Lead - What Is Meant by Lead? Lead time?

Definition: When a publisher or editor asks for a certain lead or lead time, or describes a magazine's "lead," they are simply describing production and print schedules for their particular title. For example, if a writer is pitching an article on the winter holidays, the advertised lead time may call for this article to be pitched in the middle of summer. Yes, some magazine do indeed work that far ahead of schedule in planning their issues! Lead time can often be found on the Submissions page, or listed in the Writer's Market.