Page proof —a duplicate of the actual layout of the pages exactly as they will appear in the compiled book.
Pagination —the numbering or order of pages in a book.
Paper stock —the paper used for printing a book.
Paperback —a book bound with a flexible paper cover. Also called “paperbound.”
Pasteup —the camera-ready original for offset printing. Also, the making of that original.
PC —personal computer.
PDF —Portable Document Format. A self-contained, operating-system-independent file format for distributing digital documents.
PE —a printer’s error on typeset galleys, as opposed to “AA,” author’s alterations.
Pen name —an assumed name used to conceal an author’s identity. Also called a “pseudonym.”
Perfect binding —a flat or squared spine achieved by gluing the sheet ends together. Used for hardcovers, good paperbacks, and some magazines.
Periodical —a magazine, newspaper, or other publication with a fixed interval between issues.
Permission —an authorization from a copyright holder to quote material or reproduce illustrations taken from the copyrighted work. Often requires a fee.
Photo offset —any one of several printing processes that print type from a flat, rather than a raised or incised, surface. Also called “offset lithography,” “photo offset,” or “offset printing.”
Photostat —a copy of an illustration, printed page, etc., which is of suitable quality for printing reproduction.
Phototypesetting —a common form of typesetting in which each character and word is a photographic image. Major advantages: crispness, economy, and speed.
Pica —a printer’s measurement. Approximately 1/6 inch.
Pica type —the larger typewriter type that runs 10 characters to the inch, as contrasted to the smaller elite type, which runs 12 characters to the inch.
Plagiarism —copying another author’s work and passing it off as one’s own.
Plate —the final printing master which contains the image to be reproduced. It may be metal, plastic, or other material.
Platform —The operating system (e.g., Windows 2000, Windows XP) used by a personal computer.
PMA— Publishers Marketing Association. A nonprofit trade organization that specializes in co-op mailings and other marketing programs.
PMS color— Pantone Matching System. Specially mixed colors used in printing.
POD— Print on demand. A technique of printing only as many books as are needed at the moment.
Point —a unit of vertical measurement. In typesetting, one point equals 1/72 inch.
Point-of-purchase (POP) display —book display racks, posters, bookmarks, and other sales materials given to bookstores or other retail outlets to promote a book. Also called a “dump.”
Point size —the height of a letter, expressed in point units (e.g., 8-point type, 32-point type).
Positioning —strategic placement of an ad where it will get maximum exposure. Also, the place within a list where a book falls in relation to other titles. Also, finding a special niche for your product.
Posting —a message entered into a network communications system, such as a newsgroup submission.
PostScript —a language for controlling printers and imagesetters.
PPI —pages per inch. A term used to measure the thickness of paper stock.
Preface —introductory remarks (usually by the author) telling the reason the book was written and giving its aims and scope. Part of a book’s front matter.
Premium —a book that will usually be given away free as part of a promotional campaign for a product or service. Typically bought in large quantities.
Prepack —a point-of-purchase (POP) temporary countertop or floor display unit, often made from cardboard, designed to hold and bring extra attention to merchandise.
Prepublication copies —copies of a book that are circulated or sold prior to the official publication date. Sometimes discounted to stimulate early orders.
Prepublication price —a special lesser price offered on books bought before the official publication date.
Press check —when a customer is at the printing press in order to approve the job as it is printed. Can last a few minutes or several days, depending on the size of the job.
Press kit —a collection of publicity materials used to promote a book or an author to the media. Usually presented in a cardboard presentation folder with pockets. Also called “media kit.”
Press proof— a proof drawn just before the press run begins. Sometimes used to check the cover colors, etc., of the printing job.
Press release —a one- or two-page story used for promotion. Also called a “news release.”
Press run —the number of usable copies produced in a single printing.
Price estimate —an educated guess of how much a job will cost.
Price quote —a firm commitment on how much a job will cost.
Print run —number of ordered copies to be printed.
Printer —another term for a book manufacturer.
Printer’s error (PE) —mistake made by the printer (not the author) on a typeset galley, as opposed to “AA,” author’s alterations.
Production expenses —generally includes typesetting, keylining, printing, and binding.
Promotional material —any printed matter (such as flyers, catalog sheets, letters, reviews, etc.) designed to publicize and sell a book.
Proof —a direct impression of type or a photographic reproduction of what the printed job should look like.
Proportion wheel —a small device used to determine enlargements and reductions for artwork.
Proportional spacing —a method of spacing in most typeset copy in which the width of a letter is determined by the actual amount of space it needs.
Proposal —a detailed plan of a proposed new enterprise that is used to sell that project. Also, a package consisting of an outline, sample chapters, author bio, and other supporting materials used by a writer to persuade a publisher to offer a contract for a book.
Pseudonym —an assumed name used to conceal an author’s identity. A pen name.
Public domain —material that is not protected by copyright.
Publication date —a date, typically set three to four months after books are actually in-house, when a book is officially launched.
Publicist —one who prepares promotional materials and/or schedules media appearances either as an independent contractor or as part of the staff of a publisher, advertising agency, or PR firm.
Purchase order (PO) —a document used to order books. |
