100 Essential Publishing Terms Every Writer Should Know

We have spent more than two decades immersed in the publishing and media world, working on everything from books and magazines to websites, databases, events—you name it. If it involves writing and connecting with other writers, we're in. Along the way, we’ve gained a deep understanding of the publishing industry, but we’ve also come to realize that for newcomers, the jargon can be confusing and intimidating.

Consider a simple question, such as "How long should a book be?" The answer may seem straightforward, but it’s wrapped in the conventions and expectations of an industry that truly has its own language. While we try to break things down as we go, common terms often crop up in articles and posts on this site without much explanation. That’s why we're taking a moment to share some key definitions to help demystify the publishing process for you.

You’ve poured hours, days, months—even years—into writing and revising your novel or nonfiction book. After all that dedication, it’s natural to want your work recognized and shared with the world. But completing your manuscript is just the beginning—now it’s time to take on the next challenge: the publishing process.

Ready to make your work stand out? When you enroll in our online course, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the query letter format and how to craft a pitch that grabs the attention of agents and publishers. From understanding industry lingo to writing a query letter that demands to be read, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Acquisition Editor

An editor responsible for identifying, evaluating, and acquiring new manuscripts or projects for a publisher.

Advance

An advance is a sum of money paid by a publisher to a writer before a book's publication, often distributed in installments. Typical payments include one portion upon signing the contract and the remainder upon delivery of a complete and satisfactory manuscript. Advances are typically recouped by the publisher through the book's sales.

Advance Against Royalties

An advance payment made to an author that is deducted from future royalty earnings. The author only receives royalties after the advance has been "earned out."

Agent

An agent acts as an intermediary between a writer and publishers or editors, advocating for their client’s work and negotiating contracts. Agents typically earn a commission, usually 10-15%, from the writer’s advance and royalties. A good agent not only secures better deals but also guides writers through the publishing process.

All Rights

Selling all rights means an author transfers complete ownership of a work to the buyer, forfeiting the ability to license or reprint it in the future. This arrangement is generally not recommended for works with significant reprint or long-term revenue potential.

Advance Reader Copy (ARC)

An Advance Reader Copy (ARC) is an early, pre-publication version of a book sent to media outlets, reviewers, or influencers. ARCs are used to generate buzz, secure reviews, and promote the book ahead of its release date.

Assignment

An assignment occurs when an editor commissions a writer to produce a specific article, typically for a predetermined fee. These are often arranged with freelance writers or contributors with expertise in a particular subject.

Anthology

A collection of writings, such as poems, essays, or short stories, by various authors, often centered around a particular theme.

Auction

An auction is a competitive bidding process where publishers vie for the rights to a book manuscript with strong sales potential. Agents conduct auctions, with bids often including the author's advance, promotional budgets, royalty percentages, and other terms. Auctions maximize the value of a manuscript for the author.

Backlist

The backlist refers to a publisher’s catalog of previously released books that are still in print but were not published in the current season. Backlist titles often represent a steady source of revenue and are sometimes re-promoted to capitalize on trends or anniversaries.

Back Matter

The content at the end of a book, including the appendix, glossary, index, or author notes.

Beta Reader

A person who reads a writer's unpublished manuscript to provide feedback on elements like story, characters, pacing, or readability.

Bimonthly

Bimonthly means occurring every two months. In some cases, the term can be confused with "twice a month," so clarity is essential depending on the context.

Bio

A bio is a short paragraph or sentence about the writer, often highlighting their education, career achievements, or notable works. A well-crafted bio establishes credibility and context for an audience or potential collaborators.

Biweekly

Biweekly means occurring every two weeks. As with "bimonthly," the term can occasionally cause confusion, so clear communication is key when discussing schedules or deadlines.

Blurb

A blurb is promotional text on a book’s cover or dust jacket, designed to attract readers. It may feature a synopsis of the book, highlights about the author, or testimonials from critics or notable figures in the book’s field. Also known as flap copy or jacket copy, blurbs play a critical role in marketing a book to its audience.

