Reading copy

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A reading copy as part of a marketing strategy is the specially created print edition of a book publication, which is usually sent to booksellers for viewing and, in particular, to literary critics for review before the actual book publication goes to press. Depending on the size of a publisher , in addition to other advertising measures such as spring and autumn brochures, a certain proportion of a book run is calculated from the outset for reading copies.

Furnishing

Reading copies are usually of lower quality than the actual print edition of a book publication. Although they meet what typography and page layout , etc. As most of the later print output, but they are for. B. printed out on less expensive paper and only delivered as paperback . Large publishers, on the other hand, often rely on reading copies, the equipment of which corresponds completely to the actual book publication - possibly also as a hardcover edition - and is also supplemented in the front with information about the work and the author.

Labelling

In order to prevent reading copies delivered as hardcover or paperback copies from being sold in advance outside the official book trade, these are usually marked as such. The markings are either printed directly on the book cover and / or on the flyleaf , or only on the cover as stickers that are more or less difficult to remove. However, some publishers dispense with labeling altogether, but instead send out a specific part of the regular print run as read-only copies.

Delimitations

Especially if there is urgency because of an expected high demand and are in a hurry, reviewers can for "a first impression" instead of reading copies and flags prints on loose or with adhesive binding held together sheets in simple DIN - A4 format Request, sometimes where even the last correction by the editing department and / or the author is still pending.

In the case of e-book editions, one does not speak of reading copies in this context , B. making a free download available to reviewers.

Individual evidence

  1. duden.de on reading copy