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Let’s dive into 55 common publishing terms, explained in a way that’s easy to follow and understand. By the end of this, you’ll feel more prepared to handle the complexities of the publishing world. 1. Manuscript. A manuscript is simply the term for a writer’s draft of their work. Whether it’s a book, article, or research paper, the ...

When trying to break into the writing business, you may notice a lot of jargon you don't understand. Learning these words and phrases will help you navigate your publishing journey. If you know all the phrases and words you need, things will seem less overwhelming and complicated. Publishing Jargon If you are new to publishing and don't recognize many of the words being thrown at you, you're ...

Glossary of Publishing Terms Acknowledgements – An optional component in a book, which can be inserted at the beginning or end of the book, where the author writes words of thanks to those who helped with the book. This may include literary agent, editor(s), fellow authors, book contributors, interviewees, family, friends, etc.

The highest-ranking editor in a publishing company or magazine, responsible for final editorial decisions. Option Clause: A clause in a publishing contract that gives the publisher first rights to the author’s next work. Royalty Statement: A detailed report from the publisher showing how many books have sold and how much the author has earned.

Herewith a handy glossary of terms used in publishing and in the wider writing community. Thanks to all the 12×12’ers, Rumpus Writers, and others for suggestions! Glossary of Publishing Terms. advance: A payment received when a book contract is signed, in advance of publication. The advance must earn out before the author or illustrator ...

Hybrid Publishing. A new publishing model that combines aspects of traditional publishing and self-publishing. There are many variations of hybrid publishers that allow for more author involvement, but it is important for authors to research any hybrid publisher in order to avoid illegitimate publishing deals.

In publishing terms, narrative nonfiction refers to a genre of writing that tells true stories using the techniques and narrative elements typically found in fiction. It focuses on real events, people, or places and presents them in a compelling and storytelling manner. Narrative nonfiction combines thorough research and factual accuracy with ...

KDP / Kindle Direct Publishing: Amazon’s self-publishing platform. Kidlit: A common colloquial term for children’s publishing. KU / Kindle Unlimited: Amazon’s book subscription service. Self-published books that give Amazon exclusive ebook rights can be enrolled in this system, in which authors receive payment based on number of pages ...

Publishing Terms A – Z. July 19, 2016 August 22, 2016. For those of you wondering about all the acronyms and lingo used in the publishing world, here are more than 60 popular publishing terms and definitions. I trust you already know your hardcovers from your paperbacks, so be prepared to learn some real publishing jargon. Have a word you ...

Publishing Glossary One of the hardest things about joining the publishing industry is learning all the jargon you’ll hear daily. Even though this might not seem important at the moment, you will need to understand this vocabulary if you want to perform your tasks efficiently. To help you, I have created a Glossary with the … Publishing Glossary Read More »

A glossary of terms for those who want to get their book published, work with books, or otherwise understanding the publishing industry. ... Home Resources for Writers Glossary of Publishing Terms. Glossary of Publishing Terms. The publishing industry is filled with specific terminology and lingo. While it isn’t hard to learn and no one will ...

PUBLISHING. Publishing Terms You Should Know. BY ANDREA MORAN • March 26, 2025 The idea of having a book published is often equal parts exhilarating and confusing. All the lingo and industry terms being thrown around can seem a bit overwhelming, but rest assured that it doesn’t have to be. Below are some of the more common words and phrases ...

Terms: Clauses in a contract, where agents want to ‘talk terms’; the time in which an invoice has to be paid; or the agreed Discount a publisher grants a bookseller or wholesaler. Territory: The part(s) of the world in which a book can be sold. The most common rights are UK & Commonwealth or World English.

Language is power, and to that end we at The Editorial Department have come up with a glossary of commonly-used terms and abbreviations in the book publishing industry. This is a quick, handy guide (in no particular order) to many of the terms that writers will come across during all stages of editing and publishing.

Master publishing lingo with this guide to 33 essential terms every author needs to know. From book royalties and literary agents to self-publishing and book rights, understanding these key concepts will help you navigate the publishing process with confidence and make smarter decisions on your journey to becoming a published author. Excerpt:

This publishing industry has a lot of terminology. Just like visiting a new country, if you don't understand the language, you'll get lost. ... Common Publishing Terms. ISBN—International Standard Book Number—this number specifies a specific work and the specific format that work is in. A hardcover book has a different ISBN than a paperback.

Keep in mind that some terms may differ slightly in their meaning depending on where you live. The terms listed below are some common ones you’ll encounter in publishing. Advance: The portion of an author’s royalties paid out in advance of revenues collected from book sales. Some publishers offer advances, others do not.

Now that we know all of these querying terms, let's talk about publishing terms used in book deals specifically: On submission: Once you have a literary agent and your agent is submitting your manuscript to publishers, you are on submission. Acquisition: This is the act of the publisher purchasing the rights to publish your book.

A publishing contract is a legally binding agreement detailing rights, royalties, responsibilities, and payments between author and publisher. Clarify payment terms carefully—typical royalties are around 7.5%–15% for print, 20%–50% for digital formats, and advances vary widely.