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~Writer's Glossary~A compilation of writing and publishing terms and their general meanings. The Writer's Glossary is reprinted from Laurawrites.net with permission. Copyright©Laurawrites.net. All rights reserved.
AACTIVELY SEEKING- Agents post on various writing websites, or in literary magazines their, "Actively Seeking Clients," announcement. This is no reason to assume they will accept whatever comes across their desks. When a reputable literary agency announces they are seeking clients, hundreds of hopefuls will correspond daily. You will have competition from the best. For your protection, carefully research any agent/agency which interests you before becoming involved.
ADJECTIVES- Any word which modifies, or describes, a noun.
ADVANCE- A monetary payment, like a loan, a publisher forwards you upon signing a contract. If you are represented by an agent, their fees will be deducted from this amount. An advance varies with every author and can range from a thousand to a few million dollars.
ADVANCED READING COPIES (ARC)- This is the term for a book’s initial print. These early copies are released for promotional purposes. Advanced copies go to media outlets, reviewers, and any other person or company who has a special interest in the book.
ADVERBS- A word which modifies, or describes, a verb. Commonly, adverbs have an, "ly," at the end. Ex. Tenderly, lovingly, warmly, softly, harshly.
AGENT- A literary agent. This is an individual to represent you and your work to major publishers. When a number of different agents work for the same company, it becomes a literary agency. Appropriate conduct and reasonable expectations regarding agents are discussed further in this book.
ART DESIGNER/PHOTOGRAPHER- This individual creates the cover art for a book. They may also help with illustrations, paintings, and other relevant art to the written work.
ASSIGNMENT- A project assigned to a writer by a publication. This is normally with a deadline and a set payment to the author. Assignments can be interviews, research pieces, or in-depth exploratory works.
ASSOCIATION OF AUTHORS’ REPRESENTATIVES- (a.k.a. AAR), the "Board of Ethics," for literary agents. By corresponding with agents who are members of this association, you are ensured that the agent/agency will be professional, ethical, and respective of all AAR codes of conduct.
AUTHOR- An individual who writes a book.
AUDIENCE- Your prospective readership. Many times, a publisher will ask, "what audience are you trying to target with your work?"
BAR CODE- The small section of stripes on any product purchased. Usually, bar code will have black stripes inside a white rectangle.
BIO/BIOGRAPHY- A professional listing of writing credentials. Biographies should not contain a great deal of personal information or opinion unless you note that it is a personal biography and don’t use it for professional purposes. When creating a biography, be concise and alert for errors.
BOOK DOCTOR- This individual examines your manuscript for errors, inconsistencies, or areas you should improve. It isn’t recommended that writers seek their services because so many are questionable. This can be a shady field and many "professionals" seek to scam unknowledgeable authors. The majority of book doctors perform simple editing.
BOOK PRINTER- This is the most recommended method of self-publication. These companies are up-front and honest with authors. Book printers only print books. Some offer promotional packages if authors choose to pay extra. Book printers make no promises and charge economic rates. More information is available in later chapters.
BOOK RATE- Shipping term. If you send a book through the postal service. You can request this to lessen the cost of postage.
BOOK SIGNING- When you appear at a bookstore, convention, or other place to promote your book with autographs. This is a wonderful way to speak with readers and to personalize their reading experience. It is not often as lucrative, or "big," as many authors hope, however it provides the best atmosphere for interacting with your readers.
BYLINE- A term relating to Staff Writers and permanent, publication staff. A byline is located at the front of a publication in the publisher’s appendix. A byline appears in every issue.
CHAPBOOK- This is a small book, usually of poems. A chapbook can be anywhere between 10 and 50 pages.
CHARACTER DEPTH- This term means that characters have a three-dimensional quality. They aren’t clichéd or stereotypical. They have vivid personalities, positive and negative behaviors, and issues to deal with. They aren’t all "good" or all "bad."
CHARACTERS- The people in your story.
CLIMAX- The largest action point in your work. This is usually a, "final battle," that prompts the main character into serious action.
CONCISE- One of the most difficult tests for a writer’s ability. This is where you give the maximum action with the fewest words. When your work is concise, it is understandable and immediate. In layman’s terms, a concise work is, "to the point."
