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A group of people using the Publishing Lab

Certificate in Publishing, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Enhance Your Master's Degree in Creative Writing

Find your career in:

Correct content as well as spelling, grammar and language.

Promote products and services with your writing and editing skills.

Skilled writers and editors can help companies manage their brand identity.

Learn layout and design skills.

Learn to communicate visually.

Learn To

Develop and apply skills in writing structure, copyediting, grammar, mechanics, spelling, formatting, style and other fundamentals crucial to effective, polished writing

Design and produce books using desktop publishing technologies

Run a literary magazine, including editorial, marketing and sales decisions

“ Lookout Books became a vital part of the MFA experience for me, owed to Emily Smith's enthusiasm and guiding hand. I’m standing on sure footing after the publishing experiences I’ve had here. ”
Kate McMullen, MFA ‘18
Program Overview

Certifiably Creative

When you complete the post-baccalaureate certificate in publishing you will have a professional credential in literary publishing.

You will be prepared to work in publishing, editing, publicity, marketing, grant writing and book and magazine design and production. You also learn skills beneficial in a variety of adjacent fields—from public relations to arts management.

Foregrounding our department’s nationally award-winning imprints Lookout Books, Ecotone and Chautauqua, this program offers in-depth apprenticeships in both book and magazine publishing.

Publishing Lab

Integral to the Department of Creative Writing, the Publishing Laboratory incorporates into the apprenticeship of creative writers an applied learning experience in the process by which literary manuscripts, including their own, are designed, shaped and edited into books and published to a wide audience of readers.

Courses leading to the post-baccalaureate certificate in publishing give students the opportunity to study the history of the book, the art of editing and book design. 

faculty member talking with students in Publishing Laboratory

Sample Courses

Check out these sample courses in publishing
CRW 520 The Publishing Process
CRW 522 The Editorial Process
CRW 523 Bookbuilding
CRW 524 Literary Magazine Practicum
CRW 560 Publishing Practicum 
See The Full Curriculum

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: Certificate in Publishing Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Apply Now

  • Complete applications are considered for admission as a group, after the published deadline.
  • All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.

Coordinator:

Location/Delivery Method:

  • Main Campus

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Spring 2025:
    • October 1, 2024
    • Must currently be enrolled in the UNCW MFA in Creative Writing program.
      Contact the program coordinator prior to submission to ensure eligibility.

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • None Required

Recommendations

  • None Required

Additional Requirements

  1. Upload Documents After Application Submission 
  2. Eligibility: Must currently be enrolled in the UNCW MFA in Creative Writing program. Contact the program for prerequisite details and eligibility prior to application submission.
  3. Essay (three-page maximum, double-spaced): An essay of intent addressing the applicant’s goals in the field of publishing, including interests and proficiencies developed int he publishing process and/or through Chautauqua, Ecotone or Lookout Books. The essay should also include relevant independent experience, such as editing for a magazine or press, designing books or collateral materials, managing digital content, working in marketing or publicity or pursuing other external preparation.
  4. Prerequisite: An applicant must have successfully completed the required foundational publishing course, CRW 520, The Publishing Process, before applying. Acceptable fulfillment of CRW 520 constitutes the minimum requirement for, but does not guarantee, admission to the Certificate in Publishing. 
  5. Federal Financial Aid: Non-federal loans are available for this program. Admitted students may apply through the UNCW scholarship application to be considered for additional scholarships. Please consult your financial aid counselor for further details.
  6. Visa Sponsorship: This program does not qualify for visa sponsorship.

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