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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Co-edition
The publication of a book by two publishing companies in different countries, where the first company has originated the work and then sells sheets to the second publisher (or licenses the second publisher to reprint the book locally).
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.
Copyright
The legal right, which the creator of an original work has, to only allow copying of the work with permission and sometimes on payment of royalties or a copyright fee. An amendment to the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988) states that in the UK most works are protected for 70 years from the creators' death.
Deep structural edit
Involves checking and reviewing the content, structure, plot, dialogue, flow, characterisation and clarity of a text.
Developmental edit
This is often done in textbook publishing. The development editor may help the author to decide on an outline and scope of the book, and suggest to the author ways to improve the structure, presentation and writing style.