CONTRACT- When your novel is accepted by a publisher, you must sign a contract. Normally, this contract simply gives permission to the publisher to edit, publish, and promote your work. There are several clauses and phrases which authors should be aware of, they will be explained within this book
COVER LETTER- ( can be known as a "Query Letter") This is a one-page introduction. The first piece of paper the professional will read is your letter. Cover letters should never be longer than one page, and all information should be neatly formatted. Remember that your cover letter is not your synopsis, nor is it your biography. A delicate balance is needed to create an impressive cover letter.
COVER ART- A term used for book cover design.
CREDIT- This is writer’s "resume" entry. A credit lists who you worked with and what you did.
CRITIQUING- This process normally revolves around unpublished work. This is when an author seeks the opinion or advice of peers. The constructive criticism is termed a, "critique."
DISTRIBUTION- This is how a book gets to bookstores and other markets. Be sure your publisher has an acceptable distribution company if you want your book to reach the shelves. Many book distributors are very elite and do not work with anyone other than established book publishers. Companies which normally do not have distributor access: POD publishers, book printers, vanity/subsidy publishers, et.
Note: epublishers do not need affiliation or association with a distributor. Their material is offered on-line and does not require stores or traditional distribution.
DYNAMISM- This is what every author needs in order to effectively promote their book. This is the same as zeal, pep, and vigor. If you have dynamism, your promotional work will go faster and be more enjoyable.
EBOOKS- Electronic books. These are computer files designed and compiled to look just like paper books.
Note: Ebooks should not be confused with vanity/subsidy publishing. Ebooks are legitimate books which are simply published in a different medium.
EDITING FEES- This is normally prohibited unless you are seeking the services of a professional editor. Many scam "literary agencies" will charge writers this to, "bring their manuscript up to industry standards." Drop the agency immediately.
EDITING SERVICE- Any company which offers services to edit your written work. While there are many dishonest companies in this field, there are legitimate needs and uses for editing. Be cautious when hiring an editor. Check all references and make sure their prices are reasonable.
If you are considering these companies, use one which has a good history. While it may cost more to get a reputable editing service, the results will be noticed.
EDITOR- The individual who is responsible for the quality of all printed materials at a publication or in a publishing house. Editors improve and polish submitted works.
FIRST DRAFT- The first finished, pre-edited version of a novel. This is the "raw" book which hasn’t been polished or trimmed. This is the start of many drafts when writing books
FLAT- A term used to describe any dull writing or qualities in writing. They are bland and forgettable.
FLAMES/FLAMERS- Internet lingo for people on message boards who only post to anger/intimidate/annoy others. A number of these can be found in many public writing communities.
FLASH FICTION- An extremely brief fictional story. Usually found in publications such as magazines or newsletters. Flash fiction is shorter than a short story, it can be as small as a single page.
FONT- The typeface you use when printing. Most commonly accepted are Times New Roman and Serif fonts for their ease of reading.
FORM REJECTION LETTER- This is the coldest and most impersonal rejection letter. They are auto-printed and your name is simply, "filled in the blank."
FREEWRITING- When you sit down to write and, to help start your creativity, you write whatever comes to mind. It may or may not be related to the material you are working on.
FREELANCE WRITER- A term used for a writer who works with many companies and publications. A freelance writer creates and perfects an article or short story, and submits it to a magazine or other publication. Freelance writers are paid per word unless contracted to a specific assignment with a flat salary.
GALLEY PROOF/PLATES- Publishers use these terms to describe the sample or template book sent to the author for approval. The author will examine the work for quality, accuracy, design/format, and editing. After the book has passed author approval, it will be manufactured.
GENRE FICTION- This is the general term applied to all fiction which is categorized in any specific genre. Western, Science Fiction, Romance, Action, et.
GOTHIC NOVEL/STORY- This means that there is a "Gothic" atmosphere in the book or work. It can be any genre from horror to romance. Gothic novels normally occur inside a castle or cathedral. Also, any home that is traditionally and architecturally Gothic. The mood of the work is dark and isolated.
