An understated or ironic figure of speech in which an idea or thing is emphasised by rejecting its opposite, for example ‘You won’t be sorry’ to convey satisfaction or pleasure.
A more extensive list of literary terms, with quotations from fiction and non-fiction sources showing the terms in use, is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
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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Litotes
Main clause
Clause in a sentence containing a finite verb form and capable of standing alone as a complete sentence.
A more extensive list of grammatical terms is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
Malapropism
The misuse of words for humorous effect, named after Mrs Malaprop in R. B. Sheridan’s The Rivals (1775).
A more extensive list of literary terms, with quotations from fiction and non-fiction sources showing the terms in use, is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
Marketing
Involves creating strategies, promotional and preview material (including BLADs) for sales teams to use, organising advertising and representation to the intended market and distribution channels including booksellers. It can involve social media campaigns.
Metanoia
An exaggerated or extreme statement lessened or undermined by a successive statement which suggests a changed mind or a calmed emotion.
A more extensive list of literary terms, with quotations from fiction and non-fiction sources showing the terms in use, is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021