Glossary
We’ve curated a glossary of terms regarding all things writing and publishing related. From commonly-used terms to abbreviations, our glossary will guide writers and people starting out in publishing, to cut through the jargon and gain a better understanding.
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Copyright
The legal right, which the creator of an original work has, to only allow copying of the work with permission and sometimes on payment of royalties or a copyright fee. An amendment to the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988) states that in the UK most works are protected for 70 years from the creators' death.
Earn out
As stated in their contracts, most authors will need to 'earn out' their advance before they start receiving any royalties directly from book sales.
Editor
Someone who works with and determines the final text of a manuscript. They can also commission and acquire books and co-ordinate their publication.
Endmatter
Material at the end of the main body of a book which may be useful to the reader, including references, appendices, indexes and bibliography. Also called back matter.
First edition
The first print run of a book. It can occasionally gain secondhand value if either the book or its author become collectable.