Boilerplate

A boilerplate is a standardized contract, often used by publishers, outlining general terms and conditions. While convenient, authors should review boilerplates carefully to ensure the terms align with their specific needs and expectations.

Bound Galleys

Bound galleys, also known as "bound proofs," are prepublication editions of a book made from the final galley proofs. These are typically used for promotional purposes, sent to reviewers, bookstores, and other stakeholders before the official release.

Byline

A byline is the author's name as it appears alongside their published work. It serves to credit the writer and establish their authorship and reputation.

Category Fiction

Category fiction is an umbrella term that includes all genres of fiction, such as romance, mystery, science fiction, and fantasy. It is often characterized by adherence to genre-specific conventions and a strong focus on reader expectations.

Chapbook

A chapbook is a small, independently published book, often featuring poetry, short stories, or essays. Typically fewer than 40 pages, chapbooks are a popular format for emerging writers and niche literary works.

Circulation

Circulation refers to the total number of subscribers or copies of a magazine distributed regularly. It is a key metric used to determine a publication’s reach and advertising value.

Clips

Clips are samples of a writer's published work, often submitted to showcase their writing skills and experience. These are crucial when querying agents, editors, or potential employers.

Contributor Copies

Contributor copies are complimentary copies of the magazine or book provided to authors whose work is featured in the publication. These copies are often used as a token of appreciation and for the author's portfolio.

Co-Publishing

Co-publishing is an arrangement in which the author and publisher share the costs and profits of producing a book. Also called cooperative publishing, this model offers authors more control but requires a financial investment.

Copyediting

Copyediting involves reviewing a manuscript for grammar, punctuation, style consistency, and factual accuracy. It ensures the text is polished and adheres to publishing standards before moving to the final stages of production.

Comp Titles

Comp titles, or comparable/competitive titles, are books used as benchmarks in a book proposal to demonstrate marketability. These titles help publishers assess the potential audience and sales for the proposed book.

Copyright

Copyright is a legal mechanism that protects an author’s work, granting them exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and adapt their content. It ensures creators retain control and receive recognition or compensation for their work.

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a brief introduction accompanying a manuscript submission. It highlights key details about the work, the author, and their suitability for the agent or editor, serving as the first impression in the query process.

Critiquing Service

A critiquing service is a paid editorial service where writers receive detailed feedback on their manuscripts. These services evaluate elements like salability, structure, and style, but quality and cost can vary significantly. Writers should research reputable services before investing.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A CV, short for Curriculum Vitae (Latin for "course of life"), is a detailed document that outlines an individual’s academic, professional, and personal achievements. Unlike a résumé, which is often concise and tailored to a specific job, a CV provides a comprehensive overview of a person’s education, work experience, skills, publications, and other relevant activities.

Electronic Rights

Electronic rights refer to the secondary or subsidiary rights that allow a book or other content to be distributed, reproduced, or adapted in electronic or multimedia formats. These include e-books, audiobooks, online publications, and even interactive media. Negotiating electronic rights is a critical aspect of publishing contracts, as they can significantly impact an author’s reach and revenue.

Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a brief, compelling summary of a book, screenplay, or project designed to grab interest within the span of a short elevator ride (usually 30–60 seconds). It highlights the core concept, unique selling points, and emotional hook, aiming to intrigue agents, publishers, or potential collaborators quickly and effectively.

Endcap

An endcap is a prominent retail display located at the end of an aisle in stores, including bookstores, designed to attract shoppers’ attention. In publishing, endcap displays are often used to showcase featured, bestselling, or promotional books, providing prime visibility and boosting sales.

Evaluation Fees

Evaluation fees are charges that some agents or editorial services may request to assess the quality and marketability of an author’s submitted material, such as a manuscript or proposal. While legitimate editorial consultants may charge for feedback, reputable literary agents typically do not require evaluation fees as part of their standard practice.

Exclusive

An exclusive occurs when an author grants an agent or publisher the sole right to review a submission without competition from others during a specific period. It is crucial for authors to set a clear time limit on the exclusivity to avoid prolonged delays in seeking representation or publication elsewhere.

