The PublishU Book World Glossary (Essential Writing, Publishing, Marketing and AI SEO Terms Explained)

Welcome to the PublishU Book World Glossary.

Like every profession, community and industry, the world of writing, publishing and marketing books has its own language. Whether you are an aspiring author, first-time author or experienced serial author, you will encounter words and phrases that may be unfamiliar or used in ways that are unique to the book world.

This glossary has been created to help authors better understand the terminology used throughout the PublishU Author Journey, including Writing My Book™, Publishing My Book™ and Marketing My Book™.

From book outlines, chapter templates and ghostwriters through to ISBNs, metadata, AI SEO and thought leadership, this glossary provides clear, practical definitions designed to help you navigate the journey from book idea to published author with greater confidence.

As the publishing industry continues to evolve through Artificial Intelligence, digital publishing, audiobook production and online discoverability, we will continue to expand and update this resource to support authors worldwide.

Whether you are writing your first book, publishing a book series, building your author platform or growing your online presence, the PublishU Book World Glossary is designed to help you understand the language of modern authorship.

From idea to impact.

‍

✍🏼 WRITING MY BOOK

‍

AI Editor

An Artificial Intelligence powered tool that helps improve grammar, clarity, structure and readability while leaving final editorial decisions to the author.

AI Tools

Artificial Intelligence tools that can help authors brainstorm ideas, organise content and improve productivity throughout the writing process.

Book Outline

A high-level plan showing the structure, chapter summaries, flow and key content of your book before writing begins.

Business-Building Book™

A Matt Bird phrase and framework for writing a book with the intent of using it as a strategic asset to build a business.

Chapter Template

A repeatable structure used to organise the content of each chapter consistently and clearly. Making it easier for the author to write and the reader to read.

Chapter Clusters

A group of related chapters that work together to explore a larger theme or topic.

Do The Maths

A reminder that writing a book becomes manageable when broken into chapters a D chapters into word count targets.

Don’t Edit

A writing principle to focus on creating all the content first and when that is completed to edit and refine.

Eat The Elephant

The idea that large projects are completed one bite, small step, page or chapter at a time.

Emotional Hooks

Stories, questions or observations that capture a reader’s attention and create engagement.

Endorsements

Short recommendations from respected individuals, better known than the author, used to strengthen a book’s credibility.

Foreword

An introduction written by someone other than the author to endorse the book and its message.

Framework

A practical model, methodology or structure that helps readers understand and apply key ideas and processes.

Ghostwriter

A professional writer who creates a book on behalf of an author, often without receiving authorship credit. Sadly they often miss the authors voice. An approach not advocated or used by PublishU.

Lived Experience

Knowledge, insight and wisdom gained through personal experience rather than formal study alone.

Footnotes

References or additional information placed at the bottom of a page.

Chapter Notes

References or explanations placed at the end of an individual chapter.

End Notes

References collected together at the end of a book.

Notifications Off

A productivity principle encouraging authors to eliminate distractions from their computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone while writing.

Referencing

The process of acknowledging sources, research and quotations used within a book.

Serial Author

An author who writes and publishes multiple books rather than a single title.

Soggy Middles

The section of a manuscript where many authors lose momentum, struggle with structure or to maintain powerful content.

Sub Headings

Smaller headings used to break chapters into manageable and readable sections.

Takeaway

A key lesson, insight or action readers should remember after reading a book, a chapter or part of a chapter.

Trust The Process

A reminder to surrender to the current stage process of writing without knowledge of what happens next.

📚 PUBLISHING MY BOOK

‍

Audiobook Virtual Voice

An audiobook narrated using advanced AI-generated speech rather than a human narrator.

Audiobook Human Voice

An audiobook narrated and recorded by a real person, whether the author or voice over artist.

Audiobook Cloned Voice

An audiobook narrated using an AI version of a specific person’s voice with permission. NB Baned on many audiobook platforms, including Audible.

Author Bio

A short summary introducing the author, personally and professionally.

Autofiction

A genre that blends real-life experiences with fictional storytelling.

Back Cover Paragraph

The description on the back of a book designed to attract potential readers.

