review copy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Professional
Quick answer
What does “review copy” mean?
A free copy of a book, film, or software sent to critics, journalists, or influencers in order to obtain a professional assessment or publicity before or upon general release.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A free copy of a book, film, or software sent to critics, journalists, or influencers in order to obtain a professional assessment or publicity before or upon general release.
Can sometimes refer to any pre-release sample of a creative work provided for evaluation purposes, not solely for traditional media reviews.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. The publishing and media industries in both regions use the term identically.
Connotations
Neutral professional term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in publishing, media, and tech industries in both UK and US contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “review copy” in a Sentence
The author [verb: received/was sent/got] a review copy from the publisher.The publisher [verb: distributed/sent out] review copies to major newspapers.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “review copy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The literary editor will review copy the novel next week.
- They've finished review copying the new software.
American English
- The blog is set to review copy the new biography.
- She spent the afternoon review copying the latest game.
adverb
British English
- The books were sent out review copy.
- [This adverbial use is highly atypical and not standard.]
American English
- The software was distributed review copy to influencers.
- [This adverbial use is highly atypical and not standard.]
adjective
British English
- He received a review-copy version of the textbook.
- The review-copy process is handled by the publicity department.
American English
- She got a review copy edition of the film.
- Their review copy policy is very generous.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in publishing, public relations, and marketing for managing pre-release buzz.
Academic
Used when academic journals send books to peer reviewers, or when textbook publishers solicit adoptions.
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation; primarily industry/professional jargon.
Technical
Standard term in publishing, bookselling, library science, and software/tech media.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “review copy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “review copy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “review copy”
- Using it to mean a 'revised edition' (confusion with 'revised copy').
- Using it for any free sample (e.g., a free cosmetic sample).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar, but 'review copy' is more specific. A complimentary copy can be given for any reason (e.g., to a friend), while a review copy is given explicitly for the purpose of evaluation and potential publicity.
Ethically and often legally, no. Review copies are not for resale and are marked as such. Selling them can violate agreements and harm professional relationships.
Professional critics, journalists, bloggers, influencers, librarians, academics, and other individuals with a platform to influence public opinion or purchasing decisions.
An ARC (Advance Reader Copy) is a specific type of review copy, often an early, unproofed version of a book, sent out months before publication. 'Review copy' is the broader term, which can also include final, polished versions sent closer to the release date.
A free copy of a book, film, or software sent to critics, journalists, or influencers in order to obtain a professional assessment or publicity before or upon general release.
Review copy is usually formal / professional in register.
Review copy: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈvjuː ˈkɒpi/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈvjuː ˈkɑːpi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms for this compound noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a film CRITIC writing a REVIEW for a paper. The free DVD they watch is their REVIEW COPY.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL FOR JUDGMENT (The copy is an instrument used to form and deliver a professional opinion).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a 'review copy'?