Slush pile

In publishing, the slush pile is the pile of manuscripts sent in unsolicited by the publisher, or not sent through an agent known to the publisher. Most are generally rejected.

Sifting through the slush pile is the privilege of young, first-jobbing assistants to the Editors. If they find something interesting there and can persuade a Commissioning Editor to consider it, they may get some credit for themselves, especially if it is subsequently published and sells respectably.