Editing and Publishing
Editing and Publishing
Get hands-on training for a career in editing, communication, or book and document production.
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This program is perfect for...
What you can learn.
Learn the creative side of the book business.
The UCLA Extension Editing and Publishing Certificate program provides practical education and professional development for professionals planning on transitioning to careers in literary editing or publishing, supporting the commercial aspects of creative writing.
Developed with advice and participation from representatives of successful local models, the program gives students a ground-up view of publishing, beginning with core editing skills and advancing to high-level publishing business activities.
This certificate combines core editorial skill development and publishing industry knowledge with practical hands-on experiential opportunities through internships. Graduates are well-positioned for jobs as editors in publishing or business, managing editors, copyeditors and developmental editors.
The full certificate curriculum is listed further down on this page.
For those who meet certain requirements, an intermediate or advanced level track is also available.
Required introductory courses may be waived upon departmental approval, however, to earn the certificate, candidates must still complete a minimum of the sum total of required core course units and elective course units listed for this Writers’ Program certificate.”
Previously completed courses in another UNEX Certificate program may apply in a limited quantity of units to a Writers’ Program Certificate if the course is eligible for the requirements. Please contact an advisor for more details at writers@uclaextension.edu.
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Cost and Fees
How to Get Started
Courses in this program are open enrollment, and each course is paid for individually.
Sequential courses should be taken in numerical order, starting from the lowest course number and progressing to higher numbers.
You may take Editing and Publishing courses without committing to the entire program.* However, by establishing candidacy in the program, you will receive many benefits exclusive to our certificate students such as priority placement on waitlists and access to the UCLA Career Center's job board.
Need assistance? If you have any questions or need advice on course selection, feel free to reach out to us at writers@uclaextension.edu.
Benefits exclusive for Writers' Program certificate students:
- Advising: Receive a 30-minute, one-on-one goal-setting consultation with a Writers’ Program advisor. During this consultation, the advisor will customize a certificate program curriculum tailored to your experience, interests, and writing goals.
- Enrollment Advantages: Receive quarterly notice when Writers’ Program courses open for enrollment each quarter and receive preferential placement on wait lists.
- Manuscript Consultation: Within six months of completing certificate program coursework, receive 50% off a one-on-one manuscript consultation with a Writers' Program instructor. Learn more.
Benefits exclusive to all UCLA Extension certificate students:
- Career Resources: Access UCLA Extension’s Career Resources including online career coaching, workshops, networking events, and other resources. Learn More.
- Handshake Access: Explore thousands of job and internship postings through UCLA Career Center’s online job board. Learn More.
- UCLA Alumni Association Membership: Upon completing your certificate, join the nationwide Bruin family as a member of the UCLA Alumni Association. Learn More.
- Graduation Celebration: Attend the annual UCLA Extension Graduation Ceremony on campus to celebrate your achievements. Learn More.
- UCLA Recreation Facilities: Enjoy access to UCLA Recreation facilities as a student affiliate. Learn More.
- Bruin ID Card: Obtain an affiliate/Guest UCLA Bruin ID Card for additional student-related benefits. Learn More.
How to Apply - Establish Certificate Candidacy
- Click the Apply Now button below
- Login or create a new student account
- Once you are logged into the student portal, you can select “My Applications” from the left side menu at any time to return to your application. Click the yellow “Start” button to proceed.
- On the Certificate Application page, follow the instructions and click save. Then submit your application.
- Proceed to checkout and pay the nonrefundable candidacy fee to finalize your application.
Required Courses
Copyediting I
Developmental Editing I
Editorial Management I: Acquisition to Publication
Editorial Management II: Publication and Beyond
Learn how publishers launch a new book and what roles the book’s editor plays in its success from that point forward.
The Editorial Toolbox
Elective Courses
Electives
Building a Network of Writers, Editors, and Publishers
Contracts, Rights, and Signing Authors
Copyediting II
Enhance existing copyediting skills in this course focused on building professional-level skills and practices.
Decolonizing Publishing
Discover the role of writers and publishing professionals in creating a more inclusive and equitable future for the publishing industry.
Freelancing for Editors
Get hands-on work in the field as part of your Certificate in Editing and Publishing.
Certificate students must complete a substantive portion of their course work (at least 9 units) before enrolling in the internship.
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