Saddle stitching —binding a booklet or magazine by driving staples through the fold at the very center. Not practical for publications of more than 72 pages.
Sales rep —an individual who represents a publisher’s books to retailers, wholesalers, etc., in exchange for a commission. Also called a “traveler.”
Sample pages —typeset examples of a book’s intended design.
SAN —Standard Account Number. Sometimes used in order fulfillment. A code for identification of book dealers, libraries, schools, and school systems.
Sans serif —refers to typefaces that do not have serifs. See also Serif.
SASE —a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Scale —the percentage of enlargement or reduction based on same size reproduction at 100 percent. For a 4" x 6" piece: if scaled 150 percent, have 6" x 9"; if scaled 50 percent, have 2" x 3".
Scaling —using a proportion wheel to determine enlargement or reduction proportions.
Scanner —a piece of equipment that reads and converts pages into a computerized format.
Scoring —creasing or incising paper or card stock in a crisp line in order to facilitate folding or tearing out.
Screen —a masking device used to create various tints of the same color; 10 percent being very pale, 100 percent being the darkest tint possible.
Search and replace —a word processing function that automatically finds and replaces words or text throughout a document.
Search engine —the most popular way to find resources on the Internet. Numerous search engines, each with unique style and capabilities.
Second serial rights —the rights for a magazine excerpt that will appear after the publication date. First serial rights allow serialization of a forthcoming work prior to the publication date, often to only one magazine or one newspaper. An author may sell or retain rights to reproduce or publish a work in any form, in whole or in part.
Self-cover —a cover consisting of the same paper stock as that used for the inside pages.
Serif —the “tails” on typographic characters that make them easier to read. See also Sans serif.
Sheetfed press —a press that requires paper cut into separate sheets, rather than a continuous roll as with a “web press.”
Short rate discount —any discount less than the usual 40 percent, for example, the 20 percent short rate common for schools.
Short rated —when advertising contract obligations are not met and the advertiser is rebilled at the higher actual usage rates.
Short run —small printing jobs of a few hundred (for neighborhood printing) or a few thousand (for book manufacturers) books or booklets.
Shrink-wrap —a clear plastic covering used in shipping from the manufacturer to avoid books’ being marred.
Signature —the multiples of pages (8, 16, or 32, depending on the press used) in which books are normally printed. Or a block of information used at the end of every message or online document sent by that user.
Silk-screening —a printing method whereby ink is forced through a stencil, thus creating a design. A more expensive process used for imprinting heavy stock paper.
Simultaneous editions —the printing of hardcoverand paperback editions of a book at the same time. See also Split runs.
Single-copy order —when only one copy of a book is ordered. Many publishers do not give any discounts on single-copy orders.
Sinkage —the extra white space above a display such as at a chapter opening.
Slipcase —a protective boxlike container, open at one end, for books.
Slug —spacing between lines of type wider than the usual two or three points of leading.
Small caps —(sc) proofreader’s direction to set material in uppercase letters the same size as the lowercase letters being used.
Smythe sewn —a form of binding used for many hardcover books. Sturdy but costly form of binding in which the signatures are first sewn together then glued into the cover.
Software —individual computer programs, such as word processing or spreadsheets, that make a computer system perform specific functions.
Spamming —an inappropriate attempt to use a mailing list. To send a message to a large number of people who didn’t ask for it.
SPAN— Small Publishers Association of North America. A nonprofit trade association for authors, self-publishers, and independent presses.
Special order —on the retail level, an order by a consumer for a book not in stock. On the wholesale level, an order received from a bookseller that requires special handling, such as a rush order.
Specs —an abbreviation of “specifications.” The physical details of a publishing project, such as type choice and size, binding, trim size, number of pages.
Spell out —(sp) a proofreader’s mark meaning to spell out, rather than abbreviate or use initials.
Spider —an automated program that indexes and retrieves Web pages and their links.
Spine —that part of a book that connects the front to the back.
Spine out —books placed on shelves so that only the spine shows.
Spiral binding —a continuous wire binding, usually used only on paperbacks.
Split runs —different ads run in regional editions of the same magazine issue; an ideal tool for mail-order testing. Also, an edition of a book printed simultaneously in paperback and hardbound. See also Simultaneous editions.
Sponsored book —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. Also called “premium.”
Spreadsheet —a programmable balance sheet commonly used for accounting functions, planning, and forecasts.
SRDS —Standard Rate and Data Services, Inc. A group of reference books designed especially for ad agencies but useful in other marketing efforts, as well.
Stamping —imprinting lettering or a design on a book cover.
Standard trim size —any of a variety of page measurements standard to a particular kind of book: 5½" x 8½", 6" x 9", and 8½" x 11". “Trim size” is the finished size of a book after the signatures have been trimmed and folded.
Statement —a chronological listing of all charges and credits to date for a specific account.
Stet —from the Latin term “to stand.” A mark meaning that a proofreader’s symbol should be disregarded, and the text left as is.
STOP —Single Title Order Plan. Used by bookstores to order just one book.
Strip in —to combine a photographic negative with one or more others in preparation for making a printing plate.
Stripping —the process of preparing a negative or series of negatives for plate making.
Style sheet —a guide to editorial specifications, or selected typographical details, for a particular book.
Stylebook —also called a handbook of style. A book such as The Chicago Manual of Style. Intended to insure consistency within and correct handling of written works.
Subsidiary rights —additional rights, such as book club, serial rights, or paperback rights, that can be sold in addition to the book itself.
Subsidy publisher —a company that charges writers to publish their work. Often retains ownership of the books and does little promotion. Also called a “vanity press” or “cooperative publisher.”
Substantive editing —changes to a manuscript to adjust flow and organization and to refine word choices and phrasing.
Subtitle —a second or additional title further explaining a non-fiction book’s content and scope.
Syndication —the simultaneous release of written or broadcast material to many outlets. |