Fair Use

Fair Use is a provision in copyright law that allows limited use of copyrighted material without requiring permission from the copyright holder. This typically applies to short excerpts used for purposes such as criticism, commentary, education, or research, provided the use does not harm the market value of the original work.

Feature

A feature is an article that focuses on topics of human interest or broader appeal rather than breaking news. These pieces are often in-depth, richly detailed, and designed to engage readers through storytelling or unique perspectives.

Filler

A filler is a brief article, quote, or item used by editors to fill space in a newspaper or magazine. These pieces are typically short, light, and easy to read, ensuring smooth layout and balance in the publication.

Film Rights

Film rights are the rights sold or optioned by an author or their agent to filmmakers or studios, allowing a book to be adapted into a movie. This can include both the initial option (the right to consider making the film) and the full purchase of production rights.

Foreign Rights

Foreign rights refer to the rights to translate, publish, or distribute a book in other countries or territories. These rights are often sold to foreign publishers, expanding an author’s readership and potential earnings globally.

Frontlist

The frontlist comprises a publisher’s newest books released in the current season or year. These titles are typically the focus of marketing and sales efforts, as they represent the publisher’s latest offerings to the market.

Front Matter

The material at the beginning of a book, such as the title page, copyright page, dedication, and preface.

Galleys

Galleys are the first typeset version of a manuscript, used for review and proofreading before final publication. They are not yet formatted into the final page layout and are often shared with reviewers or editors for early feedback.

Genre

Genre refers to a general classification of writing, such as fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, and further subcategories within those classifications, such as mystery, romance, or the sonnet. Genres help categorize and market literary works to the appropriate audience.

Ghostwriter

A ghostwriter is a writer hired to produce a piece of work—such as an article, book, or speech—on behalf of someone else, often without receiving public credit. Ghostwriters frequently collaborate with clients to ensure the final product reflects their voice and vision.

Graphic Novel

A graphic novel is a story told in graphic form, combining text and illustrations to create a visually driven narrative. These works are typically over 40 pages and may cover various genres, from fantasy and memoir to nonfiction.

Hi-Lo

Hi-lo fiction is designed to engage readers with high-interest stories written at a lower reading level. This genre aims to support struggling or reluctant readers by offering accessible and compelling content.

High Concept

High concept refers to a story idea that can be succinctly expressed in a single, captivating line. These concepts are often unique, marketable, and immediately appealing to a broad audience.

Honorarium

An honorarium is a token payment given to a writer, speaker, or contributor as a gesture of appreciation, often when their work is provided without expectation of full compensation.

Hook

A hook is the unique element or aspect of a work that sets it apart and grabs the reader’s or viewer’s attention. It’s the “wow” factor that makes a story compelling and irresistible.

Imprint

An imprint is a specific brand or division within a publishing house, often specializing in a particular genre or market. For example, Penguin Random House has multiple imprints catering to different audiences and literary niches.

ISBN (International Standard Book Number)

A unique identifier assigned to each book edition, allowing it to be cataloged and sold.

Joint Contract

A joint contract is a legal agreement between a publisher and two or more authors (or creators), detailing how royalties and responsibilities will be divided among them for the book's production and sales.

Kill Fee

A kill fee is partial compensation paid to a writer for a completed article or work that was assigned but later canceled by the publisher or editor.

Lead Time

Lead time refers to the period between the acquisition of a manuscript by an editor and its publication. It allows time for editing, production, marketing, and distribution processes.

Lede

The opening sentence or paragraph of an article or story, designed to grab the reader's attention.

Log Line

A log line is a concise, engaging summary of a TV program, movie, or book, capturing the main conflict and emotional hook to spark interest. For example, “A young farm boy discovers he’s the key to saving a galaxy at war” (Star Wars).

Marketing Fee

A marketing fee is a charge some agents impose to cover expenses incurred while promoting a manuscript, such as postage, photocopying, or submissions. Legitimate agents usually disclose such fees transparently.