Book Format

The version in which a book is published, such as paperback, ebook, audiobook or hardback.

Book Series

A collection of related books connected by a theme, topic, framework or storyline.

Cover Designer

A specialist who creates the visual design and the technical requirements of a book cover.

Cover Price

The price of a book displayed and charged by the retailer.

Ebook

A digital version of a book that can be read on electronic devices.

Copy Edit

An edit focused on grammar, spelling, punctuation and consistency.

Developmental Edit

An edit focused on improving structure, flow, content and reader experience.

Fiction

Writing based primarily on imagination rather than factual events.

Full Form Book

A traditional-length book, typically longer than a pocketbook.

Global Publishing Date

The date an authors book goes live for sale.

Hardback

A book published with a rigid protective cover.

Imprint

A publishing brand or label operating under a larger publishing company.

Intellectual Property

The legal ownership of original creative work and ideas.

ISBN

The unique global identification number assigned to a published book.

Manuscript Submission Date

The date an author submits their book manuscript and other information to their publisher.

Memoir

A non-fiction book based on the author’s personal experiences and memories.

Non-Fiction

Writing based on facts, expertise, experience or real events.

Page, Contents

A page listing the chapter clusters and chapters within a book.

Page, Copyright

A page containing legal information about ownership and publication rights.

Page, Title

The page displaying the book title, subtitle and author name. Usually used when signing a book.

Print-On-Demand

A publishing method where books are printed only when ordered.

Paperback

A book published with a flexible soft cover.

Pocketbook

A short and focused book designed to fit in your pocket and be read and enjoyed swiftly.

Proofread

The final review of a manuscript before publication to identify remaining errors.

Publishing, Traditional

A publishing model where a publisher funds and controls the publishing process.

Publishing, Self

A publishing model where the author manages and funds publication independently.

Publishing, Hybrid

A publishing model combining professional publisher support with author investment.

Royalties

The income an author receives from book sales.

Typesetter

A publishing professional who formats a manuscript into a professionally designed book.

📈 MARKETING MY BOOK

‍

AI SEO

The process of improving your digital presence so AI systems can discover, understand and recommend you.

Amazon Author Central

Amazon’s author profile platform where authors can showcase their books and biography.

Amazon Best Seller

A book that reaches the number one position or top ten position within a specific Amazon category.

Authority Building

The process of increasing trust, credibility and recognition within a chosen field or area of expertise.

Author Copies

Copies of a book purchased directly by the author at a wholesale discounted rate.

Author Marketing Style™

A Matt Bird phrase and framework for understanding the unique way an author naturally builds trust, visibility and audience engagement.

Beyond Friends & Family™

A Matt Bird phrase and framework for marketing and selling your book beyond your immediate circle of connections and contacts.

Book Website

A dedicated website designed to promote an author and their book online.

Call To Action

A specific invitation encouraging readers to take a next step.

Digital Footprint

The collection of content, profiles, websites, interviews and online activity associated with an individual or organisation.

Discoverability

The ease with which readers, clients, listeners, search engines and AI systems can find and learn about an author and their work online.

Email Marketing

The use of email to build relationships and communicate with readers.

Keywords

Words and phrases used to help books and authors become more discoverable online.

Landing Page

A focused webpage designed to encourage a specific action such as a purchase or registration.

Marketing Funnel

The journey people take from discovering an author to becoming a reader, client or advocate.

Metadata

The information describing a book, including title, subtitle, categories, keywords and description.

Online Presence

The collection of websites, profiles, content and mentions that represent you online.

Podcast

A digital audio programme used to share ideas, interviews and expertise with an audience.

Retail Price

The price paid by readers when purchasing a book.

Wholesale Price

The discounted price offered to retailers, distributors or bulk buyers.

SEO

Search Engine Optimisation, the process of improving visibility within search engines.

Thought Leadership

Building authority by consistently sharing valuable ideas, expertise and insights.

‍

‍

Matt Bird is the founder of PublishU, helping first-time and serial non-fiction authors write, publish and market books worldwide.

‍

Connect with Matt on Instagram 👉🏼 click here or LinkedIn 👉🏼 click here

‍