Commonly Used Publishing Terms and What They Mean
We’re deciphering publishing industry terms and jargon.
People in the publishing industry use a lot of terms and other jargon that you won’t hear in other industries. So, if you haven’t worked in publishing or written a book before, the terms can be a bit confusing. In today’s article, we’re covering the most common terms used in the publishing industry and what they mean.
Common Publishing Terms and Phrases
Advance Copy
An advance copy, also referred to as advance reading copy (ARC) or galley proof, is a pre-publication format of a book that can be distributed to reviewers, booksellers, and other industry professionals. ARCs are printed in small quantities and used to create buzz before a book's official release. Typically, advance copies are sent out a few months in advance of a book's release, which gives reviewers time to read and review the book ahead of time. Additionally, ARCs are often used to gain quotes from other authors or experts in the field, which will be included on a book's cover or inside page.
Audiobook
An audiobook is a book format in which a book is read aloud by a voice actor and recorded. That recording is then produced into a high-quality audio file that is published. Audiobooks are for everyone, but they are particularly helpful for those who have trouble reading, including people with dyslexia, visual impairments, or other print disabilities.
Author Biography
An author biography on the back cover of a book provides readers background information about the author's personal life, career, and achievements. A detailed author biography makes a significant difference in readers’ interpretation of the book and the author's intended message.
Back Cover Copy
The back cover copy of a book serves as a marketing tool that attracts readers and encourages them to read the book. The copy is a short summary of the book that is crafted to provide potential readers with a glimpse of what the book is about, including key themes and main characters. This is also commonly referred to as a “book blurb.”
BISAC Code
The Book Industry Standards and Communications (BISAC) codes provide a standardized system of codes the publishing industry uses to categorize books. This system has been in place for several decades and is used by publishers, booksellers, and libraries all over the world. BISAC codes help readers find books that match their interests, much like genres, and make the selection process easier. BISAC codes are regularly updated to reflect changes in the publishing industry and reader preferences.
Book Advance
When a writer signs with a traditional publisher, they will receive a book advance. This is a pre-agreed upon amount of money that is paid to the author before the book is published. The purpose of the advance is to provide financial support to the author during the writing process, and to also help them cover expenses like research materials, travel, and living expenses. Not every traditionally published author may receive an advance.
Book Contract
A book contract is a legally binding agreement between an author and a book publisher. The contract will outline the terms and conditions of the publication of the author's work. Typically, a book contract includes the following:
The title and description of the work that will be published
The submission deadline for the manuscript
If an advance will be paid and the amount
The royalty rate that the author will receive on future book sales
The expected print run number and marketing plans to release the book
In addition to these standard terms, a book contract may also include clauses for film or television adaptations, audiobook rights, and even foreign language translation rights. This type of book contract is typically only used in traditional publishing. Self-publishers include different information in their contracts when you pay for publishing services.
Book Proposal
A book proposal is a document that an author submits to a publisher or literary agent that is used to convince them to publish their manuscript. A proposal should include information about the author's background and qualifications, the intended audience for the book, a summary of the book, and more.
Cover Design
Cover design is the creation of a book’s front and back cover. Graphic designers use elements like typography, color schemes, and imagery to create unique and compelling designs that reflect the essence of each book.
eBook
An eBook, or electronic book, is a digital version of a book that can be read on tablet, computer, or phone. They offer the ability to change the font size for easier reading, search for specific words or phrases, and readers can annotate text.
Galley Proof
A galley proof is a printed or digital version of what the book will look like when it’s printed and bound. It is used to review and make corrections before the final printing and binding of the book. Publishers use galley proofs as a way for copyeditors to find errors and make final changes to the text. If an author self-publishes a book, the author is responsible for finding errors and providing corrections on the galley proof. In addition to correcting errors, the galley proof process can also be used to review the layout, check the accuracy of citations, and ensure that the text is properly formatted.
