Writer's Glossary: Masthead

Masthead (N)

A masthead is a list, usually found on the editorial page of a newspaper or magazine, of the members of the newspaper's editorial board. If no editorial board exists, the masthead will often feature a list of top news staff members. Some mastheads also include information such as the publication's founding date, slogan, logo and contact information.

Online publications often have what could be considered mastheads on the "about us" or "contact us" pages. However, some online publications still call such pages its "masthead," probably a homage to the newspaper industry.

Source: Wikipedia


1. (Also called flag.) A statement printed in all issues of a newspaper, magazine, or the like, usually on the editorial page, giving the publication's name, the names of the owner and staff, etc.

2. (Also called nameplate.) A line of type on the front page of a newspaper or the cover of a periodical giving the name of the publication.

Source: Dictionary.com

Writer's Glossary - Query

Query, Query Letter (N)

(1) a one page letter to an editor pitching a proposed non-fiction article.
(2) a pitch to a director for a screenplay.
(3) a letter to an editor for a novel usually accompanied with a synopsis and sample chapters.

Source: www.writefromhome.com

A query letter "pitches" an article or book idea to an editor to see if that editor might be interested in purchasing the proposed or completed manuscript.

Source: www.thescriptorium.net

An inquiry from a writer to an editor of a magazine, newspaper, etc., regarding the acceptability of or interest in an idea for an article, news story, or the like: usually presented in the form of a letter that outlines or describes the projected piece.

Source: dictionary.reference.com

Query (V)

The act of writing and submitting a query letter.

Source: Brian Westover