Jan 13 2009
A Poetry Listing Of Terms
Photo courtesy of www.britishcouncil.org
There are so many different terms we need to know as poets and writers that I thought I would list a few here in hopes that it may help you with your writing and publishing endeavors.
Acknowledgments Page - A page in a poetry book or chapbook which lists the publications where the works were originally published.
Anthology - A collection of poetry or writings by several different artists.
Bio - A biographical statement that many publishers request with submissions.
Camera Ready - Poems which are submitted exactly as they are to appear in print.
Chapbook - A small collection of poetry set in a book of 20 to 40 pages.
Contributor’s Copy - A copy of the magazine where a poet’s work appears and is given as payment to the author.
Cover Letter - An introductory letter sent along with a poet’s submission to a publisher.
Digest Sized - A 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 sized publication.
Ezine - A magazine published online.
Galleys - The first typeset version of a poem, magazine, book or chapbook.
IRC - International Reply Coupon for returning a manuscript to other countries.
Magazine Sized - A 8 1/2 x 11 sized publication.
ms - manuscript and mss - manuscripts.
Multi Book Review - One book by an author or several books by different authors reviewed as one piece.
Offset Printed - A printing method in which the ink is transferred from an image bearing plate to a blanket then from the blanket to the paper.
Online Magazine - A magazine circulated throughout the Internet.
Pays In Copies - When a publisher pays for your work by sending you copies of the magazine in which your work appears.
Perfect Bound - Publication with glued spine and is also called “flat spined.”
Press Run - The total number of publication copies printed at one time.
Previously Published - Work that has already been published elsewhere.
Print On Demand - Publishing method which allows publications to be printed when requested rather than in one single press run.
Publishing Credits - A list of the poet’s magazine, book and chapbook publications.
Query Letter - A letter sent to a publication for a proposed project or a letter requesting information.
Reading Fee - A monetary fee charged by a publication to read a submission without obligation to accept the work.
Royalties - A paid percentage to the poet from books sold.
Saddle Stitched - A publication folded then stapled along the fold. Also called Saddle Stapled.
SAE - Self Addressed Envelope
SASE - Self Addressed Stamped Envelope
SASP - Self Addressed Stamped Postcard
Simultaneous Submission - Submission of the same manuscript to more than one publisher at the same time.
Subsidy Press - A publisher who requires the poet to pay all costs for publication. Also called a Vanity Press.
Tabloid Sized - 11 x 15 or larger as a newspaper.
Unsolicited Manuscript - A manuscript which the published did not specifically request.
If you have any further questions regarding these terms please contact me by leaving a comment.
Thank you.
Very informative, thank-you
It’s always such a pleasure reading your posts. And if speculation serves me, I’m praying for an extraordinary year for all us well… let 2009 bring our musings to fruition.
Warmest wishes…
A nice short list for people looking for the publication of their poetry, though it lacks any actual literary terms, the language of the publishing business should be helpful to some.
moonsilk - thank you for reading and commenting
sarabella - Thank you and yes I totally agree
devinpedwards - Thank you it is meant to help new poets with terms.
This is great. I have so much poetry but I am a bit chaotic, not in touch with the terminology, just like a wild rose in the Dessert.
yan - lol I like that a wild rose in the Dessert. You are poetic…
Michelle - You are welcome. Thanks for stopping by.