Reading-Order & Book Series Glossary

This Book Series Glossary was created to help readers make sense of the terms that often appear in reading order guides, book reviews, and publishing discussions. Whether you’re puzzled by “ARC,” unsure what counts as a “standalone,” or curious about “Whispersync,” this glossary offers clear, concise definitions in plain language. It’s a reference built by and for book lovers—especially series readers who want to navigate formats, genres, and fandom shorthand with confidence.

Quick Navigation for Book Series Glossary

Genre & Format Terms

Term	Definition
Adult Fantasy	Genre aimed at 18+ readers; deeper themes & darker content than YA.
Audiobook	Narrated version of a book, delivered via download, CD, or streaming.
Box Set	Collection of multiple books—digital or physical—often bundled at a discount.
Doorstopper	Informal term for a very long novel (500+ pages); hefty but satisfying.
Epic Fantasy	High-stakes quest narratives with sprawling worlds and ensemble casts.
Hard Sci-Fi	Science fiction grounded in plausible science and technology.
Illustrated Edition	Adds artwork or maps; core text is unchanged.
Light Novel	Short, often serialized Japanese novels with illustrations.
LitRPG	Fiction with role-playing game mechanics (stats, levels, quests).
Middle Grade (MG)	Targeted at ages 8–12; lighter themes and faster pacing.
Novella	A short novel, typically 70–170 pages or 17k–40k words.
Omnibus	A single volume containing two or more full-length novels.
Serialized Fiction	Released in installments—via email, app, or weekly posts.
Standalone	Can be read independently without prior books in a series.
YA (Young Adult)	Targeted at ages 12–18; teen protagonists and faster pace.

Publishing & Retail Terms

Term	Definition
Advance	Upfront payment from publisher to author, recouped via royalties.
ARC (Advance Reader Copy)	Pre-pub version for reviewers; may include typos or draft content.
Backlist	Older titles from an author or publisher, published before the current year.
BookTok	TikTok’s book-loving subcommunity known for driving viral trends.
DRM (Digital Rights Management)	Software that restricts ebook/audiobook sharing or copying.
First Printing	The initial print run—collectible if marked as such.
Imprint	A publishing sub-brand under a larger house (e.g., Tor, Orbit).
Indie Author	An author who self-publishes, often via Amazon or IngramSpark.
ISBN-10 / ISBN-13	Unique book IDs for accurate sourcing; format differs by region.
KU (Kindle Unlimited)	Amazon’s subscription service—access to 2+ million rotating titles.
List Price (MSRP)	The full price before discounts or sales.
Mass-Market Paperback	Smaller, cheaper print format found in grocery stores & airports.
Print-on-Demand (POD)	Copies are printed only after purchase, common for niche titles.
Reprint	Later edition of the same book; may include new cover or fixes.
Whispersync	Syncs Kindle reading location with matching Audible audiobook.

Fan & Collector Slang

Term	Definition
Binge-Read	Reading an entire series back-to-back—often with snacks and no sleep.
Book Hangover	The emotional crash after finishing a great book or series.
Bookplate	Signed sticker from an author—ideal when tours aren’t possible.
Cover-Buy	Buying a book for its artwork—no judgment here.
Edge-Wear	Minor damage to paperback corners or spines; affects resale.
FairyLoot	Book subscription box known for exclusive, collector-friendly editions.
Flap Copy	The jacket summary—avoid if you’re spoiler-sensitive.
HC (Hardcover)	Rigid-format binding, often the first print edition released.
In My Feels	Slang for emotionally wrecked by what you just read.
Sprayed Edges	Colored or patterned page edges—highly collectible.
Shelf Candy	Gorgeous books bought to display, not just read.
Slipcase	A decorative protective sleeve for special editions.
Spoiler Zone	Online forums where plot twists are fair game—enter carefully.
TBR (To-Be-Read)	Your ever-growing list (or stack) of books to read.
Unhaul	The act of decluttering your shelves—donate or resell.

Reading-Order Lingo

Term	Definition
0.5 / 1.5 Numbering	Used for stories placed between main books (e.g., prequels or interludes).
Canon	The official version of events in a fictional world.
Chronological Order	Sequence matching in-universe events, not publication dates.
Crossover Novel	Title where characters from multiple series meet; placement matters.
Dual Timeline	Story jumps between two time periods—pay attention to chapter headers.
Dual Numbering	One book shown as part of two different series or arcs.
Filler Arc	Volume with little plot advancement; often optional for first-time readers.
Internal Spoiler	Revealing a major twist early by reading out of order.
Legend (Non-Canon)	Previously official content now excluded from the main timeline.
Publication Order	The order in which books were first released to the public.
Reading Timeline	A visual or tabular guide showing reading order, dates, and details.
Retcon	A new story element that rewrites earlier events.
Series Bible	Author’s behind-the-scenes guide to world-building and lore.
Side‐Story	A novella or story focused on side characters.
Standalone-Within-Series	A book that can be read on its own without context.