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. 

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.
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.
Edition
A quantity of books printed without changes to the content. A 'new edition' is a reprint of an existing title that incorporates substantial textual alterations. Originally one edition meant a single print run, though today an edition may consist of several separate printings, or impressions.
Editor
Someone who works with and determines the final text of a manuscript. They can also commission and acquire books and co-ordinate their publication.