Mass Market

Mass market refers to books with broad appeal, typically printed in large quantities and aimed at a general audience. These include popular genres like romance, thrillers, and science fiction, often sold in bookstores, supermarkets, and online.

Masthead

A masthead is the section of a magazine or publication, usually near the front, that lists key editorial staff, contributors, and contact information. It’s a helpful resource for freelance writers seeking to pitch or query the publication.

Memoir

A memoir is a narrative that recounts the writer's personal or family history, often focusing on key experiences or themes. While based on fact, memoirs may include creative storytelling elements, distinguishing them from traditional autobiographies.

MG (Middle Grade)

Middle grade (MG) refers to books aimed at readers aged 9 to 11. These books often feature relatable characters, age-appropriate challenges, and themes that resonate with this demographic.

Midlist

Midlist refers to books on a publisher’s catalog that aren’t expected to be bestsellers but are anticipated to achieve modest, steady sales. These titles often help sustain a publisher’s overall portfolio.

Model Release

A model release is a legal document signed by the subject of a photograph, granting the photographer permission to use the image for specific purposes, such as publication or advertising.

Multiple Contract

A multiple contract is an agreement between a publisher and an author to produce more than one book, often indicating a long-term commitment to the author’s work.

Multiple Submissions

Multiple submissions refer to sending more than one book, article, or poem to a publisher at the same time. This term can also describe submitting the same work to multiple publishers simultaneously, which should be done carefully and with awareness of submission guidelines.

Narrative Nonfiction

Narrative Nonfiction, also referred to as "creative nonfiction," is a genre of writing that uses storytelling techniques typically found in fiction—such as character development, plot structure, and vivid descriptions—to tell factual stories. It combines the factual accuracy of nonfiction with the compelling, immersive elements of a novel, creating a reading experience that is both informative and engaging.

Net Royalty

A net royalty is a payment to an author based on the amount of money a publisher receives for book sales after deductions for booksellers’ discounts, special sales discounts, and returns. This differs from gross royalties, which are calculated on the book's list price.

Novella

A novella is a short novel or an extended short story, typically ranging from 7,000 to 30,000 words. Novellas often focus on a single plotline or theme and are less complex than full-length novels.

On Spec

Submitting "on spec" means providing a completed manuscript to an editor "on speculation," with no guarantee of purchase or publication. The editor reviews the work before deciding whether to buy it.

One-Time Rights

One-time rights allow a manuscript to be published once by a specific outlet. After publication, the author retains the rights and can sell or license the work elsewhere without violating the agreement.

Option Clause

An option clause in a contract gives a publisher the right to consider publishing an author’s next book before the author offers it to other publishers. This clause often specifies time limits and submission requirements.

Over-the-Transom

Unsolicited submissions sent to publishers or agents without prior contact or invitation.

Payment on Acceptance

Payment on acceptance means the writer receives payment for their article, story, or poem as soon as the editor decides to publish it, regardless of when the material is actually printed.

Payment on Publication

Payment on publication means the writer is paid for their work only when it is published, which could be months or even years after acceptance.

Pen Name

A pen name, or pseudonym, is a name used by an author instead of their legal name on published works. Writers may use pen names for privacy, branding, or stylistic reasons.

Photo Feature

A photo feature is a publication element where the emphasis is primarily on photographs, with the accompanying text serving a secondary, supportive role. These features are common in magazines and visually driven publications.

Picture Book

A picture book is a book for preschool to early elementary-aged children, typically combining simple text and illustrations to tell a story. Some picture books rely solely on artwork to convey their narrative.

Platform

A writer's platform refers to their ability to reach their target audience, often measured through social media followers, previous publications, public speaking experience, mailing lists, and other metrics. A strong platform enhances a writer’s marketability to publishers.

POD (Print on Demand)

Print on Demand is a publishing method where books are printed individually as orders are received, reducing the need for large print runs and minimizing inventory costs.

Proofreading

Proofreading is the meticulous review of a manuscript to identify and correct typographical, grammatical, and formatting errors before publication.

