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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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.
Edition
A quantity of books printed without changes to the content. A 'new edition' is a reprint of an existing title that incorporates substantial textual alterations. Originally one edition meant a single print run, though today an edition may consist of several separate printings, or impressions.
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.
Folio
Sheet of paper folded twice and trimmed to make four pages of a book.