What in the book jargon?

The Bookish Glossary

When I started reading, before starting any Bookstagram or Booktok account, I hear so many phrases. But I had no clue what they actually meant. ARC, Trope, Enemies to lovers? I know that I'm not the only one. So, I created this page for you and me, so that you can always get back when you're not sure what something means. 

Let me know if you are missing something, I will add it to this page.

ARCs & review copies

the things you need to know if you want to connect with publishers for PR.

ARC

Advanced Reader Copy. A copy of a book sent out before its official release, usually in exchange for an honest review

eARC

The digital version of an ARC. You can read this on your phone, E-reader or Netgally instead of on paper. 

Galley

Often used interchangeably with ARC. Technically the pre-final proof. The cover might be unfinished and there could be a few typos in there. 

Finished copy

The final publishes version compared to the ARC which is still a work in progress.

Blurb
Also known as a summery or synopsis. Most of the time you can find this on the back of the book. 

Tropes

I think this took me the longest time to actually understand what it meant. Tropes are recurring patterns we look for as readers. It is not the genre, it's more a vibe. 

Enemies to lovers
Two characters start as rivals or full on enemies but still end up falling in love with each other. The most common trope in romantasy right now.

Example: A Court of Thornes and Rose - Sarah J Maas

Forbidden romance
This is about a relationship that shoulnd't happen because of different bloodlines, worlds, rival factions of just rules that won't allow it. However, the characters are still in love despite it. 

Example: From blood and ash - Jennifer L. Armentrout 

Fated mates
Characters who are magically or destiny-bound to each other, but most of the time with little say in the matter, at first. 

Example: A Court of Thornes and Rose - Sarah J Maas

Forced proximity
Characters are pushed into spending a lot of time together, trapped, assigned, or travelling side by side. 

Example: Throne of Glass - Sarah J Maas

Grumpy x Sunshine
One character is closed of or (very) short-tempered, the other is warm and open. They balance each other out. 

Example: Iron Flame - Rebecca Yarros

Morally grey love interest
Non of the characters are distinct hero or villain. Lives in a grey zone, which is usually the point. 

Example: A court of Mist and Fury - Sarah J Maas

Slow burn
The romance builds gradually. Sometimes throughout the whole book or series. 

Example: The Labyrinth trilogy - Kate Mosse

Found family
They're not real family, at least not by blood. But they found eachother and became a family anyway.

Example: Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling

Community terms

When you are on Bookstagram (Instagram) or Booktok (TikTok) you will hear people say things that you may have never heard. DNF? What? I got you! 

BookTok/Bookstagram
These names represent Book Communities on TikTok and Instagram.
Bookish
Basically anything book related that aren't books. Think of Kindle, e-reader accessories, book pouches, bookmarks etc. 
Comp Titles
Books that are refered at to describe the same vibe or genre. Most of  the times your hear something like "If you like x, than y is for you".
Spice
When they talk about spice, they talk about how much romantic or sexual scens are in the book. Most of the time it's indicated with chili-peppers. 
CR / DNF / TBR
CR means Currently Reading. DNF is Did Not Finish. TBR is To Be Read.
Buddy read
Reading the same book together with someone.