If you are new to the bookish community, you will find a slew of acronyms and bookish terms that will seem like a different language at first! I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to navigating my blog since I use these terms frequently.
Reading Terms
TBR – to be read. Refers to a reader’s pile of books they want to read during a month or for a reading challenge or readathon
DNF – did not finish. This literally means what it says-a book you did not finish for whatever reason.
RTC – review to come. This is more common on Goodreads and bookstagram, usually used when someone posts a picture of the book and promises a full review later.
Book hangover – This happens after a really good book. You feel like no other book will compare because you were so invested in the story. Usually occurs before a…
Reading slump – A reading slump happens when you feel uninspired or unmotivated to pick up a book. Usually happens after a really good book or a string of mediocre books.
Mood reader – Someone who picks their next book based on their mood at the moment.
Readathon – Readathons are usually a week long event centered around a theme. For instance, Nightmareathon take place in October and the prompts or challenges encourage you to read thriller or horror. Some readathons are weekend long events that encourage you to read more than you usually would.
Book Format Terms
ARC/eARC – advanced reading copy or electronic advanced reading copy. These highly coveted books are sent to readers by publishers in exchange for a review on their social media platform.
Physical copy – an actual hard copy of a book
eBook – an electronic copy of a book for a smartphone, tablet, or ereader (such as a Kindle or Kobo).
PB – paperback
HC – hardcover
New release – a book that has recently released, usually referring to a book that released in that current year
Backlist – a book that released in a previous year
Self-published – books released by the author
Indie books – books released by small, independent publishers
Traditionally published – book released by one of the large publishing housing
Community Terms
Bookstagram – the book community on Instagram
Booktube – the book community on YouTube
Book Twitter – the book community on Twitter
Goodreads – a social media platform where users can add books to their TBRs and rate and share reviews of books they’ve read
