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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Order fulfilment
This can involve receiving, processing and invoicing orders for books as well as warehousing, distribution, shipping and delivery to customers and retailers.
PLR
Public Lending Right (PLR) is a programme which compensates authors for loss of sales from their books being made available in libraries. It allows authors to be fairly paid for each library loan. Authors can register here: https://www.bl.uk/plr
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.
Proof
A bound set of uncorrected reading proofs used by the sales team of a publishing house and as early review copies.
Retail platform
A platform or website which facilitates the buying and selling of products over the internet (also known as e-retailer). Book and e-book e-retailers include Amazon, the iBookstore and Barnes and Noble.