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Do you know your ARC from your Backlist?

The jargon of the publishing industry
14 April 2026 by
Scoz.App

Do you know your ARC from your Backlist?

The publishing industry is full of unique jargon that can seem like a secret code to outsiders. Whether you're an aspiring author, a curious reader, or considering a career in publishing, understanding these terms will help you navigate the world of books with confidence.

Some of the more obscure include:

The Slush pile (The mountain of unsolicited manuscripts sent to publishers/agents by unrepresented writers.)

Comps (Books similar to yours in "vibe" or market that prove your book has an audience.)

Earning Out (When a book sells enough copies that the royalties cover the initial "advance" paid to the author.)


We have compiled these resources within the app and you can access this directly from within Scoz.App, the planning app for authors.

The Publishing Journey: From First Draft to Published Author