galley
GAL-ee
/ˈɡæl.i/
A preliminary, uncorrected printer's proof of a book or article used for final proofreading.
In modern publishing, often called 'galley proofs' or 'advanced reader copies' (ARCs) sent to reviewers before public sale.
The story behind the word. Originally, a 'galley' was a long metal tray used in hot-metal typesetting. Compositors arranged individual lead letter types into lines and placed them in this tray to print quick test sheets—called galley proofs—to catch typos before dividing the text into final book pages. Though digital typesetting replaced lead type, the name 'galley' stuck.
Word relationships
- proof: Proof is a general term for any test print, whereas galley specifically refers to the full-page text layout proof in publishing.
- final edition: A final edition is the polished, fully corrected, commercially produced book.
Commonly confused with
- manuscript: A manuscript is the author's original text submission, while a galley is the printer's formatted typesetting proof prepared for review.
Word family
- galleys (noun): plural form of galley
Collocations
- galley proof
- uncorrected galley
- read the galleys
- galley stage
Example sentences
- "The novelist carefully marked corrections in red ink on the galley proofs before the final printing." Literary publishing
- "Literary critics received uncorrected galleys six months before the official release date." Book reviewing
Memory hook
GALLEY = Long tray of text waiting for final corrections. Draft proof before final print.
When not to use
Do not confuse with the final published book or the ship/kitchen meaning of galley.
Fun facts
- Early galley proofs were literally long strips of paper up to three feet long, printed directly from metal trays before page breaks were set.
Related words
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