A Galley, a Proof, and an ARC Walked Into a Bar

Once a book is completed and edited, proofs, galleys, or advanced reader copies (ARCs) are typically distributed to book buyers, reviewers, book sellers, sales representatives, and magazines to assist in the marketing and sale of the work. Both advanced proofs and galleys will typically include a summary, author biography, and helpful marketing information on the back cover, and they are released three to six months in advance of publication.

Though the terms ARC, proof, and galley are often used interchangeably, at one time there were distinct differences between them. Galleys were only used in the editing process and were typically low quality black and white photocopies. Proofs were typeset copies that may or may not have artwork that were distributed to reviewers and booksellers to promote the book. ARCs were finished copies that were sent out early for promotion purposes.

Today the differences between the three terms are less clear. The term ARC now appears to be used as a synonym for a proof, leaving only galleys distinguishable because they are typically printed in black and white and without any artwork.

There is a thriving market online for galleys and proofs, which frustrates many authors since edits might still occur before the book is released. These edits might be limited to spelling, but there could also be factual errors that are fixed or substantive editorial changes. In addition, authors don't receive any royalties for the sale of the galleys and ARCs.

Getting Paid

Unfortunately, you don't just get a check in the mail the moment you accept an offer from a publisher to publish your book. The contract has to be negotiated, which can take months. Then both parties need to sign the agreement, and then finally a check gets cut.

But according to most agency agreements and agency clauses in your contracts, the check is made out in the name of your agent and gets sent to them. Your agent will then deposit the check in an account, take out their commission (usually fifteen percent) and any expenses they incurred in submitting your work (typically copying, postage, and messenger fees), and then send you your payment. According to the Association of Authors' Representatives, agent members must send payments due to their clients within ten days after it's cleared.

Most agency clauses (including the one I use) state that an agent is entitled to their commission for the life of the contract, regardless of whether the author ceases to be a client. But if you and your agent do part ways, you and your former agent can request that the publisher send the commission to the agent and the rest directly to you.