Below are brief explanations of some of the most commonly used publishing terms for your reference.

Copyediting/style editing: This stage typically occurs after a manuscript has been written and reviewed. It involves checking the manuscript for correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, typos, etc. Copyediting/style editing is also done to make sure that a consistent style is applied to the content (for example, if the preferred style is to use healthcare as one word, then the manuscript is checked to make sure that healthcare is one word and not two words throughout).

Content editing: This is a crucial step in a product’s development. Content editing is not the same as copyediting. Content editing helps ensure the content flows smoothly and consistently, with little or no redundancy. It also confirms that the content is well-organized and appropriate for the audience so that the reader can easily understand it.

Cover and template design: The cover design is the design of the product’s cover. It can include a photograph, graphic, or abstract art, along with the product’s title and author. The template design is the internal design of the product, that is, how each chapter or section will look in the finished product. Each chapter or section of the product will follow the template design.

Developmental editing: During this stage, the manuscript is evaluated to ensure that the content is appropriate for its intended audience, is organized clearly and consistently to ensure the reader’s comprehension, has enough information and detail to support its purpose, and uses the appropriate tone (it’s not condescending or inflammatory, etc.).

Fact checking: During this stage, content is checked to ensure that it is accurate. This is especially important when using data, when identifying a person’s name and/or affiliations, etc.

File prep and documentation for production: This step ensures that the electronic manuscript files are ready to go to production, that is, ready to be typeset. In most cases, all formatting is removed so that the typesetter can set up the electronic files for layout.

Indexing: Most commonly used in reference and other non-fiction books, indexing is essential for helping readers find the information they need quickly. It involves creating an alphabetized list of the main content (typically indentified using the manuscript’s headings and subheadings), listing all the page numbers on which the specific content appears. The Index appears in the back of the book. For more information on indexing, visit http://www.asindexing.org.

Permissions: When using material that has been copyrighted to another entity, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner to re-use the material in another product. For example, if your book includes a table that originally appeared in an article published in a medical journal, you must get permission from that medical journal (that is, the copyright owner) to use the table in your book. For more information on permissions and fair use, visit http://fairuse.stanford.edu/Copyright_and_Fair_Use_Overview/chapter1/index.html.

Product proposal: A document that identifies the product name, its medium (book, Web site, article, etc.), its audience, its length, a brief description, its features, its price, and so forth. Depending on the product, additional information is provided. The purpose of the product proposal is to provide enough information to persuade someone to sponsor and/or support the product.

Proofreading: This is one of the last steps before the product is sent to print. Similar to copyediting, proofreading involves verifying that all spelling, grammar, and punctuation are correct, that there are no typos, that the style has been followed, etc. It’s the “final check” to ensure that the product has no obvious errors and is ready for print.

Typesetting/Layout: During this stage, the manuscript is prepared for printing using typesetting software. The typesetter makes sure all the manuscript is typeset and that each typeset chapter/section follows the design template. The typesetter will also make sure the manuscript “looks” good—there are no odd breaks in the layout, figures appear near their reference in the text, there is the appropriate amount of white space, and so forth.

For additional information, please check out these resources:

General terms
http://writers.aalbc.com/publishing_glossary.htm

http://www.booksurge.com/category/1227595141/1/Glossary-of-Industry-Terms.htm