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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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.
Sans serif
A style of printing letters with all lines of equal thickness and no serifs. Sans faces are less easy to read than seriffed faces and they are rarely used for continuous text, although some magazines use them for text matter.
Scatter proof
A scatter proof is usually a large sheet (either A1 or A2) which only shows images for colour approval.
Self-publishing providers
Companies which provide editorial, design, marketing, distribution and e-book services for authors.
Soft proof
A soft proof is a non-hard copy, sample of a job which is displayed on a calibrated and high-definition screen.