Classic examples of Gothic novels/stories are:
- Dracula, by Bram Stoker
- Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley
- "The Fall of The House of Usher," by Edgar Allan Poe
- The Haunting of Hill House- by Shirley Jackson
GRATUITY- The term for needless description and/or scenes in a written work. Gratuity falls within three categories, language, sex, and violence/gore. It is notorious for boring readers and used most often by new writers to attempt to, "shock." There is a section regarding gratuity in this site.
HACK- A derogatory term for fiction writers. It implies your work is rubbish, and you produce material which is in poor taste/quality/interest and is of little importance.
HARD COPY- The printed version of a story or novel.
HARDCOVER- Literally, a book with a cardboard or thick, fiberous cover. They can be of any size and there is often a good profit outlook for authors who are published in hardcover.
IMPRINT- Usually describes a branch company of a larger publishing corporation. Many times, a main publisher will have a specific company for separate genres.
INCONSISTENCY- The flaw in a written work where the writer makes terrible errors in recollection. Common examples are:
INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER- A smaller publisher who publishes independently. They are not controlled or maintained by any larger publisher. Independent publishers are solid companies within themselves.
INDUSTRY STANDARD- A common term among many suspicious individuals in the written world. Note: There is no appropriate formula for the phrase, since it varies among both professionals and genres. The only "industry standard," writers should worry with is making sure their work is properly edited, free or misspellings and typos, and absent of inconsistency prior to submitting.
INITIAL QUERY- This is the very first correspondence you send an agent/editor. This is the introductory letter that may or may not be accompanied by a synopsis and sample chapters. The details will vary by professional.
ISBN NUMBER- The International Standard Book Number. This appears on books, usually near the bar code. Its format is: 0-0000-0000-0.
JARGON- This term for too much technical information in a fiction novel. When the plot and story is slowed due to the presence of procedural and/or professional terms the average reader will not know.
JOURNALIST- A news writer who handles non-fiction for a particular media outlet. Newspapers normally have journalists with degrees on their staff. Journalism can also be found in magazines and newsletters.
LITERARY FICTION- This is much like regular fiction only literary draws much more attention to the internal conflicts of the characters. This is also regarded as a more serious genre to write in. The attention is on what your characters are going through and how they overcome the issues through the course of the novel. There are Literary Drama, Literary Horror, Literary Mystery, et.
LITERARY SNOBBERY, IRE, OR DISRESPECT- This is a term to describe the "attitude problem," many writers can face/have. One good example is when a non-fiction author looks down upon a fiction author or vice versa. Often, many fiction authors will have this towards other fiction authors whom they do not like.
LYRICIST- A person who writes song lyrics.
MAIN CHARACTER- The main person in your novel. The main character is the one a reader will follow from start to finish.
MANUSCRIPT- This is the piece you write. A manuscript can be fiction or non-fiction, book length or a simple article. Your manuscript will be what you are trying to "pitch," to the publisher or agent.
MANUSCRIPT REQUEST- This is when a publisher/agent request your entire book or work. While not a promise of publication, it is a good sign.
MARGINS- This is a simple item which often confuses newer writers. A margin is simply the white space surrounding the words on a page. General margin requirements for writing are one inch around. Some agents or editors will have different numbers and those numbers should be respected when corresponding with them.
MASS MARKET PAPERBACK- Smaller paperback books which are commonly carried at "market" places. Mass Market paperbacks are found at airports, grocery stores, department stores, and other such businesses.
MORAL FICTION- A type of fiction meant to imply a moral message. Can be a novel or as simple as a fable or tale
MULTIPLE SUBMISSIONS/QUERIES- This is when an author has several different projects and query the same publisher/agent for each one.
MULTI-GENRE ELEMENTS- This is descriptive of a work which has two or more genre elements involved. These are sometimes shunned by mainstream publishers and more accepted among independent/smaller publishers. Some examples of these are: paranormal romance, suspenseful mystery, horror mystery, romantic action, romantic comedy, paranormal adventure, et.
NETWORK/NETWORKING- The simple act of making acquaintances. This is usually done through many areas, on-line or at seminars. When you network, you introduce yourself and your work to other writers.
NICHÉ PUBLISHER- Smaller publishers who handle a specific genre or type of book. They are normally very selective and only handle what they say.
NOVELIST- A writer who makes a career from novels.
