Bozze

Bozze is the plural of the Italian noun bozza and refers to rough or preliminary versions of texts, documents, plans, or drawings. In Italian usage, bozze are created and circulated for review before a work is finalized. The concept encompasses a range of intermediate forms, from rough manuscripts and outlines to early design sketches used to test ideas.

In writing and publishing, a bozza is the draft version of an article, chapter, or book. Editors and authors use bozze to propose changes, reorganize content, and check for coherence and accuracy. In printing and media workflows, a bozza or proof stage is used to catch typographic and factual errors before the final edition. In visual arts and design, bozze may refer to rough sketches or studies that explore composition, lighting, and form prior to a completed work or detailed plan.

Etymology: The term derives from Italian bozza, historically associated with roughness or a lump and later used to denote a preliminary, unfinished version of something. Related forms include bozzetto (sketch or study) and bozza di stampa (printing proof). While bozze are standard in Italian editorial practice, the term is rarely used in English except when referring explicitly to Italian editorial processes.