Première de couverture

Poche and Grand format

Whereas in English publishing most new novels will come out first in hardcover editions and then approximately one year later in either trade paperback format (most ‘literary’ novels) or mass market paperback, most French novels will first come out in a large trade paperback format known as grand format and then approximately one year later in a quality mass market format known as poche.

Collection

Similiar to the idea of an imprint in English language publishing, in French publishing a collection is a distinct brand that exists within a publishing house. Titles published within a collection generally have a very strong unity of design concept that reinfores brand identity. (This definition to be expanded, and augmented with examples, in the future).

More terms from the world of French publishing to be explained as the blog develops.