What is a proof? A proof copy is what it sounds like or at least used to be. That is, proof that the book has not been unduly trimmed, see A Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology for a fuller definition. In the recent past, basically, after the printer was satisfied with the layout (from the printers proof), a 'few' copies would be run off as Authors proofs. One (or more) was sent to the Author(s), the editor might get one to look at, etc. Although not what some would call rare, there were generally very few of them.

It used to be that proofs were not to be confused with an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) which were printed before general publication for reviewers, bookstores, magazines, etc. for publicity purposes but the line between the two is much finer today and, in fact, some ARCs are used as proofs [or proofs are used as ARCs]. The result is that some proofs today exist in (very) large numbers.

BTW: If you are interested you might check out our copies of ARC's/galleys/proofs at White Unicorn Books.

>> 'til next time - DW <<