An erratum is a correction of a mistake in a book, newspaper, or other published text. The plural form is errata (/ɛrˈrætə/).
There are three main types of errata:
1. Typos: These are the most common type of errata and usually involve a single letter or character that is incorrect. For example, a typo in a phone number or email address.
2. Corrections: These errata are usually more significant than typos and involve incorrect information that could potentially be misleading. For example, a correction might be issued for an incorrect date or name.
3. Additions: These errata add new information that was not included in the original text. For example, an addition might be a new author’s name added to a book’s credits page.
Errata are usually published in a separate document from the original text, either as a corrigendum (correction notice) or addendum (addition notice). In some cases, errata are published directly in the text, usually in a footnote or endnote.
When an author or publisher becomes aware of an error in a published work, they will typically issue an erratum to correct the mistake. In some cases, errata are issued by third parties, such as when a reader discovers an error and brings it to the attention of the author or publisher.
Errata can be inconvenient for readers, especially when they involve corrections that change the meaning of the text. However, they are important to maintain the accuracy of published works.
Erratum is a Latin word meaning “to change” or “to correct”. In the publishing world, an erratum is a correction to a book that has already been printed and released.
While an erratum may seem like a small thing, it can actually be quite important. First and foremost, an erratum ensures the accuracy of a book. This is vital for non-fiction books in particular, but it also matters for fiction books. After all, readers want to be able to trust that the story they’re reading is the story that the author intended to tell.
Secondly, an erratum can help to avoid legal problems. If there is an error in a book that could potentially be libelous, for example, issuing an erratum can help to mitigate any potential damage.
Finally, an erratum can help to maintain a book’s reputation. If a book is released with errors, it reflects poorly on the author, the publisher, and the book itself. By issuing an erratum, all parties involved can show that they take quality control seriously and that they’re committed to ensuring that their readers have the best possible experience.