I love these takeaways! I haven’t always been a big re-reader myself, but this year I read a couple of books twice in fairly quick succession—most memorably Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino—and I can confirm that it was a lovely experience.
Do you have e a tip for where to find a books editor? Is it possibly listed in the book consistently one location or is online or (hopefully) acknowledgements the best place to look?
Editors are (almost) always thanked in the acknowledgements, but I don't think it's always as easy as "I'd like to thank my editor ____." So I think sometimes it requires some Googling of names and digging on the publisher's website to locate them. I wish there was a clearer acknowledgements page!
I guess this helps you know who the editor is after the fact but then how do you know when an editor has a new book published? Do most have social media or do you look on the publisher’s websites?
Ahhh. Good question! No it’s very difficult to find out who the editor is beforehand. Some are on social media and share what they’re working on but I think this is something I will have to be proactive about by asking the publicity team what the editor has coming out each year or getting on specific editors’ mailing lists. Which is not something the general reading public can do and that’s too bad!! I would love for publishers to be more communicative about who is working on what.
I started tracking editors this year and it is fascinating! I have found that there is a pattern to which books I like that connects to certain editors,
I found that if I read the acknowledgments, the editor will be mentioned, This becomes tricky if you are doing an audio book, as acknowledgments will not always be included. So I just look at a hardcopy for that information.
I'm answering both as a novelist and a reader. I always, always thank my editor in the Acknowledgments and I don't know any serious, good writers who fail to do this. As a reader, too, I always read the Acknowledgments because I'm also interested in what authors say about who helped them: agent, first readers, other novelist-friends, etc.
I like all the points but these are the ones I would like to incorporate into my reading
Keep considering how books are “in conversation” with each other.
Read more nonfiction and read it better.
Read (and respond to) more book reviews and literary criticism.
Ten years ago, I started regular reading and got hooked on nonfiction. Years later, I found my sweet spot—contemporary literary fiction, ideally less than 250 pages.
Now it is time to start reading more non-fiction.
Do any of you know where I can get into literary criticism?
Reading and considering that books are in conversation with each other has been in the back of my mind but up to now I've only wanted to read as much as possible and try different themes out (rather than writing styles, genres, or paying attention to authors)
I love these takeaways! I haven’t always been a big re-reader myself, but this year I read a couple of books twice in fairly quick succession—most memorably Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino—and I can confirm that it was a lovely experience.
Yes to editors!! I’ve found that I’ve loved every book I’ve read that was edited by Jennifer Jackson at Knopf!!!
Great tip on looking at Editors more!
Just came here to say that I love all of these intentions. So thoughtful and a more intentional, mindful approach to my reading is so needed.
Team Book!!
Do you have e a tip for where to find a books editor? Is it possibly listed in the book consistently one location or is online or (hopefully) acknowledgements the best place to look?
Editors are (almost) always thanked in the acknowledgements, but I don't think it's always as easy as "I'd like to thank my editor ____." So I think sometimes it requires some Googling of names and digging on the publisher's website to locate them. I wish there was a clearer acknowledgements page!
I guess this helps you know who the editor is after the fact but then how do you know when an editor has a new book published? Do most have social media or do you look on the publisher’s websites?
Ahhh. Good question! No it’s very difficult to find out who the editor is beforehand. Some are on social media and share what they’re working on but I think this is something I will have to be proactive about by asking the publicity team what the editor has coming out each year or getting on specific editors’ mailing lists. Which is not something the general reading public can do and that’s too bad!! I would love for publishers to be more communicative about who is working on what.
Thank you. And as a reader I’d agree about a clear statement about the editor. Editors deserve their flowers explicitly!!
YES!
I was just coming here to ask this!
I started tracking editors this year and it is fascinating! I have found that there is a pattern to which books I like that connects to certain editors,
I found that if I read the acknowledgments, the editor will be mentioned, This becomes tricky if you are doing an audio book, as acknowledgments will not always be included. So I just look at a hardcopy for that information.
I'm answering both as a novelist and a reader. I always, always thank my editor in the Acknowledgments and I don't know any serious, good writers who fail to do this. As a reader, too, I always read the Acknowledgments because I'm also interested in what authors say about who helped them: agent, first readers, other novelist-friends, etc.
I’m feeling called in so many of these same directions, especially engaging more with nonfiction and engaging with criticism!
I like all the points but these are the ones I would like to incorporate into my reading
Keep considering how books are “in conversation” with each other.
Read more nonfiction and read it better.
Read (and respond to) more book reviews and literary criticism.
Ten years ago, I started regular reading and got hooked on nonfiction. Years later, I found my sweet spot—contemporary literary fiction, ideally less than 250 pages.
Now it is time to start reading more non-fiction.
Do any of you know where I can get into literary criticism?
Reading and considering that books are in conversation with each other has been in the back of my mind but up to now I've only wanted to read as much as possible and try different themes out (rather than writing styles, genres, or paying attention to authors)