For those of you wondering about all the acronyms and lingo used in the publishing world, here are more than 60 popular publishing terms and definitions. I trust you already know your hardcovers from your paperbacks, so be prepared to learn some real publishing jargon. Have a word you want defined? Ask away in the comments section!
A
Acquisition: When a book is selected for publication by an editor.
Advance: The money paid to an author before the book goes on sale. It is called an advance because it is an advance against royalties…authors have to earn out the value of their advance before they can start earning royalties.
Agent: A representative of an author who wears many hats: editor, life coach, contract manager, deal broker, and more.
ALA: American Library Association
ARC: Advance Reader Copy, or an early proof of the book for readers and reviewers.
Editor Says 