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. 

Print-on-demand (POD)
The facility to print and bind books at short notice without the need for a large print run, using digital technology. When an order comes through, a digital file of the book can be printed automatically and individually.
Printing
The act of text being transferred onto the page in full colour or black and white, normally using digital technology.
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.
Pronoun
Word that takes the place of a noun.   A more extensive list of grammatical terms is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)  © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
 
Proof
A bound set of uncorrected reading proofs used by the sales team of a publishing house and as early review copies.