Glossary
Publishing and platform terms explained in simple language. Click any term in the documentation to see its definition here.
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Jump to a section:
- Publishing Terms — Books, writing, and author terminology
- Marketing Terms — Email, lists, and audience building
- Sales Terms — Selling books and tracking income
- Social Terms — Social media and content marketing
- Platform Terms — StorytellerOS-specific terminology
- All Terms A-Z — Complete alphabetical list
Publishing Terms
Terms related to writing, books, and the publishing process.
ARC(Advance Reader Copy)
A pre-release version of your book sent to reviewers before publication. ARCs help build buzz and gather reviews for launch day.
Related: Beta Reader
ASIN(Amazon Standard Identification Number)
A unique 10-character code that Amazon assigns to every product in their catalog, including your books. You will see this in your Sales Studio when tracking Amazon sales.
Backlist
Books you published previously that continue to sell. These are often your most reliable source of income.
Related: Frontlist
Beat Sheet
An outline that breaks your story into key plot points or beats. Popular beat sheet formats include Save the Cat and the Hero's Journey.
Related: Outline
Beta Reader
Someone who reads your manuscript before publication to give feedback on story, pacing, and reader experience. Unlike editors, beta readers are typically fellow readers or writers.
Related: ARC
Frontlist
Your newest releases, typically books published in the last year. These usually get the most marketing attention.
Related: Backlist
GMC(Goal, Motivation, Conflict)
A popular framework for character development. Each character should have a clear goal, motivation for pursuing it, and conflicts that stand in their way.
Related: Character Arc
Heat Level
In romance, a rating system indicating the amount of intimate content. Ranges from sweet (no explicit content) to steamy (explicit scenes).
ISBN(International Standard Book Number)
A unique identifier for books recognized worldwide. You need different ISBNs for each format (paperback, ebook, audiobook).
Pen Name
A pseudonym or author name you write under. Many authors use different pen names for different genres to help readers find the type of books they want.
POV(Point of View)
The perspective from which your story is told. Common POVs include first person (I/me), third person limited (following one character), and third person omniscient (all-knowing narrator).
Series
A collection of related books that share characters, settings, or storylines. Series help build reader loyalty and increase sales of your backlist.
Related: Standalone
Story Bible
A reference document containing all the details about your fictional world, characters, timeline, and rules. Essential for maintaining consistency, especially in series.
Related: Series
Trope
A common theme, device, or character type that readers recognize and often seek out. Examples include enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, or chosen one.
Marketing Terms
Terms related to email marketing, newsletters, and audience building.
Broadcast
A one-time email sent to your list or a segment. Used for announcements, newsletter editions, or promotional campaigns.
Related: Sequence
Click Rate
The percentage of email recipients who clicked on a link in your email. This helps measure how engaging your content is.
Related: Open Rate
CRM(Customer Relationship Management)
Software that helps you manage relationships with your readers. In StorytellerOS, we integrate with FluentCRM and other email platforms to help you stay connected with your audience.
Related: FluentCRM, Email List
Email List
Your collection of reader email addresses. This is often called your most valuable asset as an author because you can reach readers directly.
Related: Subscriber, Newsletter
FluentCRM
A self-hosted email marketing platform that runs on WordPress. StorytellerOS connects to your FluentCRM installation so you own your data completely.
Lead Magnet
A free incentive you offer to attract email subscribers. For authors, this is often a free book, short story, or exclusive content.
Related: Email List
Open Rate
The percentage of subscribers who opened your email. A healthy open rate for authors is typically 20-40%.
Related: Click Rate
Segmentation
Dividing your email list into groups based on shared characteristics. This allows you to send more relevant emails to each group.
Related: Tag, Email List
Sequence
A series of automated emails sent over time. Often used for welcoming new subscribers or nurturing leads toward a purchase.
Related: Broadcast, Automation
Tag
A label you apply to contacts to segment your audience. For example, you might tag readers by genre preference or whether they have purchased from you.
Related: Segmentation
Sales Terms
Terms related to selling books, royalties, and platforms.
BookFunnel
A service that delivers ebooks to readers and helps with ARC distribution. Handles the technical side of getting books onto readers' devices.
Related: ARC, Lead Magnet
Direct2Readers
A platform integrated with StorytellerOS that lets you sell books directly to readers. You keep up to 90% of the sale price instead of the 30-70% from retailers.
