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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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.
Ghostwriting
When a book is written up by an uncredited writer, from interviews with the credited author or the credited author\'s draft and notes. The uncredited writer will write as if the credited author is the narrator. This is often done for life stories or autobiographies.
Out of print or o.p.
Relating to a book of which the publisher has no copies left an which is not going to be reprinted. Print-on-demand technology, however, means that a book can be kept 'in print' indefinitely.
Promotional materials
These outline the highlights of the content of a book and its layout. They can include a BLAD (Book Layout and Design), an Advance Information Sheet or blurb which acts as a pre-publication preview to generate interest among retailers, reviewers and potential readers.