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Certificate

Literary Genres in Book Publishing

Learn the skills to edit, publish, and market a book in today’s publishing world straight from industry leaders in a 4-week summer intensive from the Denver Publishing Institute (DPI). Then, through University College’s Professional Creative Writing courses, complete the certificate and build a deep understanding of literary genres as writers view them. See important information in FAQs. You will:

  • Interact with seasoned publishers in workshops, small groups, and one-on-one discussions
  • Learn skills in editing, marketing, production, and distribution
  • Gain a market-focused understanding of editorial, marketing, and sales roles

Note: You must apply and be admitted to DPI’s summer course before you enroll in the certificate. We highly recommend speaking with enrollment advisor Chris Heriza about this unique and exciting program.

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Top-ranked, career-focused education in a flexible format.

At a Glance

Classes Begin
January 6

Term Length
10 Weeks

4 Course Certificate
Tuition

$13,344

6 Course Certificate
Tuition

$20,016

Format
Asynchronous and Hybrid Online

Admission
No GRE or GMAT

Duration
As few as 6 months

Duration
As few as 12 months

Top-Ranked University

U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Brian Cicero

Talk to an Enrollment Manager

Free Application

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University College is committed to educational access, and given the difficult circumstances currently impacting millions of people, we are waiving application fees.

Skills You’ll Learn

Develop a comprehensive understanding of the modern publishing landscape and best practices
Master techniques for effectively promoting and selling books in today’s competitive market
Give and receive constructive critiques that clarify your values and enhance your skills

Curriculum

The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Literary Genres in Book Publishing requires completion of 26 credit hours (6 courses).

3
Concentration Courses
 
3
Elective Courses
 
Concentration Courses

Focus on a specific professional area within the larger industry sector and master the skills needed to excel in that area.

ENGL 4851 Publishing Institute
PWRI 4000 Masterworks: Fiction
PWRI 4100 Masterworks: Creative Nonfiction
Elective Courses

Select three of the following courses:

PWRI 4200 Masterworks: Poetry
PWRI 4410 Writing and Healing
PWRI 4510 Literary Genres for Writers
PWRI 4540 Children’s Literature
PWRI 4600 Breaking the Chains of Genre

Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique about the Literary Genres in Book Publishing Graduate Certificate?

This certificate is a unique partnership between University College and the Denver Publishing Institute (DPI), DU’s one-of-a-kind institute helping book lovers launch their publishing careers. It combines the institute’s 4-week summer program with University College’s graduate courses in four key literary genres to provide an unparalleled education in publishing.

What are the requirements to enroll in the certificate program?

Before you enroll in the certificate, you must apply and be admitted to DPI’s summer course. The next course will take place from Sunday, July 13 through Friday, August 8, 2025. In addition, you must meet the standard University College admission requirements for a 6-course graduate certificate.

What can I expect from the DPI summer course?

At the intensive 4-week DPI program in Denver, top industry leaders present workshops, lectures, special sessions, and one-on-one discussions with seasoned publishers. Professionals will guide you through the processes of editing, marketing, book production, and distribution in both independent publishing houses and global media companies.

We encourage you to attend the summer DPI course in person, although an online option is also available.

What can I expect from University College courses in the certificate program?

Over six courses (three required and three electives), you’ll learn about various literary genres from a creative, rather than industry, point of view. These courses will build a depth of understanding that will help you work collaboratively with aspiring writers, giving you an edge in the publishing industry.

What is the timeline to complete the certificate program?

Once admitted to the DPI summer course, you can begin taking University College courses at any time (see Curriculum section above). You can complete the certificate in as little as 12 months. If you’ve completed the DPI course within the past three years, you can apply those credits to the Literary Genres in Book Publishing certificate.

Featured Instructors

Interested in a master’s degree?

Explore our Master of Arts in Professional Creative Writing with concentrations in nonfiction, dramatic, fiction and poetry writing.

Take a Course Before You Apply

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We know how important it is to get started when you’re ready and that’s why you can enroll in a course before you officially apply.

Career Outcomes

Predicted outcomes for graduates of Literary Genres in Book Publishing

The U.S. publishing industry generated $44.3 billion in revenue in 2023 and is expected to grow significantly over the next several years.

There were over 90,000 jobs in book publishing in 2023, and job postings reflect a growing demand for skills like content editing and development, production process management, and marketing.


Job Titles

Editor
Production Manager
Marketing Manager
Market Research Analyst
Digital Product Editor
Editorial Assistant
Publicist
Literary Agent

Professional Editor Salary: National Average

$70,900

(Lightcast)

Get Ahead with Career Services

 

One-on-one career coaching and mock interviews

 

Job database dedicated to DU students and alumni

 

Résumé and cover letter guidance

Hear from Our Students

Theme: Job Satisfaction

Professional Creative Writing

“The writing assignments at that level really helped elevate my writing. It made me more keenly aware of the editing process as well as some more practical purposes.” —Bobby LeFebre, graduate.

Flexible Online Classes

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We understand the demands of balancing work, friends and family, and school can be challenging. That's why at University College, you can complete your program entirely online. Our online learning platform makes it easy to work anywhere at any time.

Online Experience5

Accreditation

 


Higher Learning Commission

University College programs maintain the highest level of accreditation offered by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the federal government. The University of Denver and all of its academic programs are regionally accredited by this commission, and regional accreditation is the highest standard for universities in the United States.

Take the Next Step

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