Glossary

  • Advance Reader Copy (ARC): A pre-publication version of a book provided to reviewers, bloggers, or influencers to generate early buzz and reviews.
  • Advanced Review Copy (ARC): See Advance Reader Copy.
  • Aggregator: A service that distributes your eBook to multiple retailers and platforms, such as Draft2Digital or Smashwords.
  • Amazon Author Central: A free platform where authors can create a profile, manage their book listings, and track sales data on Amazon.
  • Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing): Amazon’s self-publishing platform for eBooks and paperbacks, allowing authors to publish and sell directly to readers.
  • Author Assets: Tools and resources used to establish an author’s brand, such as websites, social media profiles, and lead magnets.
  • Author Central: See Amazon Author Central.

B

  • Back Matter: The section at the end of a book that includes elements like the appendix, glossary, bibliography, or author bio.
  • Backlist Titles: Books published in the past that no longer receive the same attention as new releases but still generate sales.
  • Beta Reader: An individual who reads a manuscript before publication to provide feedback on content, structure, and readability.
  • Blurb: A brief promotional description of a book, typically found on the back cover or online product page, designed to entice readers.
  • BookBub: A popular platform that offers book promotion services, including featured deals and advertisements to a large subscriber base.
  • Business Expenses: Costs incurred during the production and promotion of a book, which can be deducted for tax purposes.

C

  • Categories (Amazon): Classifications on Amazon that help readers discover books; choosing the right category improves visibility and ranking.
  • Collaboration Campaigns: Joint promotional efforts between authors to boost visibility and sales.
  • Conversion Rate: The percentage of people who purchase a book after viewing its listing or advertisement.
  • Copyediting: The process of reviewing a manuscript for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and consistency errors.
  • Cover Design: The creation of a book’s front and back covers, including imagery, typography, and layout, to attract potential readers.

D

  • Dictation: A writing method using voice-to-text tools to increase productivity.
  • Distribution Channels: Platforms where books are published and sold, such as Amazon, Kobo, or Apple Books.
  • Draft2Digital: An eBook distribution service that helps authors publish their work across multiple retailers and platforms.

E

  • eBook: A digital version of a book that can be read on electronic devices like e-readers, tablets, or smartphones.
  • Engagement Rate: The level of interaction from a mailing list or social media audience, indicating their interest and responsiveness.

F

  • Formatting: The process of arranging a manuscript’s text and layout to meet the specifications of various publishing platforms and provide a pleasant reading experience.
  • Front Matter: The section at the beginning of a book that includes elements like the title page, copyright page, dedication, and table of contents.

I

  • ISBN (International Standard Book Number): A unique identifier assigned to each edition and format of a book, used internationally for cataloging and sales purposes.

K

  • KDP Select: An optional program within Amazon KDP that offers exclusive promotional opportunities in exchange for exclusivity.
  • Keywords: Specific words or phrases that describe your book’s content, used to improve searchability on retailer platforms.

M

  • Mailing List: A collection of email addresses used to communicate directly with readers and promote books.
  • Manuscript: The author’s original text of a book before it undergoes editing and formatting for publication.
  • Market Research: Analysis conducted to identify audience preferences, profitable categories, and market trends.
  • Metadata: Information about a book, including title, author, genre, keywords, and description, that helps retailers categorize and promote it.

P

  • Pen Name: A pseudonym used by an author to publish books under a different identity.
  • POD (Print on Demand): A printing technology that allows books to be printed individually as orders are placed, reducing the need for large inventory.
  • Pre-Order: An option for readers to buy a book before its official release date.
  • Proofreading: The final review of a manuscript to catch any remaining errors in spelling, punctuation, or formatting before publication.

Q

  • Query Letter: A letter sent to literary agents or publishers to propose a book project, typically including a synopsis and author bio.

R

  • Rapid Release: Publishing multiple books in a short time frame to maintain visibility and audience engagement.
  • Reader Expectations: Common themes, tropes, and styles that readers anticipate in a specific genre or category.
  • Royalties: The percentage of sales revenue that an author earns from each book sold.

S

  • Sales Funnel: A marketing strategy that guides potential customers from awareness to purchase, often using free or discounted offers.
  • Self-Publishing: The act of publishing one’s work independently, without the involvement of a traditional publishing house.
  • Street Team: A group of fans or supporters who help promote an author’s work, often receiving exclusive content or perks in return.

T

  • Trim Size: The final dimensions of a printed book, such as 6″ x 9″ for a standard paperback.
  • Tropes: Recurring themes or elements commonly found in specific genres that appeal to readers.

V

  • Vanity Press: A publishing company that charges authors to publish their work, often without providing editorial or marketing support.