The Fractured & Abridged Dictionary of Writing & Publishing
Posted by Pat Detmer on May 6th, 2008
I've decided to take a break from my ongoing list of Things to Not Do Before You Die (if You Can Possibly Help It) by providing you with a handy guide through the sometimes arcane and terrifying world of publishing.
I've always loved the word contests in the Washington Post. This blog is a worshipful bow in their direction.
Thesoreus: Synonyms that sometimes leave a mark.
ScreenRighter: Writing wrongs, saving discerning viewers from harm.
Story Pitch: A dark, sticky, tar-like substance from which there is scant hope of escape.
Queer-ease: The nationwide acceptance of "Gay Lit."
Editore: Ripping the heart out of manuscripts and authors everywhere.
ManusCrips: A violent gang from the 'hood, made up of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and not too many adverbs.
Rejection Leader: Heavier than most mail, may require extra postage.
Six-figure Deal: Rare. Perhaps mythological.
"Czech Lit": Hot new niche. If it takes place in Prague and involves Manolo Blahnik shoes, it's in.
"Choc Lit": Hot new niche, best with a soft creamy center and sprinkling of nuts.
"Chic Lit": Hot niche, smart and elegant, but shallow. Very skinny books.
Publishers Weakly: The indicator that the industry has taken a downturn.
Book con tracked: Bloodhounds sent after escaped felons incarcerated for overdue library fines.
Jack 'et blurb: Itinerant backwoodsman explains what happened to the leftover blurb.
Book Reeding: Forget paper made from tree pulp. Papyrus, anyone?
Best Cellars: Bridget Jones' Basement
Harry Potter and the Box of Old Clothes
The Dark at the Bottom of the Stairs.
Book Sighning: "To Pete. Whatever."
Writers Confer Ants: A very, very tiny writers' advice group.
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