Book Publishing Glossary

Acquisitions Editor: An editor responsible for identifying and acquiring new books and authors for a publisher. They often specialize in specific genres, such as fiction, non-fiction, or children’s literature.

Advance: Money paid upfront by a publisher to an author, representing an advance on future royalties. If the book’s sales exceed the amount of the advance, the author receives royalties. If not, no repayment is required.

AI-assisted Writing: The use of artificial intelligence tools to assist in content creation, editing, or research. Increasingly common in modern publishing, though controversial when it comes to generating original content.

Backlist: A publisher’s collection of previously published books that are still available for sale, usually more than a year after their initial release. Backlist titles often generate steady revenue.

Best Seller: A term used to describe books that sell in high volumes, but it can vary depending on the market and publisher. Major best-seller lists include The New York Times and Amazon Best Sellers.

Book Proposal: A document outlining a potential book’s content, audience, and market potential, often used for non-fiction projects. It typically includes an overview, sample chapters, a target market analysis, and the author’s credentials.

Digital-First Publisher: A publisher that focuses on releasing books in digital formats before (or sometimes instead of) printing physical copies. These publishers often target e-readers and digital platforms.

E-book: A digital version of a book that can be read on devices such as e-readers (like Kindle), tablets, smartphones, or computers. E-books are an important format in the modern publishing industry, often accompanied by print or audiobook versions.

First Printing: The number of copies printed in the initial production run of a book. If the book sells well, additional printings may be ordered.

In Print: Refers to a book that is still available for purchase through the publisher or standard distribution channels, whether in print or digital formats.

Independent Bookseller: A locally or independently owned bookstore, not part of a larger chain or franchise. These stores are often seen as more supportive of local and self-published authors and tend to curate a more unique selection of titles.

ISBN (International Standard Book Number): A 13-digit unique identifier required for a book to be sold through most major retailers. It’s essential for cataloging and managing book inventory, both for physical and digital editions.

Midlist Book: A book published with moderate expectations in terms of sales, publicity, and marketing. Often, these books get smaller advances but can provide long-term revenue if they maintain steady sales over time.

Niche Book: A book targeting a specific audience or market segment, often with specialized content. Examples include industry-specific guides, regional histories, and books for niche hobbies or interests.

Out-of-Print: A book that is no longer available for purchase from the publisher. It may still be available from third-party sellers or in used bookstores.

Print-on-Demand (POD): A method of book production where copies are only printed when an order is placed. This is often used in self-publishing or for niche books, as it minimizes upfront costs by avoiding large print runs.

Publisher: A company or individual responsible for overseeing the production, printing, marketing, and distribution of books. This includes handling editing, cover design, and sales.

Publishing: The entire process of producing and distributing books, from acquisition and editing to marketing and sales. This can be done through traditional publishers, self-publishing platforms, or hybrid models.

Query Letter: A brief pitch letter sent by an author to a literary agent or publisher to gauge interest in a book project. It’s often used to introduce fiction, non-fiction, or memoir projects before submitting the full manuscript.

Review Copy: A complimentary copy of a book sent to reviewers, influencers, or media outlets in hopes of securing reviews or publicity. Review copies can be physical or digital and may be sent before or after the official release.

Royalty: A percentage of the profits from each sale of a book paid to the author. Royalty rates can vary significantly based on the type of publishing deal (e.g., traditional vs. self-publishing) and format (e.g., e-book vs. print).

SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope): Traditionally, writers would include a SASE with manuscript submissions to make it easier for publishers or agents to respond. While less common today due to email submissions, some niche or small publishers may still request this.

Self-publishing: When an author takes full responsibility for the production, distribution, and marketing of their book. Self-publishing is often facilitated through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and Lulu.

Slush Pile: A collection of unsolicited manuscripts submitted to publishers or literary agents. These manuscripts are typically reviewed by junior staff before they reach the decision-makers.

Social Media Marketing: A modern strategy used by authors and publishers to promote books via platforms like Instagram, Twitter (now X), TikTok, and Facebook. Building an online presence and engaging with readers is a crucial aspect of book promotion today.

Hybrid Publishing: A model where authors contribute financially to the production of their book, while the publisher handles editorial work, distribution, and some marketing. This offers more control than traditional publishing but also requires more author investment.

Crowdfunding: A method of raising funds for a book project by collecting small contributions from many people, usually through platforms like Kickstarter or Patreon. This model allows authors to retain more creative and financial control.

Bookstagram: A niche community on Instagram dedicated to sharing book reviews, recommendations, and aesthetically pleasing images of books. Bookstagram has become a key marketing channel for authors, especially in genres like YA, fantasy, and romance.

Audiobook: A spoken version of a book, typically available through platforms like Audible or Apple Books. The popularity of audiobooks has surged in recent years, making them a key part of many publishing strategies.

Pre-order Campaign: A promotional strategy used to encourage readers to buy a book before its official release date. Pre-orders can build momentum for a book’s launch and help boost first-week sales, which can be important for hitting best-seller lists.