Publishing Lingo Explained: An Easy Glossary for New Writers

The publishing world can feel like a secret club where everyone speaks in code. ARC? Comp titles? Backlist??

Whether you're querying agents or self-publishing your first book, understanding the language is half the battle. 🧠📚

Here’s a handy glossary of the most common publishing terms—decoded for real life.

📝 ARC (Advance Reader Copy)

A pre-publication version of your book sent to early readers, reviewers, or influencers. It might still have typos or be unproofed, but it helps build buzz before launch.

📦 Backlist

Every book an author or publisher has released prior to the newest one. Backlist titles often make up the majority of a writer’s long-term sales. (Yes, your old books can still make money!)

📚 Comp Titles (Comparable Titles)

Books that are similar to yours in tone, genre, or audience. Used in pitches and marketing to help readers—and publishing pros—know where your book fits.
"It’s The Cruel Prince meets Crazy Rich Asians" = comp titles.

🖊️ Query Letter

A one-page pitch sent to literary agents (or editors) that includes your book’s hook, a short synopsis, and your bio. Basically, your book’s audition.

📖 Manuscript

Your unpublished book. Whether it’s a polished final draft or a messy work-in-progress, it’s still your manuscript until it’s officially published.

✍️ Developmental Edit

A big-picture edit that focuses on story structure, pacing, character arcs, and plot. This comes before grammar and typos. (And yes—you want this edit. It makes your book stronger.)

🔍 Line Edit / Copyedit / Proofread

These terms often get confused. Quick breakdown:
– Line edit: Polishes language, tone, and sentence structure
– Copyedit: Fixes grammar, punctuation, and consistency
– Proofread: Final check for typos or formatting issues

🧵 Plotter vs. Pantser

– Plotter: Outlines the story before writing
– Pantser: Flies by the seat of their pants
Spoiler: Most writers are somewhere in between (aka "plantsers").

💸 Royalties

The percentage an author earns per book sold. Rates vary depending on how you publish, your contract terms, and distribution methods.

🧾 ISBN (International Standard Book Number)

A unique identifier for your book. Each format (paperback, ebook, audiobook) needs its own ISBN. Self-publishing platforms like KDP may assign one for free—or you can buy your own.

💼 Agent

A literary agent represents your work to publishers, negotiates contracts, and advocates for your career. They usually work on commission and are well worth it when traditionally publishing.

This list just scratches the surface, but it’ll help you walk into conversations with confidence. 💪

Save it. Bookmark it. Share it with your writer friends.
Because everyone deserves to feel like they belong in the publishing world.