Article Quickie: Freelance Writing Jargon

Deadline

These are those all important dates that you never miss. It’s when an article is due, when the editor wants it in and when excuses will be tough to take.

Dek

A quickie summary of what an article is about, it usually is placed in the table of contents or under the article headline.

Editorial Calendar

The theme and publishing calendar for a publication. Most print publications have calendars set far in advance, some as far as six months which is important to remember when sending queries. Writers also use an editorial calendar to schedule their work and organized deadlines, blog posts, etc.

Feature

The yummy, meaty articles that are ‘featured’ in the main part of the magazine. These articles are longer and are an impressive feather in the cap of any writer.

FOB (Front of Book)

Newbie writers are always told to aim for the smaller front of the book (magazine). These articles are shorter pieces designed to get a writer’s feet wet with the publication. Front of the book is sometimes used interchangeably with filler which are short pieces, but they can be located throughout the magazine.

Ghostwriter

The silent voice that gives the zing to a piece without byline credit, but earns the income. Often writers sign a confidentiality agreement with their clients and the terms vary from project to project.