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. 

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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.
Diacope
The repetition of a word or words in a sentence, with other words dropped in between; used for emphasis or to enhance a description.   A more extensive list of literary terms, with quotations from fiction and non-fiction sources showing the terms in use, is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)  © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
 
Direct obejct
Noun or pronoun in the predicate of a sentence that receives the action of the verb, such as the ball in She hit the ball.   A more extensive list of grammatical terms is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)  © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
 
Dissonance
An arrangement of cacophonous or discordant sounds to create a harsh and jarring effect.   A more extensive list of literary terms, with quotations from fiction and non-fiction sources showing the terms in use, is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)  © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
 
Distribution
When books (often via a distribution company that deals with orders, shipping, revenue and returns) are transported to bookstores; e-books are distributed by online retailers for sale.