Self-publishing glossary
(Please note: this post appeared on my original blog (Woman on the Edge of Reality, which no longer exists) in about 2014).
Half title: A half title is a page that has only the main title of the publication. The subtitle and the author’s name are omitted on this page of the front matter.
Title page(s): A title page has, at a minimum, the full title of the work, including the subtitle (if any), and the name of the author and—if applicable—illustrator. Everything else depends on the type of book, but may include:
- Publisher’s name and address
- Copyright information
- ISBN
- Edition notice
- Date of publication
- Number of printings
- Disclaimers
- Warranties
- Safety notices
Dedication: A dedication is a part of the front matter that is written by the author and includes the names of the person/persons for whom the publication was written.
Epigraph: An epigraph is a quotation included by the author that is relevant but not essential to the text.
Table of Contents: A table of contents is typically in the middle of the front matter. It may be a very simple listing of what is in the book, or it may be very detailed and include descriptions of each chapter or section.
Errata: An erratum is a correction to the document. Errata are commonly added shortly after the first publication. The errata are sometimes found in the back of the book (called the back matter).
Foreword: A foreword is an essay, or short piece of writing, written by someone other than the author. It often explains the relationship between the writer of the foreword and either the author or the story being told.
Preface: A preface is an introduction to the book that is written by the author. It usually covers how the publication came into being, where the idea for the book came from, etc.
Acknowledgements: Another part of front matter is an acknowledgement, which is written by the author and acknowledges those who have helped him/her in the writing of the publication.
Introduction: An introduction lists the goals and the purpose of the book.
Prologue: A prologue is the opening of a story and usually provides the background details and setting of the story; it is typically located immediately prior to the first chapter.
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