Book terminology
- What is a frontlist?
- What is a backlist?
- What is the difference between a hardcover and paperback book?
- What is deckle edge?
- What is an advance copy?
- What is ISBN?
A frontlist refers to a list of books that has just been published, in general less then one year ago. The term originates from the practice of publishers issuing catalogs featuring their books. The catalogs, which are typically issued twice a year, usually feature a photo of the cover art for the book together with press material describing the book and its author.
A backlist is a list of older books available from a publisher, as opposed to newly published titles (the frontlist). Building a strong backlist has traditionally been seen as the way to produce a profitable publishing house, as the most expensive aspects of the publishing process have already been paid for and the only remaining expenses are reproduction costs.
What is the difference between a hardcover and paperback book?
A hardcover (also known as a hardback) is a book bound with a thick protective cover. There’s usually also a paper or leather dust jacket over the main cover. The aim of a hardcover is protection and durability. These books are mainly for long-term use and collectors’ editions. Hardcover books last far longer than the corresponding paperbacks. They do not get damaged easily thus making them perfect for reference guides, great literary works, etc.
In addition, there is a difference in the type of paper used to print hardcover books. The paper used is long-lasting and acid-free, which makes it highly durable. The papers are stitched and glued to the spine.
Hardbacks are prepared for commercial works, best sellers, reference books, etc., which should be long lasting. If the market value of the book in question is high, publishers print out hardbacks first before paperbacks, since it is more profitable.
Paperback books are prepared for non-commercial works and those which don’t get much exposure. The cover here is made of thinner paper or cardboard, with glue to stick to the leaves.
Since its cost of production is low, paperbacks are produced in mass, called mass market paperbacks. These are released after the hardcover edition is published. Usually the paperbacks are sold in mass and are meant for short term reads—that is, meant for people boarding airplanes, trains, etc.
Another type of paperback edition, known as trade paperback is created with more durable paper than mass market paperbacks.
The best selling writers always have their hard cover editions released first. It is an indication that their fans will collect the book. Most new writers will start off with a paperback.
The term deckle edge refers to the raw, feathery edge of handmade or machine made paper. The name comes from the equipment used to make the paper, a mould and deckle. Handmade paper normally has four deckle edges and the edges are often quite dramatic while machine-made paper has only two more subtle deckle edges. Early printers looked upon the deckle edge as a defect and trimmed most of it off before binding. Starting form the end of the 19th century, many crafters started to keep the deckle edge look as an artistic embellishment. In recent times, the deckle edge is typically cut off when manufactured paper is sold. If the paper has already been machine cut, an artist or crafter may create the deckle edge look by giving the paper one of several treatments.
An advance copy refers to a book that is released by its publisher before the book is printed for mass distribution. As a marketing tool, publishers provide these free copies of new titles to booksellers, journalists and even celebrities. Such books are variously referred to as readers editions, an advance copy, an advance reading copy, ARC or ARE.
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique numeric commercial book identifier based upon the 9-digit Standard Book Numbering (SBN) code created by Gordon Foster. The 10-digit ISBN format was developed by the International Organization for Standardization and was published in 1970. Since 1 January 2007, the ISBN format contains 13 digits, which makes it compatible with Bookland EAN-13. A similar numeric identifier, the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), identifies periodical publications such as magazines.
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