Publishing Key Terms

Learn these definitions before going into the publishing business

By Suzanne J. Cone

Publishing is a trade that stretches back to the first printing press, and it has been traditionally resistant to change. However, the electronic age is catching up with it, and some publishers are adapting and flourishing as they incorporate layout and design tools and custom media into their businesses. However, many of the old concepts remain, so if you're thinking of dipping your toes into the publishing pool, make sure you're familiar with the necessary terminology.

Editors

No matter what type of material you want published, having an editor is essential. In book publishing, the editor shepherds the manuscript from acquisition to publication. Copy editors check grammar, spelling, accuracy and continuity in all types of publications. Acquisitions editors find and select articles for magazines. At smaller companies, an editor may also be responsible for page layout.
Try: The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) offers a summary of the skills and knowledge that editors of all types need, along with the typical duties for editorial jobs.

Layout and design

Most publishers have specialists to design the artwork, color schemes and other visual components of their publications, whether they're books, magazines or Web pages. Often, a separate production team is in charge of laying out each page (usually on a computer, but sometimes on paper) and making sure that all individual parts fit in the way specified by the publisher.
Try: Try the detailed instructions for how to design a book at All Graphic Design.

Rights

Publishers purchase the right to print and distribute (or disseminate electronically) the content they publish. An author's contract generally spells out what specific rights the publisher is buying, such as hardcover or paperback printing in the United States or overseas. These are distinct from the copyright, which a work's creator often retains.
Try: Bookjobs.com contains a glossary that includes this and other common publishing terms.

Binding

For books and magazines, the binding is what holds the publication together. Different page lengths or groupings require different types of bindings. Perfect binding, lay-flat binding and saddle stitch are some common types of bindings.
Try: The Printing Industry Exchange newsletter lists and explains 11 types of bindings for printed publications.

Distribution

Distribution, or getting a published product to the reading public, is simple in concept but can be complicated in execution. Professional distributors who know the retail and wholesale markets handle this for nearly all publishing houses.
Try: Bookazine is one of the largest U.S. book distributors; its website lists specific requirements for new vendors looking for a distributor. MagazinePublisher.com offers both mail shipping and newsstand distribution among its services.

Custom media

Also called custom publishing, custom media refers to nontraditional ways of producing published content, whether in print or in digital form, typically for marketing purposes. Informational brochures and in-flight magazines on passenger planes are common forms of custom media.
Try: The Custom Publishing Council offers resources for businesses that want to publish custom marketing pieces, including tips on how to get started.