ALT METADATA Key details about a book or eBook which allow distributors and retailers to easily identify what the publication is all about. These details range from simple facts, like page count, to the more involved, like critical reviews, but all given information is chosen with care in order to benefit the book’s marketability. While there are levels of metadata (core and enhanced) most UP publishers only dabble in basic, core details—those necessary to properly list and sell their book.

ALT COPY EDITING This is what most people think of as “editing.” Copy editors look for grammatical and spelling errors, inconsistencies, and/or they may make notes for designers regarding production requirements. Almost all university press books go through copyediting when the book is in production. Typically, presses contract out this work to freelancers, though sometimes it’s handed in-house, especially if the project is high profile or needs special attention.