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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Royalty statement
A statement document from a publisher showing the royalty amount due to an author.
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.
Serialisation
All or excerpts of a book can be published in a newspaper or magazine before publication (first serialisation rights) or after publication (second serialisation rights).
Slush pile
Unsolicited manuscripts that are sent to publishers or agents but may not be read.