Glossary

We’ve curated a glossary of terms regarding all things writing and publishing related. From commonly-used terms to abbreviations, our glossary will guide writers and people starting out in publishing, to cut through the jargon and gain a better understanding. 

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Advance
Money paid by a publisher to an author before the book is published. The author usually does not receive any further royalties until the amount of the advance payment has been reached by sales of the book.
Advance Information sheet
A sales and marketing document which contains information about the content and format of the book, as well as key selling points, intended audience, promotions and reviews that is circulated to sales reps, potential retailers and customers.
B format
A medium sized paperback (129mm x 198mm), smaller than a trade paperback.
Commissioning editor
A person who asks authors to write books for the part of the publisher\'s list for which they are responsible or takes on an author\'s proposal directly or through an agent.
Crossover fiction
This is normally a YA (Young Adult) book which has potential for an adult readership, or vice versa. Recent examples include The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, Turtles All The Way Down by John Green, and How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff.