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Distinct Work?
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Cindy
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Nov 18, 2014 09:09AM
What does it mean when a book gets marked as a Distinct Work?
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Does anyone know? Please explain it to me.
Tell us where you found this odd remark. Perhaps even include a link to it.
It would simply indicate that the work is unique and does not duplicate any other work. This term is normally used for art pieces done in unusual mediums. I've never heard of a book being described this way and would assume it is just a creative way the author found to describe it in the hopes of getting some attention.
Unless the writer has found a new medium (NOT paper and ink) to use in the production of the book, this description is not being applied properly.
Cindy wrote: "What does it mean when a book gets marked as a Distinct Work?"If you're referring to the little notation that Goodreads makes at the top of an author's page, I think it's simply their way of indicating how many different books an author has, as opposed to how many listings. Multiple editions, for example, might have separate listings even though they're for the same book. At least, this was my interpretation - that's how my count adds up :)
Ok...I'm an author and I see that I have "1 Distinct Work" (next to the number of adds, ratings and reviews). Christine, it's not something I did as an author.I thought it might mean that it is distinct as in, not part of a series, but wasn't sure. On one thread, someone said it means that the content or concept is distinct.
Like Lori says, the number of books. If you have one book that is out in paperback and ebook and audiobook, it is still one distinct book. If you have three different books; one has a first and second edition, one has an audio book and a paperback, and one has a hardcover, and two paperback editions, that is still 3 distinct works. If you have a boxed set, that is counted as distinct from each of the books in the set. So if you have book one, book two, and book three of a series, and then a boxed set of all three, that's four distinct works.
I was once told by a wise man that unless a word is used in a restricted sense, then it would be reasonable to use a dictionary definition.The Oxford dictionary describes;
"A, Distinguished, differentiated-1667. Divided.
B, Not confounded by each other or something else-1674.
Possessing differentiating characteristics: different in quality or kind; not alike - 1523.
Clearly perceptible or discernable by senses or the mind; plain, definite.
ETC.... So, one could assume that it stands clearly out from others in the applied context. :)