NOVELLA/NOVELETTE- A semi-novel of around 20,000 to 50,000 words in length.
"ONE-NIGHT-STAND" AUTHORS- Another term for a single-book author. This is the individual who simply wants to write, "The Great American Novel," and never write again.
Note: This may be seen as a waste of time for professionals. Agents sometimes frown upon a single-book author. They want authors who will write for years and produce multiple works. They want clients they can form professional, and lucrative, relationships with.
ON-LINE PRESENCE- This is promoting yourself or your work on-line.
OUT-OF-PRINT- This is the term used by publishers. Normally larger publishers will give an author a certain amount of time to make impressive sales. If these sales aren’t achieved, they will stop manufacturing the book. It will become, "out-of-print."
PAPERBACK- These can divided into numerous categories. Mainly: Trade, Commercial, and Mass Market. For all simple purposes, a paperback is a novel with a paper cover.
PAYS WITH COPIES- This notes that a company does not pay with cash. They give their writers the credit plus a certain number of free copies.
PITCH- The process of "giving," the details of a work. When you query an agent, you "pitch" your novel. When your agent contacts an editor at a publishing house, they are, "pitching" your work to them/
PLAGIARISM- The illegal behavior of copying someone’s work in order to pass it off as your own. This is a Federal offense.
PLAYWRIGHT- One who writes plays.
PLOT- A plot is the main story of your novel. The smaller conflicts and struggles are called, "sub-plots."
POD- Publish On Demand- This can be a very troublesome publishing industry for writers. A book is stored on computer file, and when an order comes in, the book is printed and packaged. This method of publication is covered in this book. Thanks to technology, the instances of this problem are diminishing.
Note: If you locate a POD publisher you are interested in, check with the BBB and throughout the internet for complaints or information. Also, visit book stores online to see what general prices their books sell for.
POET- A person who writes poetry.
POV- Point-of-view. It is imperative that you maintain a consistent point-of-view in your work. This includes the perspective and remaining with the chapter’s main character.
PR- Public Relations- This is the general term for promoting a book and/or author. PR companies handle all promotion needed to advertise. Many authors dabble in this field to promote their own work.
Press Releases- Formal letters to media outlets for major announcements.
Profiling- Character/Personality- Profiling is creating an entire background for your characters. It is often encouraged, however shouldn’t be totally depended upon. Many writers simply need to keep a notebook for notes on their characters. This can be helpful, or harmful depending on your style.
PROMOTION- Advertising. See, "PR." This is the term used to describe the advertisement of a written work. When you self-promote, you promote your own book. Some of the terms used within this area are:
PUBLISHING HOUSE- Major publishers of New York and California. Publishing houses are the purveyors of such authors as Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Judith Krantz, and Mary Higgins Clark among all the mega-authors.
QUERY- A formal inquiry to agents and/or publishers. Queries are your introduction and should be formatted concisely and efficiently. When you correspond with a professional, and ask them to represent/publish your work, it is called a "query." If there are any regulations or rules., follow them. A query should always be a single page in length and extremely concise.
READING FEES- An unethical practice used by many dubious individuals in the publishing industry. This is the charge to "read" or "evaluate" your book.
RELEASE DATE- When your book is scheduled to be in bookstores and/or ready for sale.
REJECTION- The technical term for when your material is turned down. You are rejected.
Note: It should also be stated that all rejections are not negative. Many agents and editors, when crossed with a manuscript they feel has potential, will offer assistance and instruction. At no time should you scoff when a professional offers constructive advice for free. It is an honor because your work had to make an excellent impression for them to give their time.
RESPONSE TIME- How long it will take for you to hear a response from the agent/editor you are writing. These times vary and should be respected.
REVIEWING- The process of reading a book and composing an essay-like piece on your opinion. Book reviewers are often sent free books.
RE-WRITE- This is simply re-writing. When you do a re-write on a written piece, you are literally re-constructing and improving. Many major authors do 20+ rewrites of the same book to get it perfect. This can be your own undertaking, or it can be prompted by an agent or editor.
