epitexts

Epitexts are elements of paratext theory that describe communications surrounding a text but existing outside its formal publication. The concept, developed by Gérard Genette, refers to materials that pertain to a text yet are not printed within its pages.

Epitexts lie beyond the book itself and differ from peritext by extending into external discourse and media. They include author interviews, publisher press releases, reviews, broadcasts, and promotional materials. In the digital era, epitexts also encompass online interviews, website posts, blogs, podcasts, and social media content by authors or publishers. These materials can contextualize a work, influence its reception, or shape readers’ expectations before or after reading.

As external communications, epitexts are not part of the text proper, but they shape interpretation and perceived authority. They contribute to the discursive environment surrounding a work, affecting how it is framed, classified, and valued. Scholars and readers study epitexts to understand how publicity, media discourse, and authorial persona contribute to meaning, as well as how reception evolves as new epitexts emerge.