Proposal

A proposal is a detailed summary of a proposed book, often used for nonfiction submissions. It typically includes a cover letter, a one-page book overview, marketing strategies, analysis of competitive titles, author biography, chapter-by-chapter outline, and sample chapters.

Query

A query is a letter written to pitch a story idea to an editor or agent, aiming to sell the concept of the work and spark interest in the manuscript.

Regional Rights

The rights to publish or distribute a book in a specific geographic area, such as North America or Europe.

Remainders

Remainders are unsold copies of a book that the publisher sells at a significantly reduced price, often to clear inventory.

Reporting Time

Reporting time refers to the duration an editor takes to respond to an author’s query or manuscript submission.

Reprint Rights

Reprint rights refer to the ability to republish a book or work after its initial printing, often in a new format, market, or edition.

Royalties

Royalties are a percentage of book sales paid to the author by the publisher, as outlined in the contract. They are typically based on the book’s retail price or net revenue.

SASE (Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope)

A self-addressed, stamped envelope is sent with a submission to ensure the return of materials or a reply from the editor or agent.

Self-Publishing

Self-publishing involves the author funding the book's production, including manufacturing, distribution, and marketing. The author retains full control and all profits from book sales.

Serial

A serial is content published periodically, such as in a newspaper or magazine. It may refer to ongoing installments of articles or serialized fiction.

Serial Fiction

Serial fiction is a narrative published in installments, often ending on a suspenseful note to keep readers engaged.

Serial Rights

Serial rights allow a newspaper or publication to print excerpts or installments of a manuscript, often before the full work is published.

Short-Short

A short-short, also known as flash fiction, is a complete short story typically under 1,500 words, focusing on brevity and impact.

Sidebar

A sidebar is a supplementary feature or article presented alongside a main story, providing additional details or highlighting a specific aspect of the topic.

Simultaneous Submissions

Simultaneous submissions refer to sending the same manuscript, article, or poem to multiple publishers or editors at the same time.

Slush Pile

The slush pile is a collection of unsolicited manuscripts or pitches received by an editor, publisher, or agent for consideration.

Speculative Fiction

A broad genre encompassing science fiction, fantasy, horror, and other works exploring imaginative or futuristic concepts.

Subagent

A subagent is an agent who specializes in handling subsidiary rights, such as foreign or film rights, often working alongside the primary literary agent.

Subsidiary Rights

Subsidiary rights refer to all rights beyond the original book publishing rights, such as paperback editions, book club editions, translation rights, and film adaptations, often negotiated as part of a publishing contract.

Subsidy Publisher

A subsidy publisher charges authors to cover the production costs of their books, unlike traditional publishers, who fund the entire process.

Synopsis

A synopsis is a brief but comprehensive summary of a story, novel, or play, often included in book proposals to outline the plot and key elements.

Tearsheet

A tearsheet is a page from a magazine or newspaper that includes a writer’s published work, often used as a portfolio sample.

TOC (Table of Contents)

The table of contents is a section in a book or publication that lists chapter titles or major headings with their corresponding page numbers.

Trade Book

A trade book is a book intended for a general audience, often sold in bookstores and online, as opposed to a textbook or academic publication.

Translation Rights

Translation rights allow a book to be translated and sold in other languages, expanding its reach into international markets.

Unsolicited Manuscript

An unsolicited manuscript is a work submitted to an editor or publisher without a prior request or assignment.

Unique Selling Position (USP)

A unique selling position (USP) highlights what makes a book or article distinct and marketable compared to competing works.

Vanity Publishing

A publishing model where authors pay for the production and distribution of their book, often without the quality control of traditional publishers.

Work for Hire

Work for hire refers to a contract where a writer is paid a flat fee to produce material, transferring all rights, including reprint rights, to the hiring party.

Workshopping

The process of sharing a piece of writing with a group of peers or mentors to receive constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Young Adult (YA)

Young adult (YA) refers to books written for readers aged 12 to 18, often featuring coming-of-age themes, relatable protagonists, and emotional depth.