The correct spelling of "advance booking copy" is: /ədˈvæns ˈbʊkɪŋ ˌkɒpi/. The word "advance" is pronounced with a schwa sound in the first syllable, and the "d" is silent. "Booking" has two syllables, with the "o" pronounced as a short vowel sound. "Copy" is pronounced with a long "o" sound and the stress is on the second syllable. This term refers to a publication that is sent out in advance to potential buyers, allowing them to pre-order it before its official release.
An advance booking copy, also known as an advanced reader copy or an advance review copy, refers to an uncorrected proof of a book that is made available to a limited number of individuals before its official publication. These copies are typically provided to reviewers, booksellers, librarians, and other individuals in the publishing industry to generate early buzz and promotion for the forthcoming book.
The purpose of an advance booking copy is to allow influential individuals to read and evaluate the book prior to its official release. This enables reviewers to prepare their reviews for publication close to the book's launch date, creating anticipation and helping potential readers make informed choices.
Advance booking copies are usually sent out several months prior to the book's release and are often not the final version. It is common for these copies to include typos, grammar errors, and other imperfections due to the manuscript's unfinished state. However, they still provide an identical narrative to the published version, allowing readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the book's content and themes.
These review copies are often marked with disclaimers indicating their uncorrected status and reminding recipients not to distribute or share them beyond their intended purpose. As a promotional tool, advance booking copies contribute to building pre-release excitement and increasing the visibility of a book, thus maximizing its potential for success upon publication.