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. 

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.
Sample assessment
In self-publishing, this is often free and can refer to when the author receives a sample of the editor’s work (eg. examples of their comments on two to three pages of the author's manuscript), so that the author can decide whether to purchase that editorial service. It can also refer to when editors assess a sample of the author's work to see what service suits the author's writing best.
Self-publishing providers
Companies which provide editorial, design, marketing, distribution and e-book services for authors.
Upper Middle Grade
Middle Grade fiction can be broadly split into two terms: Upper and Lower. Upper Middle Grade fiction is normally for 9-12 year olds and usually has a higher word count and might touch on more mature themes. Example of Upper Middle Grade fiction include The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundell, Some Places More Than Others by Renée Watson, The Island At The End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, and As Brave As You by Jason Renyolds.