Glossary

Query-Specific Terms

Query Letter:

A one-page document (typically 250-350 words) sent to literary agents to pitch your book and entice them to request more materials and offer to represent you as an author and help get your book traditionally published. Here is our free query letter checklist to make sure you are including all the necessary information that literary agents will be looking for.

Blurb:

A brief description of your book included in your query letter. The purpose of the blurb is to convey what your story is about in a way that entices the agent to want to read more (often your sample pages that you are also submitting to them). Think of it like a preview for your book — so you may introduce characters, parts of the plot, what the stakes are, etc. Just make sure you don’t give away too much. The blurb should make up most of your query letter.

Hook:

The engaging, original, and compelling opening of your query that captures the agent’s attention.

Comps:

Comparative titles used to position your book in the market. Ideally these are recently published. These are important for the agent to figure out where your book fits in the market. For example it helps them figure out what demographic or audience will buy the book, what book stores would hold the book, and how big the book could be.

Simultaneous Submission:

Sending your query to multiple agents or publishers at the same time. We generally recommend that you first try and query agents in a tailored and individual way.

Manuscript-Related Terms

Partial:

A portion of your manuscript requested by an agent after reading your query.

Full:

The complete manuscript requested by an agent.

Synopsis:

A detailed summary of your entire story, including the ending, often requested alongside the query letter.

Word Count:

The total number of words in your manuscript, an important detail to include in your query.

Agent and Submission Terms

Literary Agent:

A professional who represents authors and their work to publishers. Literary agents help you get a book deal to get traditionally published.

Submission Guidelines:

Specific instructions provided by agents or publishers on how to submit your work. You can usually find this on the agents website or third party resources like QueryTracker, QueryManager, or Publishers Marketplace.

Slush Pile:

The collection of unsolicited manuscripts and queries received by agents or publishers.

Request:

When an agent asks to see more of your work after reading your query.

Reporting Time:

The duration it takes for an agent to respond to your query or submission.

Publishing Industry Terms

Genre:

The category or style of your book (e.g., mystery, romance, literary fiction).

Market Comparison:

Describing your book in relation to existing successful titles.

Platform:

An author’s existing reach and influence within their target audience. This can include your Blog, Youtube, Goodreads, Twitter/X, Bluesky, Threads, Reddit, Facebook Groups, Newsletter, In Person audience, etc.

Proposal:

A comprehensive summary of a proposed book, typically used for non-fiction works.

By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the querying and submission process with confidence. Remember to always follow the specific submission guidelines provided by each agent or publisher you’re querying.