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This is the second and final part of the blog series that goes into the common jargon used by publishing professionals. It will help you to quickly understand what your publisher or literary agent is talking about.
Net sales |
The overall revenue publishers earn from the sales of a book after taking into account any sale discounts and returns. |
Offset printing |
A high-quality and efficient way of printing large quantities of books using plates that transfer ink onto that paper. |
Open submission |
The ongoing call for writers to submit their manuscripts unsolicited to publishers or literary agents. |
Out-of-print |
Used to describe a book that is has stopped being printed and restocked for sale online and in bookstores. |
Pen name / Pseudonym |
The name an author choses to use on thier book instead of their real name to remain anonymous or establish a particular brand separate from others. |
Print advertising |
A kind of advertising found in print publications including magazines and newspapers. |
Print on consignment |
The method of small-inventory book distribution where retailers stock only a few copies of a book and order more as needed. |
Print proof |
A printed copy of a book used to check for errors and product quality that is not evident in the digital files of a book. Typically reviewed by publishers and authors. |
Print quote |
The estimated cost of printing a book based on the book’s specifications and desired quantity. |
Print run |
The number of printed copies of a book in a singular, isolated production cycle. |
Print-on-demand (POD) |
The method of printing a book when a purchase is made and not keeping physical inventory of the book. |
Print-ready files |
Digital files of a book that have been quality checked to meet industry standards and are now ready to be printed, distributed, and read. |
Proofreading |
The kind of editing that usually takes place just before publication. It is focused on catching errors and inconsistencies that have been missed. |
Public domain |
Applies to works that no longer meet the requirements of copyright and can now be used and distributed freely. |
Remaindered |
The sale of excess copies of printed books at a discounted rate. |
Royalty statement |
A document that an author receives from their publisher detailing the sales and overall royalty payment earned from book sales. |
Royalty / Royalties |
The percentage that the author receives from the sales of their book, paid to the author by the publisher. |
Sales territory |
The geographical region in which a sales representative or distributor is responsible for promoting and selling their assigned books. |
Serial rights |
The rights to a book that is published in instalments, including in newspapers or magazines. |
Simultaneous submissions |
When an author has submitted their manuscript (published or unpublished) to more than one literary agent or traditional publisher at the same time. |
Slush pile |
The term for the collection of unsolicited manuscripts received by a literary agent or traditional publisher. |
Submission guidelines |
A set of instructions given to authors by a publisher or literary agent to assist in the proper submission of their manuscript. |
Subsidiary rights |
The rights licensed to other companies or organisations for additional publication or adaptation of a book, including film or TV rights. |
Trade book |
A book that is intended to be read by a general audience and does not contain specialised or academic content. |
Trade discount |
A discount that is given to bookstores and online retailers who purchase books in large quanitities. |
Trade paperback |
A paperback book that is printed in a larger-format than standard. This is often used for non-fiction and literary titles. |
Trade sales |
When a book is sold to bookstores and online retailers, as opposed to being sold to readers. |
Translation rights |
The rights to translate a book into alternate languages for the purpose of publication and distribution in other countries. |
Typesetting |
The process of designing and laying-out the text and images on a book’s interior pages. |
Unbound manuscript |
Refers to a completed manuscript that has yet to be bound into a book. They can be physical, loose-leaf copies or digital files. |
University press |
A publishing house that is directly associated with a university and specialises in printing academic titles. |
Unsolicited manuscript |
An unrequested manuscript that is submitted by an writer to a traditional publisher or literary agent. |
Vanity press |
A publisher that charges authors for publishing services, rather than paying authors for their work. |
WIP |
Work in progress (WIP) that can refer to a manuscript or project that is yet to be finished. |
Wholesaler |
A company that buys large quantities of books from publishers and then goes on to sell them to retailers and other official buyers. |
White space |
The blank space around the text and images in a book. Often used to help with the visual appeal and readability of the book. |
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
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In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.
The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.
This is the first part of a two-part blog series that goes into the common jargon used by publishing professionals. It will help you to quickly understand what your publisher or literary agent is talking about.
