Jun 01

BOTNS Books Podcast #80: A chat with editor Alison Callahan

By Ann Kingman Interviews, Podcasts Add comments

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 12:55 — 7.4MB)

This week we have a short chat with Alison Callahan, Doubleday Executive Editor, who describes the editor’s role in the publishing process, and gives us a peek at some of her current and upcoming projects.

Alison Callahan Doubleday editorDoubleday logo

While I was in New York City for Book Expo America (BEA), I had the opportunity to sit down with Alison Callahan, Executive Editor at Doubleday. I’ve mentioned Alison previously — she is the editor of my much-beloved Waiting For Columbus. She also edited The Swimming Pool by Holly LeCraw, which you heard about when I interviewed Holly in episode 72.

I spoke with Alison about the day-t0-day work of an editor at a major publishing house, and Alison shared some of her current projects with us: The Nobodies Album by Carolyn Parkhurst, The Tower, The Zoo and The Tortoise by Julia Stuart. You will be hearing more about these books from me in upcoming shows.

Alison also gave us a privileged sneak-peek at a project that she is currently editing. Belle Cora by Phillip Margulies is an epic book that Alison calls “an unbelievable novel.” There’s no publication date for it yet, so we’ll just have to wait for that one — I can’t wait to read it.

Michael and I will be back next week with tales of BEA and other fun things.

Thanks again for all of your enthusiasm about the Books on the Nightstand Weekend Retreat (April 8-10, 2011). We can’t believe the response! It’s still early, but if you are interested in learning more, or talking with others who are thinking about going, please check out the retreat thread at Goodreads.

  • Jackie

    Thanks for introducing us to Alison. It was a nice sneak peek into the job of an editor. As a booklover and bookseller, I believe an editors job to be hard, yet fun meeting famous people and finding that gem of a book people will love.
    I received an ARC of The Nobodies Album and loved it after only 10 pages! I like the storyline and am always a sucker for books about books.
    I am available to assist any editor in reading books for free!
    Ann and Michael, looking forward to your recap of BEA. I have attended twice when it was held in Chicago. It was my first 2 years as a bookseller 11yrs ago and was starstruck by the glamour of it all. It was great to get my hands on new and upcoming books that I couldn’t wait to share with fellow booksellers and customers.

    Have a great day!

  • Jackie

    Thanks for introducing us to Alison. It was a nice sneak peek into the job of an editor. As a booklover and bookseller, I believe an editors job to be hard, yet fun meeting famous people and finding that gem of a book people will love.
    I received an ARC of The Nobodies Album and loved it after only 10 pages! I like the storyline and am always a sucker for books about books.
    I am available to assist any editor in reading books for free!
    Ann and Michael, looking forward to your recap of BEA. I have attended twice when it was held in Chicago. It was my first 2 years as a bookseller 11yrs ago and was starstruck by the glamour of it all. It was great to get my hands on new and upcoming books that I couldn’t wait to share with fellow booksellers and customers.

    Have a great day!

  • http://www.booksonthenightstand.com Ann Kingman

    Thanks, Jackie, I’m glad you enjoyed the interview — and even happier that you are liking The Nobodies Album!

    I was at one of those Chicago BEAs, we probably crossed paths. Of course the show was probably twice as large then as it is now. But even though it’s smaller, it’s still just as exciting!

    Thanks for taking the time to write!

  • http://www.booksonthenightstand.com Ann Kingman

    Thanks, Jackie, I’m glad you enjoyed the interview — and even happier that you are liking The Nobodies Album!

    I was at one of those Chicago BEAs, we probably crossed paths. Of course the show was probably twice as large then as it is now. But even though it’s smaller, it’s still just as exciting!

    Thanks for taking the time to write!

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