Another Key to Writing Success
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by Carol Boles
The kids are older and you’ve made a pledge to write on a regular basis and unlock the writer who’s been inside of you for years. Great! Now’s a good time to learn the jargon used in writing, as well.
Here’s an alphabetical list of frequently used terms you’ll need to know, and will hear, when the publishing world opens up to you:
ADVANCE - A sum of money a publisher pays a writer prior to publication.
ALL RIGHTS -The rights contracted to a publisher permitting the use of material anywhere and in any form, including movie and book club sales, without additional payment to the writer.
BOOK PROPOSAL - A package submitted to a publisher for consideration which usually consists of a synopsis, outline and sample chapters.
BUSINESS-SIZE ENVELOPE - A #10 enevelope, standard size used in sending business correspondence.
CLIPS- Samples of a writer’s work, usually from magazines or newspapers.
COPY - The actual written material of a manuscript.
COVER LETTER - A short letter introducing the writer, usually accompanying a manuscript.
ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION - A submission of material via e-mail or on a computer disk.
HARD COPY - A printed copy of a manuscript.
IIMPRINT - Name applied to a publisher’s specific line of books.
MS - Abbreviation for manuscript.
OUTLINE - A summary of a book’s contents, usually in the form of chapter headings, with several descriptive sentences under each heading -an overview of a book.
QUERY - A letter to an editor or agent, written to grab interest in an article or book you have written or propose to write.
RESPONSE TIME - The average length of time it takes an editor to accept or reject a manuscript.
SASE - Abbreviation for self-addressed stamped envelope.
SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSION - Sending your manuscript to more than one publisher at a time.
SLUSH PILE - Editor’s term for their collection of unsolicited manuscripts.
SYNOPSIS - A brief summary of a story or novel.
TEARSHEET - A page from a magazine or newspaper containing your printed story, article or poem.
UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPT - Material sent without an editor’s request.
For a more comprehensive glossary of writing terms, go to www.writersmarket.com. The hardbound version of this guide is available at major book sellers.
Keep on writing!
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