Book Terms to Know Before Self/Trad Publishing
Will continuously update. Last updated: May 2025.
ARC: Advance reader copy – a special edition of the book printed before the release date, may still need finalizing edits. Meant for creating marketing buzz.
CNR: Closed No Response, when a query has been sent for long enough with no response to be considered an auto pass
Contemporary Fiction: A book that takes place in the present day, typically lacking in a genre. Centers around a protagonist’s everyday life: work, relationships, and modern day struggles
Literary Fiction: Contemporary fiction but considered to have some sort of artistic value—typically character-driven and introspective, it’s meant to engage the reader in a personal or social commentary.
Magical Realism: A real world setting with magical elements. Typically, the magic in the world is unusual and a cause for concern for its inhabitants.
Manuscript: An unpublished piece of writing.
MG: Middle grade. Books targeted at readers 8-12
Monomyth: Another word for the Hero’s Journey
MS/MSS: Manuscript or manuscripts
MSWL: Manuscript Wishlist—a list of an agent's next “want to reads”, look under #MSWL on any social media, or the MSWL website to find.
New Adult: For readers just beyond young adult containing college-aged protagonists written in the commercial style of YA.
Literary Boutique: This is what small agencies tend to call themselves instead of saying "small". Usually they are very selective about their clients but are also able to give a lot more attention to each individual.
R&R: Revise and resubmit—the agent is interested in your work but needs a hefty revision before they can really consider it.
SFF: Science fiction and fantasy
Speculative Fiction: Umbrella genre of fiction that breaks away from reality—can be fantastical, supernatural, futuristic, or otherwise imaginative.
Upmarket fiction: contains the lyrical writing of literary fiction with the plot-focus of genre fiction. AKA bookclub fiction
Urban Fantasy: Subgenre of fantasy that places supernatural/magical elements in a contemporary, urban setting.
Women’s Fiction: An umbrella term for books targeted towards a female audience—typically about female issues or struggles. AKA Chick-Lit
Young Adult: Targets readers aged 12-18 with characters around the same age. Most typically a coming-of-age story.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Psst... Did you know I launched a website?)
Head on over to www.gatesannai.com (or click here!) for exclusive blog posts, updates on my work, and pictures of my dog.
While you're there, consider signing up for my newsletter too :-)