Advance reading copy (ARC) |
A copy of a book that is sent out to reviewers, booksellers, and other professionals in the industry for promotion. |
Advance |
A lump-sum paid by the publisher to the author before the book is published, often against book royalties of future sales. |
Anthology |
A compilation of short stories, poems, or essays written by multiple authors. There is usually a focus on a particular genre or theme. |
Author platform |
An author’s presence on online platforms. This includes social media profiles, email newsletters, and author websites. |
Back matter |
The final pages of a book after the main content has ended. This includes an index, glossary, bibliography, Acknowledgements, and etc. |
Backlist |
The previously published works of a single author that remain in print and can be purchased by customers. |
Blurb |
A short but engaging description of a book typically located on the back cover. |
Copyediting |
A kind of book editing that is focused on correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, but also continuity issues and flaws in plot, characterisation, and more. |
Copyright |
Legal protection that prevents the copying or reproduction of creative works without the creators express permission. |
Developmental editing |
A kind of editing that is focused on improving flaws in a manuscript’s structure and content. |
Digital advertising |
Using digital platforms, including social media, email newsletters, and websites, to advertise books. |
Digital publishing |
Publishing a book in a digital format instead of print. These digital formats include eBooks and audiobooks. |
Distribution channels |
The locations where books are available to readers. This includes online retailers, bookstores, and libraries. |
Distribution |
The way in which books go from the publisher to retailers to readers. |
DRM |
Digital Rights Management (DRM) is software that protects digital books against unauthorised copying and distribution. |
EBook conversion |
The process of turning a print-ready book or a basic manuscript into an eBook. |
EBook distribution |
Getting eBooks into to online retailers and libraries. |
EBook reader |
A device or software that allows its users to access and read eBooks. |
Editing |
The broad term for the process of reviewing, revising, and improving written manuscripts to prepare them for publication. |
Endorsement |
A statement written by a reputable and relevant author or expert that supports and recommends the book to readers. |
Front matter |
The pages at the beginning of a book before the main content, including the title page, half title page, copyright page, dedication, contents page, and more. |
Grant |
Funding rewarded to authors intending to financially support promising writers while they focus on completing their writing ventures. |
Hybrid publishing |
A kind of publishing service which is a combination of aspects from both traditional publishing and self-publishing. |
Imprint |
A specialised area of a larger publishing company that is focused on a particular subject, target audience, or genre. |
Independent publisher |
A publisher that is separate from a larger corporation, conglomerate, or publishing house. |
ISBN |
International Standard Book Number (ISBN) are unique identification numbers which are assigned to each edition of a published book, allowing for tracking and effective cataloguing. |
ISMN |
International Standard Music Numbers (ISMN) are niche identification numbers specifically dedicated to the music industry. |
Keywords |
The specific words and short phrases that are used to describe a book’s content and topic. They are often used to boost Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and online marketing efforts. |
Library market |
Selling books to libraries and other similar institutions. |
Line editing |
A kind of editing that works to improve the style and language of a manuscript. |
Literary agent |
An industry professional who will represent an author when negotiating publishing contracts and other deals with publishers. |
Manuscript evaluation |
The assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of a manuscript, often undertaken by either editors or writing coaches. |
Manuscript format |
The custom guidelines from a publisher to assist the author in correctly formatting their manuscript. This includes the correct font, spacing, margins, and more. |
Manuscript |
A hand-written or typed work that is yet to be published as a book. |
Metadata |
Detailed information about a specific book, such as the title, subtitle, author name, and synopsis. It is used to increase searchability of the book online. |
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.
The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.
Self-publishing an eBook could be a good strategy for your project. They are a popular reading platform as they are easily transportable and affordable. EBooks are digital books that can be read online, on your computer, phone, and tablet, or on dedicated devices like e-readers and Kindles. Different devices and platforms require different eBook file types, like Mobi and ePub.
1. How to produce an eBook
2. Are eBook sales increasing?
3. Why you should distribute your eBook on Amazon
4. Understanding DRM when selling eBooks
5. What can eBooks sell for?
6. Can I DIY my eBook?
7. What is the difference between ePub and Mobi eBooks?
8. What is the difference between a reflowable and fixed-layout eBook?
There are a few different ways to produce an eBook, but all follow a similar set of steps. These steps include:
The sales trend of eBooks from 2022 showed that eBook purchases were steadily increasing, and had been for the past few years. Part of the success of eBooks is due to the rising popularity of eBook-compatible devices, such as e-readers and tablets. Another factor to the recent success of eBooks is the ease and accessibility of purchasing and reading eBooks online.
Though COVID has made it difficult to accurately predict future eBook sales trends, it overall seems that eBooks continue to be a popular format of the publishing industry.
