaboratively, although you will be assessed on your own individual contribution and your own reflection on the process.

Your learning will be academically supported by peer and tutor feedback on your work within writing workshops. Your tutor will support the development and realisation of group projects, and provide one-to-one tutorial support.

The module handbook provides details of seminars, reading lists and assessment criteria; PowerPoint slides are made available on the e-learning platform, together with links to relevant skills materials in the library.
The module tutor is available in seminars, as well as during office hours, to discuss any queries or concerns you have.
You are advised to see your Guidance Tutor at least twice each semester to review your academic progress. The Guidance Booklet, which you receive at the start of your first year, includes structured materials designed to help you develop your self-reflection skills. These materials underpin the academic side of the regular Guidance meetings, helping you to learn how to best use the feedback you receive on your assignments, how to build on your strengths, and improve in the areas where you could perform better.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Demonstrate an understanding of the process of developing and delivering a group writing project

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Produce effective creative/professional writing in relation to a brief
• Work with others to edit a writing project

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Reflect critically on work of self and others

Formative:

Formative feedback is offered in individual 15 – 20 minute tutorials as well as through feedback in seminars and written feedback on draft materials.

Additionally, students will give formative presentations in groups in week 4, presenting an initial draft of their publication's call for submissions, on which they will receive immediate verbal peer and tutor feedback before sharing the call publicly by the end of week 5.

Summative:

Assessment 1 (30% summative):

A report submitted in week 6, reflecting on the process of developing the call for submissions and outlining the role you will be playing in the group (750 words).

Assessment 2 (70% summative):

A portfolio of work which may include creative pieces addressing specific briefs, reflection on your own practice, and an evaluative report on your group’s project (total 3,250 words)

Feedback will be provided using the Departmental template and comments on the script.

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This second-year ‘live brief’ module will allow you to learn how to develop, edit and contribute to writing projects in the real world, from poetry and short fiction anthologies, to special issues of magazines, collections of reviews, and specialist blogs.
Drawing on departmental expertise in editing and publishing, it gives you the opportunity to learn from writing professionals and develop skills which prepare you for your future professional life as well as further study at level 6.
Through engagement with tutors, writing exercises and independent reading, you will develop deeper understanding and appreciation of the concept of practice-led research and some of the practices and issues of carrying out creative and professional writing projects.
You will study a range of creative and professional writing projects and produce your own in small groups, from the initial pitch to writing, publicising, editing and producing the finished item. You will also learn to reflect on your own writing identity and the process of writing to a brief, and how to evaluate and write a structured report on a project.
The module will develop key employability and enterprise skills, preparing students for writing projects in the real world.