Staff within publishing companies are increasingly asked to act as project managers, overseeing new product developments and launches.
This one-day course has been created for those working in non-editorial publishing roles who have to manage projects. Whether you are tasked with organising an event, updating a website, running production schedules, or launching a new app, it will give you the confidence to be a good project manager. You’ll gain tips on how to get the most out of your time, understand the terminology of project management; and learn how to plan, execute and close a project. It will also look at good communication, budgeting, scheduling and dealing with any difficulties that may arise.
Please note that the examples in this course are drawn exclusively from non-editorial projects. We recommend Editorial Project Management for editorial staff to gain a more detailed and sophisticated understanding of managing editorial print and digital projects.
Who is it for?
The course is for publishing staff who are tasked with delivering a project; those new to project management who want to learn what it is and how it works; staff who manage freelancers and offshore suppliers; and those are moving into a more project-focused role. This includes but is not limited to:
- data executives and managers
- digital executives and managers
- event managers and organisers
- executive or personal assistants
- HR executives and managers
- marketing executives and managers
- production executives and managers
- project managers
- publicity executives and managers
- sales executives and managers
- website editors and managers.
What will you achieve?
On completing this course you will be able to:
- feel more confident about managing and monitoring the editorial process
- gauge the complexity of an editorial task and develop a strategy for working on it
- find means of dealing with areas of linguistic and cultural sensitivity, and legality
- adjust an author’s style and structure without antagonising them
- apply the techniques learnt to any text to make it clearer and more accessible.
Programme
Day 1
Session 1
- Projects and Project Managers
- Time management
- The Project life-cycle
- Writing a plan
- Building a team
Session 2
- Budgeting
- Scheduling
- The Project Triangle
Day 2
Session 3
- Risk management
- Managing offshore
- Troubleshooting - coping with change
Session 4
- Troubleshooting - dealing with delay, communication issues, negotiating
- Leading a project
- Closing a project
- Useful resources
Course format
- Virtual classroom
- 9.00am to 12.30pm
- 4 x 1½-hour sessions, comprising 2 half-day sessions on 2 days, 1 day apart
Date information for future sessions
November 2025
- Dates: 11 & 13 November 2025
- Times: Each session will run from 9.00am to 12.30pm
November 2026
- Dates: 3 & 5 November 2026
- Times: Each session will run from 9.00am to 12.30pm
What you will need
To join the course, you will need access to a computer or laptop with a camera and microphone. You will need to activate a free Zoom account to join the course. This takes 2 minutes and does not require any payment. It is purely for administrative purposes.
How the course is delivered
The course consists of 4 sessions, each a mixture of delivery and interaction using Zoom breakout rooms and other online tools. There will be 15-minute breaks between sessions with the opportunity to do exercises and take a break. The course will run on the same day across two weeks, split into 2 ½-day sessions in the morning from 9.00am to 12.30pm.
You will need to activate a free Zoom account to join the course. This takes 2 minutes and does not require any payment. It is purely for administrative purposes.
Any information to be completed beforehand will be sent via email.
Accessibility
Please contact us at with any accessibility or special requirements, for example having in-session captions or the learning materials sent to you in advance.
If you have any concerns about technical requirements or access please contact us on or telephone +44 (0)20 8874 2718.
In-company training
This course is also available for in-company training, either virtually or in person at your office. Course content is tailored to suit your requirements. Group sizes range from 5 to 12 attendees. To find out more, email or telephone +44 (0)20 8874 2718.
Delegate feedback
"Petra was a great presenter. I needed direction in where to start with project management. I enjoyed learning the theory behind ways to structure, prioritise and organise a project." Pan Macmillan delegate
"I enjoyed the course, it was very helpful and my objectives were fully achieved. The tools I have gained will be of immediate use." Reward Analyst, Pan Macmillan
“I enjoyed the course! Especially the interactive side which was particularly good! I’ve gained a basic understanding of project management and what the major keys are.” Graduate Student, Bachelor in Political Science
“I enjoyed the interactive format of the course and appreciated all the tips along the way! I’ve gained new ideas for time management and a good overview of the steps needed to manage a project.” Production Specialist, Frontiers Media
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Petra is skilled at encouraging discussions without causing any anxiety/discomfort – I felt happy to contribute, even if I didn't know the answer. I appreciated the warm, non-judgemental group environment. I have increased confidence, sharpness and awareness of the skills required for successful project management and have gained better vocabulary to use going forward." Class Publishing delegate
“I enjoyed the course a lot. It was great to share personal examples from everyone's work environment. I’ve gained tools to improve the structure my day and a better idea of how to formally plan and track all the elements of a project.” Frontiers Media delegate
“I enjoyed the course very much. As a freelancer, it has given me confidence in how I manage my projects, an insight into how the industry expects projects to be run, and an idea of how such a role is decided on in in-house settings.” Freelance Permissions Consultant
“An excellent course. I’ve gained knowledge of how to manage projects effectively.” Editorial Manager, Pan Macmillan
“I enjoyed the course and appreciated Petra's style of presenting. It has allowed me to take a broader, longer-term approach to my workload and scheduling. As someone who gets bogged down working task-to-task without a great deal of foresight, it was useful to take the time to assess that the amount of hours needed is often wildly disproportionate to the hours available. This will give me confidence in setting others' expectations for what is possible and prioritising better and more firmly.” Edward Elgar Publishing delegate
About the tutor(s)
Petra Green is Head of the PTC, a business mentor and trainer. She has spent 25 years in book, magazine and online publishing in a variety of roles. Petra has run dozens of projects across data, editorial, events, market research, marketing and production for previous employers and clients.
Related courses
The PTC offers virtual classroom courses, self-study distance-learning courses, and a range of e-learning modules. See below for those that complement or build on this course.
Virtual Classroom Courses
- Applying AI: Tools, Ethics and First Practical Steps
- Building a Successful Online Content Strategy
- Copyright – the Basics
- Developing Effective Management Skills in Publishing
- Editorial Project Management
- The Fundamentals of Public Speaking
- Online Presentation Skills
- Publishing Strategy Toolkit
- Writing for Online Audiences
e-Learning Modules