Distributing your book on Amazon is a great way to utilise their marketing tools. This can mean a few different things for self-published authors and publishers alike:
First things first, what is DRM? DRM stands for Digital Rights Management and is a technology that controls how digital content, such as eBooks, can be used and distributed. It’s used to prevent unauthorised sharing, copying, and printing of eBooks, protecting the author’s intellectual property rights. DRM is embedded in the eBook file, and readers need special software or devices to access it.
As a self-published author, you want to ensure that your hard work is protected and distributed fairly. One way to do this is through Digital Rights Management (DRM), a technology that protects digital content and prevents unauthorised sharing. Both IngramSpark and Amazon KDP offer DRM for eBook sales. When you publish your eBook through IngramSpark or Amazon KDP, you have the option to include DRM protection. If you choose to protect your eBook with DRM, it’s important to keep in mind that you might be limiting your potential audience, which can translate to fewer book sales. If you find that your audience is more important to you than piracy prevention, you can choose to publish your eBook without DRM instead.
Typically, the price of an eBook varies widely. This is because it is dependant on a number of factors, including genre, length, and market demand. The majority of eBooks on Amazon and other major retailers generally sell for around $0.99 to $9.99 AUD. $2.99 to $4.99 is a common price-point for self-published eBooks.
However, just because your book is selling at that price, it doesn’t mean you as the author will receive all of the profits. The royalty rate that retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble offer to authors typically ranges from around 35% to 70% of the sale price. The exact amount depends on factors like the price of the eBook, the region it is sold, and whether the author is participating in any promotional programs.
It is worth noting that, when calculating the royalty rates you might receive, the percentages are based on the retail price of your eBook and not the retailer’s net profit after deducting fees and taxes. Additionally, some publishing contracts and distribution agreements may offer you a different royalty rate or payment structure.
It can be relatively easy to produce a basic eBook, especially with the help of various self-publishing platforms like KDP. These platforms let authors upload their text and cover image files, format the eBook, and publish it online through retailers like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple Books.
There are, however, some things to be wary of when trying to DIY your eBook. It can be more challenging to produce a high-quality eBook that stands out in the market when trying DIY avenues. Authors who choose to self-publish their eBooks should be prepared to invest time and effort into editing, proofreading, and formatting their book to ensure that it is professional and error-free. They should also consider hiring professionals to ensure that their editing, cover design, and text formatting is polished and market ready. It’s all about quality—the reader is more likely to buy your book if it looks well-made and professional.
Green Hill can generate a quality eBook during your print book publishing exercise.
While both ePub and Mobi are two common eBook formats, the two do have some key differences:
When an author decides to convert a manuscript into an eBook, the big decision is what format the book will be published in. There are two main types of eBook formats – fixed-layout and standard/reflowable layout. Let’s take a detailed look at both of the formats in order to choose the perfect option for your eBook.
Reflowable eBooks are more flexible and can adapt to changes in devices and screen sizes. For this reason, they are able to be read on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, computers, tablets, and e-readers. The content of a reflowable eBook is laid out as a single text column which can automatically adjust to fit the size of a device’s screen. They also let readers adjust font size and the font typeface, and so are a very accessible option.
Reflowable eBooks are usually the preferred choice of book types like novels, biographies, and other text-heavy genres that don’t need complicated or complex layouts or a high number of graphics. This kind of eBook is typically created as an ePub.
For eBook purists, ‘reflowables’ are often preferred because the eBook technology has been designed for a great reader experience. Readers can change fonts, text size and insert bookmarks. Refowables with graphics often present an issue for authors who want their eBooks to look pretty. But this can come at the expense of providing and easy read for purchasers. It best to simply anchor graphics to a particular spot in the text.
Fixed-format eBooks are made to keep true to the layout and design of the printed book version of the eBook. They are often used for genre’s such as childrens books, cookbooks, graphic novels, personal projects, and any other kind of book that has a complex layout and or a high number of graphics. EBooks that are made to be fixed-format are typically created as PDFs, Mobis, or KF8s. The content of a fixed-format eBook is presented page-by-page, with the visual elements (e.g. figures, tables, illustrations, photography, etc.) and text laid out exactly like they appear in the print version.
As discussed, for some purists, the fixed format eBook defeats the purpose for which eBooks were created in the first place. On the other hand placement of graphic material may be critical for reader comprehension e.g. for a cookbook an image and a table might best be viewed together.
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.
The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.