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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First edition
The first print run of a book. It can occasionally gain secondhand value if either the book or its author become collectable.
Folio
Sheet of paper folded twice and trimmed to make four pages of a book.
Formatting
The act of a manuscript being arranged so that it can appear in the correct manner on the page
Frontlist
New books just published (generally in their first year of publication) or about to be published by a publisher. Promotion of the frontlist is heavy, and the frontlist carries most of a publisher's investment. On the other hand, a backlist which continues to sell is usually the most profitable part of a publisher's list.
Full colour
A printing process where four colours (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) are combined to produce complete colour images, artwork and design on pages.