Note: Any major re-writing should be done on your own part. If an agent/editor tries to charge you for re-writing to, "bring it to industry standards/quality/etc." Drop them. If they want a major re-working of your material, volunteer to do it yourself with their suggestions
RIGHTS- This is a massive area for a writer to get into. As an author of the work, you hold all rights to it. As the piece becomes published, companies will ask to hold certain "rights," to your piece.
Note: Ex. If you have a published novel and the publisher requests all publication rights for five years, that means you can’t have the work published any where else for five years. If you attempt it, or ignore the clause, you will have a court battle for breaching the contract. Some of the penalties can be to repay all royalties and/or advances made to you by the publisher. The area of rights if often hazy to authors and should be explored. There are domestic rights which pertain to the United States or your respective country, foreign rights for any other country. Electronic rights for Internet or computer file publication, and promotional rights to promote your work in any way they see fit. The list grows as you go deeper into the topic. While it is often monotonous and difficult, examine your options and know what is and isn’t legal.
Note #2 : Be very careful when approaching a publication which requests, "all rights." By agreeing to such a restriction, you permanently turn-over any and all rights to your own work. This is a non-reversible action. Do you really want to turn over your written work forever? You will never have any rights to the piece again.
ROYALTIES- This is how an author receives payment. With smaller publishers, royalty payments will begin early because there is no advance given to them. With large publishing houses, royalty payments don’t begin until the company receives the advance back from book sales. Royalties differ with publishers and can be as little as seventy-five cents per book to one dollar a fifty cents per book. Payment occurs differently with each publisher. Some pay their authors once a month while the majority pays twice a year.
SAMPLE CHAPTERS- This is the term normally used for the first three, consecutive chapters of your work. An agent or publisher will initially request these to gain a knowledge of your ability. Often, they ask for sample chapters with your query.
SASE- General publishing for a self-addressed, stamped envelope. This must be included with correspondence to literary professionals. This is a mandatory item for any query package.
SCHOLARLY TEXT- Fiction or non-fiction directed at individuals of college level reading. This is most often found in text books, manuals, and reference information for course- related materials.
SCREENING EDITOR- The editor that all queries and manuscripts go through at a publisher. Normally, their identity is not public and they evaluate all material before it reaches the main editorial staff.
SCREENWRITER- A person who authors television productions. Shows, commercials, or movies are all considered "Screen" projects.
SELF-PUBLISHING- The practice of publishing your own material, yourself. Self-publishing has made many authors very contented with their writing. It should be noted that promotion for a self-published book is dependent upon an author’s ability to promote. Bookstores do not carry self-published books, the best bet a self-published author has is a large home office and money to invest in promotional materials.
SETTING- The area or location of your story. Where you book takes place.
SNAIL MAIL- This is a term used in all industries to describe postal mail.
SONGWRITER- A person who can write both music and lyrics to accompany one another.
STAFF WRITER- This write appears regularly with a publication. This position guarantees that you will have at least one article with every issue. You name will be in the section with editors, designers, and publisher. It is a lasting credit that stands as long as you are with the company. Staff Writers are commonly paid either by the word or on a salary.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES- The set rules and regulations an agent or publisher publicly posts for potential writers. Respect these when contacting.
SUBMITTING- The process of sending queries to editors and agents.
SUBSIDY PUBLISHER- See Vanity Publisher.
TRADE PAPERBACK- This is the proper term for a fiction paperback from a publishing house. Also called, "commercial fiction."
TRIMMING/POLISHING/EDITING- These terms are used for correcting and improving a written work. You trim excessive words, improve action, and give the book or work, "life."
UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS- Another subject which this book covers. When you send an unsolicited manuscript, you send your entire book without prior permission or request. This is an extreme action which is frowned upon by most in the professional writing world.
UP-FRONT FEES- These are fees and charges set up by scam artists in the industry. This is any charge to you before the sale of your work. If you pay them, why should they work for you?
VANITY/SUBSIDY PUBLISHER- A publisher which normally makes extreme and outlandish promises to authors. These companies are generally bad news to writers and should be avoided. Their prices are outrageous and your book will not find it’s way to a bookstore through them. More detailed information is available later on in the book.
Note: Vanity/Subsidy publishing should not be confused with epublishing. They are two separate areas.
WORD COUNT- How many words are in a novel or other written work.
WRITER- Can be used for both authors and freelance/staff writers.