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. 

Indexing
Creating an ordered or alphabetical list of subjects/topics or names, giving the page number(s) of where it is referred to in the main text of the book.
Page proofs
A set of proofs of the pages in a book used to check the accuracy of typesetting and page layout, and also as an advance promotional tool. These are commonly provided in electronic form, rather than in physical form.
Proof reader
Someone employed to carry out proofreading.
Sample assessment
In self-publishing, this is often free and can refer to when the author receives a sample of the editor’s work (eg. examples of their comments on two to three pages of the author's manuscript), so that the author can decide whether to purchase that editorial service. It can also refer to when editors assess a sample of the author's work to see what service suits the author's writing best.
Self-publishing providers
Companies which provide editorial, design, marketing, distribution and e-book services for authors.