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WRITING GLOSSARY

What is Imprint?

An imprint is a trade name under which a publisher releases books, often organized by genre or audience.

Definition

An imprint is a trade name under which a publisher releases books, often organized by genre or audience. Readers may see the imprint logo on the spine alongside the parent company.

Example

A large publisher's romance imprint and SF imprint share offices but market to different readers.

Related terms

Common mistakes

  • Confusing imprint with independent press; imprints can belong to conglomerates.
  • Submitting to an imprint name without researching which editors actually acquire that list.
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