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Terminology

Publishing Terms to Know

Editing seems straightforward, but there are many distinctions in the publishing industry. The title "editor" is an umbrella term for various types of editing. Copy editors check for grammar, clarity and style. Substantive/line editors make significant changes to a manuscript such as rewriting and reorganizing text. Developmental editors work with authors to formulate ideas and rework original concepts. Essentially, they are editorial consultants. Production editors see a manuscript through the production process, starting with an edited manuscript and ending with approval of the final product. They function as managers who hire, when needed, an entire editorial staff such as typesetters, proofreaders and layout artists.

Proofreading involves comparing a proof against an original to check for typographical errors and problems with page makeup. Proofreaders ensure specified changes have been made correctly. Content proofreaders check only text. Design proofreaders also check the layout specifications (i.e. art, spacing, etc.).

Good writing involves composing ideas into sentences and paragraphs that are cohesive and coherent. This requires a lot of time, talent and/or training.

Fiction vs. Nonfiction can be confusing, especially when fiction is based on actual or people. Fiction includes content that is untrue or imaginary, such as fantasy stories or romance novels. Nonfiction is true or based on facts, actual events or real people, such as history or biographies. This also includes textbooks and self-help books based on the author's expertise.

Ghostwriting is the process of writing material for someone else who may get all or some of the credit for the writing. The person who does the actual writing is therefore a ghost, or unseen or acknowledged, to the public. NOTE: Our ghostwriting services are limited to nonfiction, specifically biographies and autobiographies.

Galley is a final proof of a book before it goes into production. It is sometimes referred to as an “advance copy” that goes to book reviewers and journalists.

Genre is a category of artistic or literary composition characterized by a particular style, form. or content. Literary genres include science fiction, historical fiction, romance, poetry, self-help and more.

Distribution is the process and logistics of making your book available to customers online or in on-site retail outlets. Distributors sell and ship books to retailers on behalf of publishers.

Indexing involves creating a list to help readers find information quickly for non-fiction books, reference material and web documentation.

Manuscript is the handwritten or typed version of a book before it is published.

Royalty is a payment made to an individual or company for the ongoing use (publishing) of their copyrighted works. The terms of royalty payments are laid in a publishing agreement. The amount of the royalty is based on a percentage of book sales.

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Creating typically means a job must be written, typeset, designed or laid out. Design jobs must be typed, not handwritten, prior to submission. We do offer developmental writing services, such as writing coaching.

Editing a job means it has already been created (typeset, designed and laid out) but needs Punctuation, Grammar, Mechanics, Word Use, Organization, Unity, Support, Coherence, Ideas, or Style. All editing jobs must be in text format prior to submission.

Proofreading a job means it has already been created and edited but needs Names, Phone Numbers, Addresses, Body Copy, Numerals, Images, Color, Size, or Style Attributes. All proofreading jobs must be typeset prior to submission.

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Creating Terms

EDIT

Editing Terms

PROOFREAD

Proofreading Terms