Related: Royalty
KDP(Kindle Direct Publishing)
Amazon's self-publishing platform where you can publish ebooks and paperbacks. The largest marketplace for indie authors.
Related: ASIN, Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
Amazon's subscription service where readers pay monthly for unlimited reading. Authors are paid per page read. Requires exclusivity with Amazon.
Preorder
Allowing readers to purchase your book before the release date. Helps build momentum and can boost launch day rankings.
Royalty
The percentage of book sales you receive as the author. Rates vary by platform: Amazon pays 35-70%, while direct sales can give you up to 90%.
Related: Direct2Readers
Wide
Publishing on multiple platforms (Amazon, Apple, Kobo, etc.) instead of being exclusive to Amazon. Offers more stability but typically lower initial visibility.
Related: Kindle Unlimited
Social Terms
Terms related to social media and content marketing.
Bookstagram
The book-loving community on Instagram. Known for beautiful book photography and engaged readers.
Related: BookTok
BookTok
The book-loving community on TikTok. Videos featuring books can go viral and dramatically boost sales.
Related: Bookstagram
Content Calendar
A schedule of what you plan to post and when across your social platforms. Helps maintain consistency and plan around book launches.
CTA(Call to Action)
A prompt telling readers what to do next. Examples include Buy now, Sign up, or Read more.
Evergreen Content
Social media posts that remain relevant over time and can be reused. Examples include quotes from your books or general writing advice.
Platform Terms
Terms specific to StorytellerOS and its features.
Airtable
The database service where StorytellerOS stores your data. You own the data in your Airtable account, giving you full control and portability.
Related: BYOK
API Key
A code that lets StorytellerOS connect to external services on your behalf. Like a password specifically for app connections. Always keep these private.
Related: BYOK
BYOK(Bring Your Own Keys)
StorytellerOS's privacy-first approach where you provide your own API keys for services like AI and email. Your data stays in your control, not ours.
Related: API Key
GitHub
The service where StorytellerOS stores your manuscript files. Provides version history so you can see all changes to your writing over time.
Magic Link
A passwordless login method. Instead of remembering a password, you receive an email with a link that logs you in automatically.
Skill
In StorytellerOS, an AI-powered template that helps with specific tasks like outlining or caption writing. You can customize skills to match your voice.
Studio
In StorytellerOS, each major function area is called a Studio. There are four: Project Studio (writing), Marketing Studio (emails), Sales Studio (selling), and Social Studio (social media).
All Terms A-Z
Complete alphabetical listing of all terms.
Airtable
The database service where StorytellerOS stores your data. You own the data in your Airtable account, giving you full control and portability.
Related: BYOK
API Key
A code that lets StorytellerOS connect to external services on your behalf. Like a password specifically for app connections. Always keep these private.
Related: BYOK
ARC(Advance Reader Copy)
A pre-release version of your book sent to reviewers before publication. ARCs help build buzz and gather reviews for launch day.
Related: Beta Reader
ASIN(Amazon Standard Identification Number)
A unique 10-character code that Amazon assigns to every product in their catalog, including your books. You will see this in your Sales Studio when tracking Amazon sales.
Backlist
Books you published previously that continue to sell. These are often your most reliable source of income.
Related: Frontlist
Beat Sheet
An outline that breaks your story into key plot points or beats. Popular beat sheet formats include Save the Cat and the Hero's Journey.
Related: Outline
Beta Reader
Someone who reads your manuscript before publication to give feedback on story, pacing, and reader experience. Unlike editors, beta readers are typically fellow readers or writers.
Related: ARC
BookFunnel
A service that delivers ebooks to readers and helps with ARC distribution. Handles the technical side of getting books onto readers' devices.
Related: ARC, Lead Magnet
Bookstagram
The book-loving community on Instagram. Known for beautiful book photography and engaged readers.
Related: BookTok
BookTok
The book-loving community on TikTok. Videos featuring books can go viral and dramatically boost sales.
Related: Bookstagram
Broadcast
A one-time email sent to your list or a segment. Used for announcements, newsletter editions, or promotional campaigns.
Related: Sequence
BYOK(Bring Your Own Keys)
StorytellerOS's privacy-first approach where you provide your own API keys for services like AI and email. Your data stays in your control, not ours.
Related: API Key
Click Rate
The percentage of email recipients who clicked on a link in your email. This helps measure how engaging your content is.
Related: Open Rate
Content Calendar
A schedule of what you plan to post and when across your social platforms. Helps maintain consistency and plan around book launches.
