In the publishing world, there are scores of acronyms specific to the language of that world. Here’s are two perfectly legitimate sentences:

Last week, I finished my WIP (work in progress) and had it printed into an MS (manuscript). In a couple of months, I’ll copyedit the MS before drafting a QL (query letter) to send off to potential LAs (literary agents).

Another one is R & R. When I first saw this acronym, I thought, “Well it’s about time we writers are offered some sanctioned rest and relaxation.”

Nope. It means “Revise and Resubmit.”

While I didn’t read those exact two letters in an email I received from an LA, the language was just suggestive enough that I dared to clarify. When I did, she wrote, “Of course we are always willing to take another look at a manuscript after substantial revision, and I do hope you will be in touch when you’ve had a chance to take another look at it.”

This morning, Rob’s note in my coffee cup read: “Your readers will appreciate your editing.”

I like both his optimism (referring to my “readers,” who have yet to materialize) and his scolding (as I hear, “Get to editing, my dear wife, today.)

Off to yoga, then back to tackle a “substantial revision” to MPO.