Some of these common publishing terms may not seem so common if you’re a new author. Because the same terms are often used in different ways, it can also be confusing. Some terms are even used interchangeably. Because of this, I wanted to create this little glossary, so you’ll be clear on what they mean in the industry, and through context, so you can feel confident during the publishing process.
First, Let’s Clarify These Common Publishing Terms: Self-Publishing VS Indie Publishing VS Author-Publisher
Let’s start with the big ones. Often, these terms are used interchangeably, and I’ve used both indie author or self-published author to refer to what the industry recognizes as the author-publisher. You don’t often see this particular common self-publishing term used as jargon when referring to self-published authors, but the industry made the distinction itself to separate single authors from independent publishers and small presses. Ultimately, it can come down to context.
1) Author-publisher: This is the industry term for what most simply call a self-published author. It means any author who publishes their own book under their own imprint. It’s used to clarify and differentiate from the terms below.
2) Self-publishing: This is kind of a catch-all term used for the industry as a whole to define the act of publishing without an outside publisher.
3) Independent (or Indie): This can refer to anything from a small press to a single author publishing their own work. Therefore, author-publisher is used as a clearer term to separate authors from independent publishers. You can call someone an indie author, but you wouldn’t refer to a small, independent press as a self-publisher. Does that make sense? I hope so!
Blurb: A Term Used for Two Very Different Things
This is a common publishing term that is often used in two different ways, which can cause confusion. I’ve noticed it used a lot as a reference to the marketing copy that describes your book. This distinction becomes important when we need back cover copy (marketing copy) vs. needing endorsements for your book. I’ll go on to explain these two very different terms in the next sections.
Depending on context, a blurb may refer to:
- An endorsement quote (see below)
- The marketing copy that describes the book
When clarity matters, I’m always specific about which one I mean. But when I use the term blurb, I use the industry standard, and I’m referring to an endorsement. So, if a book description is not a blurb, what is a blurb referring to?
Endorsement (or Endorsement Blurb)
An endorsement blurb or simply, blurb, generally refers to a short quote, usually from an author, expert, or respected voice praising or recommending your book. These endorsements (or blurbs) are usually 1-3 sentences and they’re meant to provide social proof for your book. Using the term endorsement makes it much clearer, if you’re not sure about the correct usage of these two common industry terms.
Their role of an endorsement is to signal credibility, trust, and positioning. They are not meant to summarize the book.
Endorsements are used:
- On the cover or inside the book
- On retail pages (Amazon, Bookshop, etc.)
- In publicity and media materials
Marketing Copy: A Common Publishing Term that Can Mean a Book Description (and more)
Now, we use the common publishing term marketing copy as a catch-all to describe both your back cover copy and/or all copy used in marketing your book. But some terms for marketing copy, when used specifically, can refer to how and where it will be used. You can see why it would be confusing if someone referred to this as a blurb when they mean a book description.
Back Cover Copy or Book Description: This is the longer summary text (often around 100–150 words) that describes your book’s premise, tone, and promise to the reader.
This copy appears:
- On the back cover of a print book
- On online retail pages
- In catalogs and sales materials
The purpose of a book description (or back cover copy) is to entice a reader to buy or read the book. It is not an actual summary of the book’s content, and it’s not where you mention praise or comparisons. It’s separate from endorsements, even if you include those on the back cover or other places your book description will appear.
Does this clear up any confusion you may have on these common publishing terms? If not, it’s always best to look at the context in which a term is used or ask questions to clarify, if necessary.
You can read more about marketing copy here.
What is an ARC and What is its Purpose?
An ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) is an early version of your book, shared before publication. You’ve probably heard this common publishing term before and wondered, what is an ARC? What do you use them for? Do I need them? Well, now you’ll know, and you’ll see why they matter.
ARCs are typically sent as:
- PDFs (most common)
- EPUB or MOBI files
- Occasionally printed copies for select recipients
ARCs are used to gather:
- Endorsements
- Early reviews
- Media interest
- Early word-of-mouth
These ARCs can be an essential part of your book marketing strategy because the more buzz you can build around your book before it’s released, the better. They are also key to getting reviews before your pub date.
You can read more about getting reviews here. Here is my blog, with more details on ARCs.
Some Common Publishing Terms Concerning Endorsements (AKA, Blurbs)
Now you understand that a blurb is a common publishing term often used to describe an endorsement, and sometimes used to refer to your book description. You also know that if someone is using the term endorsement specifically, they mean exactly that. Below you’ll find explanations of the terms used concerning endorsements, and a brief explainer on how you get these elusive boosts to your book’s credibility.
Endorsement Outreach and What this Means
Endorsement outreach refers to the intentional process of identifying, contacting, and sharing ARCs with people who may be a good fit to endorse your book.
The endorsement outreach process focuses on:
- Alignment, not favors
- Relationship-building, not pressure
- Quality over quantity
This means that, ideally you’ll be searching for endorsements from authors of books in your genre, or who share your audience, influencers or thought leaders in your field, or experts on your topic, etc. It also means you’ll want to focus on using your connections, and that one really great endorsement is worth more than many that may not be a fit. Just as a side note, you can edit these endorsements by choosing only the best snippets where appropriate.
Where Do You Get Endorsements? Can I Ask Just Anyone?
There are several sources you can tap into for getting endorsements. Who will come through depends on many factors, such as the size of your network or your ability to reach your ideal endorsers.
Level 1: Personal & Professional Connections:
These are the people who already know you or your work and can speak authentically to your integrity, voice, or thinking.
Level 2: Peer Experts & Established Authors:
These are the people whose work overlaps with yours and who bring subject-matter expertise or industry credibility.
Level 3: Influencers & Thought Leaders:
These are the highly visible voices whose endorsement would meaningfully expand your reach or signal broader relevance.
Approach these endorsement requests thoughtfully and without expectation. Reach for the stars and hope for the best, but don’t let rejection discourage you. Even well-known authors aren’t guaranteed endorsements!
What’s an Endorsement Deadline, and What’s a Typical Timeline?
When you hear this common publishing term used, its definition may be obvious. It’s the date by which an endorsement quote needs to be submitted if someone agrees to provide one.
But you need to know what a typical endorsement deadline is, so you can plan accordingly. These deadlines typically fall within the 4-8 week window, though timelines may vary depending on the publisher and production schedule. And you’ll want to give yourself as much time as possible. For instance, if you know that you have an 8 week window, it’s better not to wait until week 6 to start asking. This is a collaborative process, and they’ll need to read your book in the meantime.
You can read my blog on getting endorsements here.
A Final Note for Authors on These Common Publishing Terms
Publishing language can feel opaque, especially when the same word is used in different ways. When something is unclear, asking for clarification is always appropriate. Remember too, context can also help determine what exactly is being referred to, no matter the terms used.
I’m hoping this little explainer on the common publishing terms you’ll hear has helped demystify the process a bit and made you feel more confident as you approach it!
