When you stick your toe into the publishing world, you are immersed in a whole new set of jargon. Admittedly, I had to look some of terms and abbreviations up, but others I knew from being an avid reader.
I recently had this conversation via text with one of my beta readers:
After that little exchange, I thought I would post a few. Enjoy!
Common Terms & Abbreviations in the Publishing World
ARC = Advanced Reader Copy
ASIN = Amazon Standard Identification Number (So, an ISBN exclusively for Amazon)
Epigraph = A quote at the beginning of a book or chapter that usually sets the tone.
Epilogue = A postscript that takes place after a novel or play that gives closure about the fates of the characters.
HEA = Happily Ever After
MG = Middle Grade
MS = Manuscript
POV = Point of View
Prologue= An introductory scene that precedes (comes before) the first scene of a novel or play.
Proof = A physical copy of a book that is still being tweaked
RRP = The recommended retail price
TOC = Table of Contents
WIP = Work in Progress
YA = Young Adult
Did you know that most publishers in the U.S. use Chicago Style? Many writers use MLA or APA because that is what they used in university, but those styles are designed for the academic world.
Did I miss any common abbreviations? Please comment 🙂
Update: This website has a searchable database of acronyms.
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4 responses to “Writing: Abbreviations & Terms”
Great post!! This is an excellent resource. 😉
[…] might be helpful. I have a list of common publishing terms and abbreviations here. If MS, WIP, and RRP seem foreign, check it out and sound like a pro. […]
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