In the publishing industry, a reading copy is employed by editors, reviewers, booksellers, and others to assess a work before it is officially published. It can also refer to an advance reader copy (ARC) sent to individuals before the book’s official release date.
A reading copy serves as the manuscript used for proofreading purposes. It differs from an ARC because ARCs are provided to reviewers and booksellers pre-publication. The reading copy usually represents the final version of the manuscript before it undergoes printing and distribution.
When working as a proofreader, requesting a reading copy of the book beforehand is advisable. Doing so guarantees authors access to the most recent iteration of the manuscript for your proofreading tasks.
Bound galleys, unbound printed sheets trimmed to the final book size, are commonly used as reading copies. Alternatively, digital files like PDFs may also be provided.
The purpose of a reading copy is to offer a chance for people to assess a book’s content without committing to purchase. These copies are typically more cost-effective to produce compared to finished books. They are often distributed well in advance of publication.
Reading copies holds significant value within the book publishing process. They enable editors and publishers to evaluate manuscripts before release and make necessary adjustments accordingly. These copies, along with the editing and revision, ensure that the final product meets both quality standards and expectations set by the publishing house.