We’re getting you started with 33 of the most common terms you’ll need to know as you move through the different stages of publishing.
Understanding publishing terminology is essential no matter what your publishing path is. Here’s why:
-
When you know terms like book royalties (money you earn per book sold), book advances (money paid upfront), and book rights (who can publish your work), you can communicate clearly with agents, publishers, and others in the biz. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures everyone's on the same page.
-
Knowing these terms helps you make informed decisions about your publishing journey. Whether it's choosing your publishing path or finding the right agent or book deal, you'll understand the terminology and avoid making a decision you might regret later. The more you know, amiright?
-
Publishing can be confusing, but understanding the lingo helps you navigate it like a pro. You can understand contracts better, negotiate fair deals, and know what to expect in terms of timelines and promoting your book.
A Writer’s Guide to Publishing Lingo is curated based on what you need the most!
We picked these 33 terms because they're the ones you'll hear most often as you go through the publishing process. We wanted to create a list that gets you started and helps you feel confident navigating the industry.
Our goal is to give authors the knowledge they need to take charge of their creativity. We focused on these terms because we think they're crucial for understanding how publishing works and making informed decisions about your book.
So, whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this list is here to help you dive into the publishing world with confidence and clarity.
Let Our Galaxy help you understand how to publish a book.
We’re committed to supporting aspiring authors like you to get the knowledge and resources you need to make informed decisions about writing and publishing your book and building your author platform. Get connected to find out how we can help you become a published author and achieve your goals as a writer.
More Ways Our Galaxy Can Support You
Publishing Services
From developmental editing to query letter critiques and beyond, we’ve got all the services you need to write, publish, and organically market your book.
Author Workshops
Whether you’re seeking a literary agent to traditionally publish or going all-in on self-publishing a book, our workshops are designed for every stage of the journey.
Free Resources
We’ve created free workbooks, guides, and templates to guide you through key topics related to the writing and publishing process.