The TGEP Publishing Encyclopaedia
A free, structured and continually expanding knowledge resource for writers, authors, publishers, students and publishing professionals.
Explore the complete journey from the first idea for a book to writing, editing, publication, distribution, readership and a sustainable author career.
Publishing should be understandable
Every writer deserves access to clear, responsible and practical information about how books are written, assessed, edited, produced, published and brought to readers.
Publishing knowledge is often scattered across commercial websites, personal opinions, incomplete articles and technical documents written for industry specialists. New authors may encounter unfamiliar terminology, contradictory advice and promises that do not explain how publishing actually works.
The TGEP Publishing Encyclopaedia brings this knowledge into one connected and accessible resource. It follows the complete life of a book, beginning with the formation of an idea and continuing through writing, revision, submission, editorial assessment, contracts, production, publication, distribution, marketing and long-term authorship.
Its purpose is educational rather than promotional. Traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, independent publishing and self-publishing are explained without presenting any single model as universally suitable.
The TGEP editorial promise
Articles are developed for clarity, depth, neutrality and practical usefulness. Wherever publishing practices differ by country, organisation, contract or publishing model, those differences are acknowledged.
Four levels of publishing knowledge
Each resource has a defined purpose and is connected to related subjects throughout the website.
Cornerstone Guides
Comprehensive guides covering major publishing subjects and the complete author journey.
Complete Guides
Detailed examinations of specific stages, disciplines and professional publishing practices.
Focused Answers
Direct answers to the questions writers and authors most frequently ask.
Reference Resources
Glossaries, directories, opportunities, checklists and literary reference material.
A connected account of how books come into the world
Writing, editing, rights, design, production, distribution and marketing are often explained as separate subjects. In practice, they form one continuous process.
The encyclopaedia therefore explains each subject while also guiding readers towards the earlier decisions, later consequences and related professional practices that give the subject its full meaning.
“To organise publishing knowledge into a clear, trustworthy and freely accessible resource that helps writers understand both the creative life of a book and the industry through which it reaches readers.”The TGEP Publishing Encyclopaedia
Start with the stage that matters to you
Choose the pathway that reflects where you are now, then follow the connected guides as your work develops.
Begin with an idea and build a workable manuscript
Learn how to develop an idea, understand genre, plan the book, create an outline and begin writing with direction.
Explore writingEvaluate, revise and prepare your work professionally
Understand manuscript evaluation, developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, proofreading and formatting.
Explore editingUnderstand publishers, submissions and publishing models
Compare publishing routes, prepare a professional submission and understand what happens after a manuscript reaches a publisher.
Explore submissionsDevelop readership, visibility and professional continuity
Learn how platforms, websites, newsletters, launches, media and long-term planning support a continuing body of work.
Explore author careerExplore the divisions of the encyclopaedia
Each division contains cornerstone guides, supporting articles, focused questions and reference resources.
Writing
Ideas, planning, outlining, structure, chapters, first drafts, revision and manuscript development.
Explore WritingStorytelling
Plot, character, dialogue, voice, point of view, setting, conflict, tension, scenes, pacing and endings.
Explore StorytellingEditing
Manuscript evaluation, developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, proofreading and editorial workflows.
Explore EditingPublishing
Publishing models, manuscript submissions, publisher evaluation, proposals, query letters, advances, royalties and contracts.
Explore PublishingBook Production
ISBNs, metadata, cover design, typography, typesetting, printing, binding, paper, formats and production standards.
Explore ProductionRights and Publishing Law
Copyright, publishing agreements, permissions, licensing, subsidiary rights, moral rights and rights reversion.
Explore RightsBook Marketing
Launches, reviews, social media, publicity, interviews, newsletters, campaigns and reader discovery.
Explore MarketingAuthor Career
Branding, platforms, websites, newsletters, media kits, speaking, literary awards and long-term career planning.
Explore Author CareerPublisher Knowledge
Editorial standards, acquisitions, manuscript assessment, publishing operations and the responsibilities of publishers.
Explore Publisher KnowledgePublisher Directory
Publishers organised by model, genre, geography, language and submission status.
Explore PublishersLiterary World
Literary agents, agencies, magazines, festivals, book fairs, competitions, residencies, grants and translation opportunities.
Explore Literary WorldReference Library
Publishing terminology, focused questions, practical checklists, submission references and structured answers.
Explore ReferenceBegin with the principal guides
These resources provide the broadest introduction to writing, publishing and the professional development of a book.
How to Write a Book
A structured guide to ideas, planning, outlining, drafting, revision and manuscript completion.
Read the guidePublishing Models
Understand traditional, hybrid, independent and self-publishing before choosing a route.
Read the guideHow Publishers Evaluate Manuscripts
Learn how publishers examine concept, writing, structure, audience, market position and publication potential.
Read the guideFind a Publisher
Identify appropriate publishers and assess whether their list, model and submission requirements suit your manuscript.
Read the guideEditing Processes
Understand the sequence and purpose of developmental editing, line editing, copyediting and proofreading.
Read the guideAuthor Career
Build visibility, professional identity, readership and a long-term body of work.
Read the guideDirect answers to common author questions
Focused articles explain individual concerns clearly and connect readers to the larger publishing subject.
How the encyclopaedia is developed
Every page is intended to strengthen a coherent, reliable and continually improving publishing reference.
Complete
Each article addresses the full reader question, not merely a narrow keyword.
Accurate
Terminology, processes and distinctions are explained carefully and responsibly.
Neutral
Publishing models and professional practices are explained without concealed commercial preference.
Connected
Articles link to related stages, concepts and consequences across the publishing journey.
Practical
Guidance is written to help readers make informed and usable decisions.
Human
Complex publishing language is explained in clear, direct and readable prose.
The life of a book as one continuous process
The knowledge map shows how creative, editorial, commercial and professional decisions are linked.
Creation
- Ideas
- Genre
- Planning
- Outlining
- Drafting
Story and Structure
- Plot
- Character
- Dialogue
- Point of view
- Chapters
Editorial Development
- Evaluation
- Developmental editing
- Line editing
- Copyediting
- Proofreading
Publication
- Submissions
- Publishing models
- Contracts
- Rights
- Royalties
Production
- ISBN
- Metadata
- Cover design
- Typesetting
- Printing
Readership and Career
- Distribution
- Marketing
- Reviews
- Author platform
- Long-term career
Find the publishing knowledge you need
Begin with the Knowledge Library, explore the Publisher Directory or submit your manuscript to The Good Earth Publishers for consideration.