Galley
A galley is an early version of a book that publishers create before the final published version. It's like a draft or preview copy, usually in paperback form, that's used for various pre-publication purposes. Publishers send galleys to reviewers, booksellers, and media outlets to generate buzz and reviews before the book's official release. These copies might contain typos or formatting issues since they're not the final version. You might also hear people call them "advance reader copies" (ARCs), "advance review copies," or "uncorrected proofs" - they all mean essentially the same thing.
Examples in Resumes
Managed distribution of Galley copies to over 200 reviewers annually
Coordinated printing and shipping of Galleys and Advance Reader Copies for fall book lineup
Developed tracking system for Galley production and reviewer feedback
Supervised quality control of Uncorrected Proofs and Galley copies
Typical job title: "Publishing Professionals"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Publishing Professionals
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where galleys need to go out to reviewers but production is behind schedule?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss prioritizing key reviewers, managing printer relationships, possibly using digital ARCs, and coordinating with editorial and marketing teams to adjust timelines while maintaining quality.
Q: What strategies have you implemented to reduce galley costs while maintaining effectiveness?
Expected Answer: Should mention experience with print run optimization, digital galley alternatives, targeted reviewer lists, and tracking ROI of galley distribution through reviewer response rates.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you determine the appropriate galley quantity for different types of books?
Expected Answer: Should discuss factors like genre, author platform, marketing budget, and past performance of similar titles to determine print runs.
Q: Explain your process for tracking and following up on distributed galleys.
Expected Answer: Should describe systems for maintaining reviewer databases, tracking shipments, following up for reviews, and measuring success rates.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What's the difference between a galley and a finished book?
Expected Answer: Should explain that galleys are uncorrected advance copies used for review and promotion, often with different covers and may contain errors that will be fixed in the final version.
Q: How would you handle a reviewer requesting a galley after the review copies have all been distributed?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of alternatives like digital copies, coordinating with publicity team, and prioritizing reviewer importance.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of galley purpose and handling
- Maintaining reviewer databases
- Processing galley requests
- Coordinating mailings
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing galley distribution campaigns
- Coordinating with printers and publishers
- Tracking review outcomes
- Budget management for review copies
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic planning of galley campaigns
- Optimizing review copy processes
- Managing relationships with major reviewers
- Training junior staff on galley procedures
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of publishing timelines
- Unfamiliarity with reviewer relationships
- Poor tracking and organizational skills
- Lack of knowledge about different types of advance copies
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