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.
A
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. |
B
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. |
C
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. |
D
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. |
E
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. |
F
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. |
G
Grant |
Funding rewarded to authors intending to financially support promising writers while they focus on completing their writing ventures. |
H
Hybrid publishing |
A kind of publishing service which is a combination of aspects from both traditional publishing and self-publishing. |
I
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. |
K
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. |
L
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. |
M
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. |
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