BOTNS Podcast #129: Editors as Curators?

May 16

BOTNS Podcast #129: Editors as Curators?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:20 — 18.1MB)

Inspired by the retirement of a legend in the publishing world, we examine the concept of editor as curator. And author Chris Bohjalian, live from the BOTNS Retreat.

The announcement that legendary Random House editor Bob Loomis was retiring was met with many a statement like “it’s the end of an era.” The New York Times ran a lovely tribute to Bob. Loomis is the long-time editor of Maya Angelou, William Styron, and many many others. This inspired us to talk about the role of editor in bringing books to readers. Many people who are not close to publishing think that editors spend their days correcting grammar and spelling. We examine the larger role that the editor plays in the book world, i.e., that of curator. And we want to know: are you interested in learning about the editor of your favorite books? If you knew that some of your favorites were acquired for publication by a single editor, would that make you likely to search out other books that they acquire? It’s a topic of debate in publishing circles, and we’d love to know what you, the reader, has to say. (Editors, if you’re reading, we’d love to hear your take on it, too!).

This episode also features Chris Bohjalian, recorded live at the Books on the Nightstand retreat in April. Chris’ latest book, Secrets of Eden, is recently out in paperback, and Chris tells us some funny stories from his book tour adventures. He also goes into great detail about the research that he’s done for his upcoming novel, The Night Strangers, which will be published this fall.

[image: Some rights reserved by Martijn Nijenhuis]

http://jaynesbooks.blogspot.com/ Melissa W.

I read the first bit of Secrets of Eden; I really enjoyed it and I hope later on to read it.
http://www.christineseifert.blogspot.com Christy

Interesting discussion, as usual. Ann & Michael, you are my reading heroes.

I never used to pay attention to editors of books until I went through the process with my own YA book (due out in September). My editor played a huge role in shaping the story, which made me realize just how influential and important editors are. They’re the ones who make good stories better. (Agents are important for that too, of course.). Writing is really a group effort. If I love a book, I want to know who the editor was. Chances are I’ll love all of his/her collaborations, no matter who the author!
http://www.booksdistilled.com Brooke (Books Distilled)

What an interesting question. I recently did an interview with Da Chen, and he told a story about writing his novel Brothers. To make sure there was balance, he and his editor printed the manuscript with the two different perspectives in different colors, and pinned them to the wall. Then they made notes regarding who needed more and less in which sections. I had never thought of editors having such an active role before–I’m not sure why! Now I want to read a “collection” of books edited by the same person! How can you find such a list?
http://www.notenoughbookshelves.com/ Alexa

I love when you tell us more about your jobs! I never even thought about editors etc until I started blogging. Now I would definitely search out books by the same editor of books I loved, if it were possible.

I also adored Chris’ tal about The Night Strangers, which is now on my TBR list. Thanks for sharing it with us.
http://www.subliminalintervention.blogspot.com Dreamybee

I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that people don’t care about editors because they don’t really know what they do. Until recently, I couldn’t have told you what editors did other than copy editing and perhaps moving bits of the story around. As you pointed out, I’ve oftern heard of movies by “the director of…” or “from the producer who brought you…”, but I’ve never had anyone say to me, “Oh, you should read ____; it was edited by the same person who edited ______.” What a happy discovery it would be if I found out that some of my favorite books were all associated with the same editor! Finally, a better way to weed through all the possibilities (unless, of course, all of my favorite books are from different editors)!
Jackie

What a great discussion! I think if more people knew what the editor did they would follow and want to read more of the books they have cared for. Working at a bookstore for as long as I did, I always looked for authors under one editor-you knew if you liked the one, then the rest would be good and it may not necessarily have been a story you would normally pick up. I have always looked at Ms. Talese as one to follow and now the last year I am half way through books from Amy Einhorn.
Would love to hear what Editor’s have to say!
http://age30book.blogspot.com Heather J.

I meant to bring up this topic at out dinner in NYC this past week and I totally forgot about it! I think it would have been interesting to hear what all the bloggers at the table had to say about editors and their influence …
http://silentsgirl.wordpress.com/ Graceann M

When I fall in love with a book, it never surprises me to find that the editor was the late and still lamented Tay Hohoff, who edited Eugenia Price’s books and the inimitable To Kill a Mockingbird. Now that she is gone, I must admit that I don’t pay the kind of attention I should to the editors working today, except in a negative “how did this terrible thing make it off the slush pile?” sort of way.
Sarah Kelly

I never knew I should care until listening to your podcast! I will begin researching immediately, mostly for ideas for books to check out (ooh, accidental library pun!).

I love your ‘cast. Please keep talking!
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/member.php?149063-coachoutletolv Royal Seay

I just given this onto a colleague who was doing just a little analysis on this.
Tiffani

As you noted in the podcast, readers do not pay attention to editors because they don’t know what they do. If readers knew more about editors and the editing process my guess is for some, this would factor into their reading habits. I sometimes search for new books by looking at the imprint or publisher, so searching by editor wouldn’t be a far leap.