Self-publishing lingo
When just starting out, new phrases, lingo and jargon can be very confusing. We've tried to capture most of the terms you are likely to hear in the self-publishing world. We will be updating this as we get suggestions from authors about what terms are confusing or disorienting when beginning self-publishing.
Alpha/Beta Readers:
These are readers who review early editions of your book. Yes, you can pay alpha and beta readers, but there are many people who are willing to do this work for free, because they enjoy the process. Alpha readers often read the very first "finished" version of your book. You're done, you've written everything. And you have no idea if it's any good or a heaping pile of garbage. The reality is almost always somewhere in between and alpha readers help you find the things that are working and the things that aren't. Beta readers are usually after you've made a second or third draft. The book is more polished, but you aren't sure about the characters, the dialogue, plot holes, pacing, etc. Beta readers help fine tune your book into something that's ready for editing and finally publishing.
ARCs:
Advanced Reader Copies. ARCs are given out to help build momentum, engagement, and excitement about your book. You give out copies of your book (typically ebooks, but can be physical copies) for free, in exchange for an honest review posted on social media, goodreads, and/or Amazon or bookstore of choice. We recommend ~12 ARC reviewers at a minimum, and Indie Reads is creating The Connector to help you find ARC reviewers (and alpha/beta readers too!)
DNF:
Did Not Finish. A book that, for whatever reason, a reader quit reader before they had finished it. There are many reasons to DNF a book and that doesn't necessarily mean a book is bad, only that it didn't connect with that reader.
KDP:
Kindle Direct Publishing, the self-publishing service offered by Amazon, and the most popular self-publishing service
KU:
Kindle Unlimited, an exclusive service Amazon offers through its Kindle Select program. Readers buy a subscription to the service. Authors get paid by the number of ebook pages read, not by book purchases. This offer is exclusive, which means that you cannot sell or distribute your ebook elsewhere while enrolled in Kindle Select/KU.
Pantser:
Sometimes referred to as a Gardener. This is a style of writing that often feels like the writer is "discovering" the story as they write. There is usually minimal outlining or detailed planning, although the writer may have a plan in their mind or a general framework from which they are drawing from.
Plotter:
Also called a planner. This is a style of writing that tends to be more organized and structured. The writer may outline chapters, character arcs, plot lines and story elements. They strive to have a clear plan for how they want the story to unfold.
Self-publishing/Indie publishing:
Often used interchangeably but they can have slight differences. Self-publishing is the process of writing, editing, publishing, and promoting your book yourself. You are in control and retain the rights to do with you book as you see fit. Indie publishing can encompass a broader range of options, including submitting manuscripts to small indie publishers, getting an agent and a publishing deal with a small business, or simply writing for purposes of organic growth and local community. Both types of authors are welcome at Indie Reads. We do not support authors who have made deals with one of the large publishing houses or their affiliates (i.e. - traditional publishing, see below).
Traditional (Trad) Publishing:
Obtaining an agent and submitting your manuscript to one of the large publishing houses (or affiliates) in the hopes of landing a publishing deal. These publishers are as follows: Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and Hachette Book Group. Traditional publishing deals often include an advance (money paid to you before your book has sold any copies) and the publisher takes on the risk of selling your book. You often lose the rights to your book and the publisher may make changes to the cover, title, or book itself to try to maximize sales and get the return on their investment. We have no issues with people choosing to tradionally publish, only that we will not promote your books on this platform.
TBR:
To Be Read. This refers to a list of books that a reader wants to read, but hasn't had the time to yet. Sometimes these lists can grow very long and are referred to as the "never-ending TBR."
Tropes:
Broad themes, plot devices, and concepts/ideas that are present in books. Which ones are present often follow patterns related to the genre. It is important to note what tropes are often associated with your book's genre, and to identify what tropes are present in your own book. This will help you find, connect with, and grow your audience of readers. One Warning: some tropes become overused, to the point where they become cliches, and this can turn readers off, especially if it is a trope that is considered annoying, outdated, or frustrating for the reader.
Term | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
ARCs | Advanced Reader Copies | ARCs are books given out for free, in exchange for an honest review |
Alpha/Beta Readers | readers who review early editions of your book | Alpha readers read the very first "finished" version of your book and help you find the things that are working and the things that aren't
Beta readers read second or third draft, focusing on characters, plot holes, and pacing |
DNF | Did Not Finish. A book that, for whatever reason, a reader quit reader before they had finished it | There are many reasons to DNF a book and that doesn't necessarily mean a book is bad, only that it didn't connect with that reader |
KDP | Kindle Direct Publishing | Amazon's self-publishing service. Most popular self-publishing platform. |
KU | Kindle Unlimited | Amazon's exclusive "get paid by the page" subscription. If enrolled, cannot sell or distribute ebook elsewhere |
Pantser | This is a style of writing that often feels like the writer is "discovering" the story as they write and usually has minimal outlining or detailed planning | Sometimes referred to as a Gardener style. The writer may have a plan in their mind or a general framework from which they are drawing from |
Plotter | This is a style of writing that tends to be more organized and structured, with outlined chapters, character arcs, plot lines and story elements | Also called a planner. They strive to have a clear plan for how they want the story to unfold |
Self-publishing/Indie Publishing | process of writing, editing, publishing, and promoting your book yourself | Indie publishing can further include partnering/signing with small indie presses |
Traditional (Trad) Publishing | obtaining an agent and submitting your manuscript to one of the large publishing houses (or affiliates) in the hopes of landing a publishing deal | The big publishers are Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and Hachette Book Group |
TBR | To Be Read. This refers to a list of books that a reader wants to read, but hasn't had the time to yet | Sometimes these lists can grow very long and are referred to as the "never-ending TBR." |
Tropes | Broad themes, plot devices, and concepts/ideas that are present in books | Knowing what tropes are in your own book can help you find your audience |