Publishing Terms Dictionary

Understanding The Language Of Publishing

The publishing world has its own language. Understanding common terms helps authors make informed decisions and ask better questions.

Agent

A professional representative who helps authors navigate publishing opportunities and relationships.

Advance

A payment a publisher may provide to an author before royalties are earned.

Book Proposal

A document that presents a nonfiction book idea, often including:

• •Book overview
• •Audience
• •Author background
• •Market information
• •Chapter summaries

Manuscript

The written version of a book before publication.

Publisher

A company that produces, publishes, and distributes books.

Query Letter

A professional introduction used to present a book project to agents or publishers.

Rights

The legal permissions connected to how a creative work may be used, published, or distributed.

Royalties

Payments an author may receive based on sales or use of a published work.

Submission

The process of sending a manuscript or publishing materials for consideration.

Traditional Publishing

A publishing path where an author partners with a publishing company that selects and invests in a project.

Independent Publishing

A publishing path where an author takes a more active role in bringing their work into the world.

Hybrid Publishing

A publishing approach that combines elements of independent publishing and professional publishing support.

Publishing language should help authors feel informed, not overwhelmed. The Harbor exists to help you understand your options and discover your next step.