Imprint
An imprint is a brand or trade name a book is published under. Publishers often have several imprints under the umbrella of their company. For example, a publisher may have an imprint that specializes in science fiction, another that publishes historical fiction novels, and a third that focuses on children's books. Each of these imprints would have its own distinct brand identity and marketing strategy. Some publishers don’t have imprints and instead publish all books under one brand name.
ISBN
An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique numerical identifier that is assigned to a published book. The ISBN consists of numbers that identify the book's title, author, and edition. It serves as a universal way to identify books. Most booksellers will not place a book on their shelves if the book does not have an ISBN. By providing an ISBN, you increase the visibility and marketability of your book because it makes it easier for potential readers to find and purchase it. The ISBN enables libraries, bookstores, and other retailers to order and track your book. Each edition of a book requires a unique ISBN. Changes in content, format, and design may affect the book’s identification.
Library of Congress (LoC)
The Library of Congress (LoC) is the largest library in the world, and it houses a massive collection of books, manuscripts, maps, and other items that reflect the nation's rich history and diverse heritage. More than just a repository of knowledge, the LoC is the research arm of the U.S. Congress. It provides lawmakers access to critical resources and information needed to make informed decisions. In addition, the LoC serves as the national library of the United States, so it cataloges and preserves the country's most important literary works and other cultural artifacts.
Manuscript
A manuscript is an author's original work that has not yet been published.
A manuscript should be revised and edited many times to refine the plot, characters, and dialogue.
Manuscript Format
Manuscript formatting refers to various elements, such as font type and size, margins, spacing, and even paper size, that are used to visually display the text in a manuscript. Every publisher has manuscript formatting guidelines that must be followed. If the guidelines are not followed, literary agents and publishers often reject the manuscript’s submission. The purpose of the manuscript formatting guidelines is to ensure your work is easier to read. For example, using a 12-point font like Times New Roman or Arial and double-spacing allows for better readability. Margins of 1 inch on all sides and a standard paper size of 8.5 x 11 inches gives your manuscript a professional look.
Manuscript Submission
A manuscript submission is the process in which an author submits their work to a publisher for potential publication.
The manuscript submission process can be lengthy and complex. It often involves multiple rounds of revisions and feedback from editors and peer reviewers. Authors may also need to tailor their submissions to fit the needs and preferences of different publishers.
Pen Name
A pen name, or pseudonym, is a fictitious name that a writer may use to publish books under instead of using their real name. There are many reasons why authors choose to use pen names. Some authors may want to maintain their privacy or separate their personal life from their professional life. Other authors may choose a pen name for marketing reasons, and other authors may use a pen name to publish in different genres without confusing their readers.
Query Letter
A query letter is a formal letter that writers send to literary agents and publishers to gain their interest about the book. It typically includes a brief summary of the book, the author's background, and any other relevant details. Writing a query letter is d requires careful crafting to make it stand out among the hundreds of submissions that agents and publishers receive. It is essential to research the intended recipient and personalize the letter to fit their specific interests and needs. A writer will also want to include relevant writing experience, awards, and any other achievements that make the author stand out.
Title Page
The title page is a crucial part of a book because it includes the title of the book, the author’s name, and the publisher’s logo.
Trim Size
The trim size of a book is the finished size after it has been printed and bound, and the final size is also one determining factor of the book’s price. The size of a book can also impact the design and layout, which can affect the book’s readability and overall aesthetic appeal. The book industry uses standard trim sizes for specific book types. Most fiction and nonfiction books use a 6” x 9” trim size.
Typesetting
Typesetting is the arrangement of text and images on a page, but it also includes the font selection, spacing, margins, and other typographical elements used. Typesetters plays a vital role in ensuring that the book is easy to read and visually appealing to the reader.
A skilled typesetter must have an eye for detail and an understanding of the principles of typography. They must also be familiar with Adobe InDesign, which is a computer program commonly used in the publishing industry.
Typesetting is also required to format eBooks.
Conclusion
This is an extensive list of terms and phrases used in the publishing industry. Most publishers—traditional, self-publishing, and hybrid—use the same terms. Some steps, such as query letters, book proposals, advances, contracts, and literary agents, are only used in a traditional publishing setting.