CRM(Customer Relationship Management)
Software that helps you manage relationships with your readers. In StorytellerOS, we integrate with FluentCRM and other email platforms to help you stay connected with your audience.
Related: FluentCRM, Email List
CTA(Call to Action)
A prompt telling readers what to do next. Examples include Buy now, Sign up, or Read more.
Direct2Readers
A platform integrated with StorytellerOS that lets you sell books directly to readers. You keep up to 90% of the sale price instead of the 30-70% from retailers.
Related: Royalty
Email List
Your collection of reader email addresses. This is often called your most valuable asset as an author because you can reach readers directly.
Related: Subscriber, Newsletter
Evergreen Content
Social media posts that remain relevant over time and can be reused. Examples include quotes from your books or general writing advice.
FluentCRM
A self-hosted email marketing platform that runs on WordPress. StorytellerOS connects to your FluentCRM installation so you own your data completely.
Frontlist
Your newest releases, typically books published in the last year. These usually get the most marketing attention.
Related: Backlist
GitHub
The service where StorytellerOS stores your manuscript files. Provides version history so you can see all changes to your writing over time.
GMC(Goal, Motivation, Conflict)
A popular framework for character development. Each character should have a clear goal, motivation for pursuing it, and conflicts that stand in their way.
Related: Character Arc
Heat Level
In romance, a rating system indicating the amount of intimate content. Ranges from sweet (no explicit content) to steamy (explicit scenes).
ISBN(International Standard Book Number)
A unique identifier for books recognized worldwide. You need different ISBNs for each format (paperback, ebook, audiobook).
KDP(Kindle Direct Publishing)
Amazon's self-publishing platform where you can publish ebooks and paperbacks. The largest marketplace for indie authors.
Related: ASIN, Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
Amazon's subscription service where readers pay monthly for unlimited reading. Authors are paid per page read. Requires exclusivity with Amazon.
Lead Magnet
A free incentive you offer to attract email subscribers. For authors, this is often a free book, short story, or exclusive content.
Related: Email List
Magic Link
A passwordless login method. Instead of remembering a password, you receive an email with a link that logs you in automatically.
Open Rate
The percentage of subscribers who opened your email. A healthy open rate for authors is typically 20-40%.
Related: Click Rate
Pen Name
A pseudonym or author name you write under. Many authors use different pen names for different genres to help readers find the type of books they want.
POV(Point of View)
The perspective from which your story is told. Common POVs include first person (I/me), third person limited (following one character), and third person omniscient (all-knowing narrator).
Preorder
Allowing readers to purchase your book before the release date. Helps build momentum and can boost launch day rankings.
Royalty
The percentage of book sales you receive as the author. Rates vary by platform: Amazon pays 35-70%, while direct sales can give you up to 90%.
Related: Direct2Readers
Segmentation
Dividing your email list into groups based on shared characteristics. This allows you to send more relevant emails to each group.
Related: Tag, Email List
Sequence
A series of automated emails sent over time. Often used for welcoming new subscribers or nurturing leads toward a purchase.
Related: Broadcast, Automation
Series
A collection of related books that share characters, settings, or storylines. Series help build reader loyalty and increase sales of your backlist.
Related: Standalone
Skill
In StorytellerOS, an AI-powered template that helps with specific tasks like outlining or caption writing. You can customize skills to match your voice.
Story Bible
A reference document containing all the details about your fictional world, characters, timeline, and rules. Essential for maintaining consistency, especially in series.
Related: Series
Studio
In StorytellerOS, each major function area is called a Studio. There are four: Project Studio (writing), Marketing Studio (emails), Sales Studio (selling), and Social Studio (social media).
Tag
A label you apply to contacts to segment your audience. For example, you might tag readers by genre preference or whether they have purchased from you.
Related: Segmentation
Trope
A common theme, device, or character type that readers recognize and often seek out. Examples include enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, or chosen one.
Variation
Different formats of the same book, such as ebook, paperback, hardcover, or audiobook. The content is the same, just delivered differently. Not to be confused with editions.
Wide
Publishing on multiple platforms (Amazon, Apple, Kobo, etc.) instead of being exclusive to Amazon. Offers more stability but typically lower initial visibility.
Related: Kindle Unlimited
Missing a Term?
If you encounter a term in StorytellerOS that is not explained here, let us know! Contact support and we will add it to the glossary.