Here lies a list of random publishing/writing terms. If there are any terms you'd like to see on here, email them to me at seesarawrite(at)gmail.com.
Alpha reader: The first reader (or round of readers) after a manuscript is complete. Usually used to point out overall story inconsistencies.
Auction: When a book sparks interest in multiple publishing houses, a bidding war ensues. A very good thing.
Beta reader: The second reader (or round of readers) after a manuscript is complete. Usually used to point out more specific story issues.
CP: Critique Partner
Deals
Nice Deal: $1-49,000
Very Nice Deal: $50,000-99,000
Good Deal: $100,000-250,000
Significant Deal: $251,000-499,000
Major Deal: $500,000+
FTW: For The Win
MC, protag: The "Main Character" of a book
MG: Middle Grade, or the type of books aimed at older children to preteens.
ms, MS, manu, or other insane variations of Manuscript: The written content of an author's book
Preempt: When an editor buys a ms before an auction starts or to stop it from going to auction. Another very good thing.
Query: A letter to a literary agent meant to entice them to read and ultimately represent your book. Usually consists of a short, one-paragraph book summary and any writing credentials.
SASE: Self-addressed stamped envelope
Snippet: A "teaser" from a book
Syno: Synopsis
Synopsis: A short, usually one-page, summary of your novel
WIP: Work-in-Progress
Wippet: A "teaser" from a WIP
YA: Young Adult, or the type of books aimed at teenagers