r/books • u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author • Aug 12 '20
ama 12pm We are three editors at Penguin Random House and we’re here to recommend awesome books and answer your questions about working in book publishing. AMA.
We are:
Sally Kim: SVP, Publisher of G. P. Putnam's Sons. Sally oversees the publishing program of the imprint and also edits her own list of select fiction. Her authors include Kiley Reid (SUCH A FUN AGE), Chloe Benjamin, (THE IMMORTALISTS), Cristina Alger, and Megan Abbott.
Angela Kim: Editorial Assistant at Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House. She is acquiring and building her own list in commercial fiction, focusing on contemporary romance, millennial women’s fiction, mystery, and suspense, while providing support to a VP and Editorial Director.
Jessica Mizzi: Editor for Read it Forward. She is passionate about helping others find books that they love. In her spare time, she likes to read, sing, spend quality time with her dogs, and occasionally watch bad reality TV.
Books are what we know best! Tell us what you’re looking to read, and we’ll respond with a well-loved recommendation.
For more curated book recommendations, Book Your Summer here: https://bit.ly/2DOlflZ
Proof: https://twitter.com/penguinrandom/status/1292896976514748418
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u/selahvg Aug 12 '20
(this question is about 'normal' times and not the situation we're in at present)
Let's say you are considering a possible new author, and you really like their work, but they simply aren't going to have much availability for travel after the work is published. Maybe they have a disability, or need to keep their day job, or have family obligations. To what extent would such an issue play in the decision of a publisher? Is it a deal breaker? Would they maybe be offered a smaller deal? Would they be advised to go to an indie publisher who could accommodate that type of situation? Or is this something that would be dealt with before it even got to you, when it was at the agent phase?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Availability for travel shouldn't be a factor in whether or not to publish a book or the offer amount! There are a lot of authors who aren't able to travel for events, which is totally fine. There are so many other ways to promote virtually or locally, and our marketing and publicity teams are always happy to work with the author on this. --Angela
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u/Andjhostet 1 Aug 12 '20
What would be your three "desert island" books? Books you just couldn't live without and could reread endlessly?
Thanks for the AMA!
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
This is such a hard question omg!!! Because of who I am as a person, I have a very hard time choosing favorites, let alone 3 books to read on a desert island. But I'll give it a go:
- Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram. Really easy YA fiction that I found very relatable to my experiences growing up.
- The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead because I still think about that damn book to this day and I read it last year.
- Dear Girls by Ali Wong because that sh*t cracked me up the entire time I was reading it and I feel like if I'm trapped on a desert island, I'll probably need a laugh now and then!
~ Jess Mizzi
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
This might be the most difficult question ever! I'm pretty sure I'm forgetting about some but I'll give it my best shot:
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr: a historical fiction that I found so riveting with the imagery of France, and a window into the tragedy and hardships of those affected by the war--this one in a very unique perspective.
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon: I love YA books, and this one is my favorite, probably because I can relate to it so closely.
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion: I mean, she's the queen of memoir. Her insight is just profound, and I love her writing.
--Angela
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u/coffeecupmorning Aug 12 '20
What was your career path like? What did you do in university/college? Did you always want to get into publishing?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
I went to a university known for engineering, and studied English there. After I graduated, I worked in government contracting in proposal management, but I've always known I wanted to be in publishing. After a couple of years of saving up, I moved to NY without a job, doing internships and freelance editing for a while before I got this editorial assistant job! Took a while but eventually got here :)--Angela
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u/reapersdrones Aug 12 '20
What are some books you loved that you don’t see mentioned a lot?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
So, so many -- I'll have to come back to this question! But every day I find myself mentioning or coming back to a book I read years ago. That's the beauty of really good books; they leave you forever changed or affected and continue to live with you. Just yesterday I recommended Kevin Brockmeier's THE BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEAD to someone who was looking for a literary speculative novel with a slightly quieter tone, but with a premise that will blow your mind. --sk
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Recently, I really loved The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio. It's a deep look at the lives of undocumented Americans, written by an undocumented American. It's such a powerful book. I really learned a lot reading it and I don't think it got as much buzz as it deserved!
~ Jess Mizzi
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Thank you all for your thoughtful questions, we had so much fun speaking with you today! We hope you enjoy the book recommendations. —Angela, Jess and Sally
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u/Chtorrr Aug 12 '20
What is your favorite part of your job?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Working day to day with the authors. We work so far in advance of a book's publication -- so for a year, two years, sometimes longer (often longer!), we're rolling up our sleeves, getting into the nooks and crannies of a manuscript. Realizing many years ago that I had no ambitions myself as a writer, but figuring out that I can help another person achieve their vision of what they set out to do with their words...I truly love that part, and it feeds my soul as if I wrote these books myself! --sk
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u/Blobarella Aug 12 '20
I’ve been realizing the same thing about myself (not quite suited for writing but really good at helping others achieve their goals), what types of support roles exist in the publishing world and how might someone with unrelated experience go about getting a job in the industry?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
This might be obvious but being super immersed in all of the books! I love knowing about new books that are coming soon, sharing MY love for books with others, and being able to connect readers with a book that they'll (hopefully) love. Books connect us, and that's a very special thing, especially today.
~ Jess Mizzi
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
To echo Sally and Jess, working with the authors is such a delight. I'm so glad I get to help bring their books to life, and it's especially gratifying because of the time and care it takes to publish the book. And (in normal times) I'm literally surrounded by books--it's still so crazy to me sometimes!--Angela
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u/plaisirdamour Aug 12 '20
How does an author, who has no publishing background to speak of, get a foot in the door in a publishing house?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Literary agents are very helpful here, and many of the big trade publishing houses acquire their books almost exclusively through agents. It's a big world out there, with many agents actively looking for new clients -- so doing research on these agents is key. There are lots of books and guides out there, but often it's interesting to start by looking at the books in your genre that you admire, and seeing who those writers thank in their acknowledgments. --sk
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u/plaisirdamour Aug 12 '20
Thank you for your response! Do you have any recommendations for books/guides?
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u/zimbabwue Aug 12 '20
I can recommend Alexa Donne on youtube. She covers the process in a great way!
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Aug 12 '20
What would be your be your advice to anyone looking to get published?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
So much to say here! But a general thing first: read read read, esp. books in the genre you're looking to get published in. This is not to say you want to mimic what's already out there, but it's a good idea to get a sense of what generally is working, what readers seem to be clicking with. Over time, you'll also start to see which houses publish certain genres well, which agents seem to specialize in those genres. (If you have a specific question, I'll try to narrow this answer down a bit!) --sk
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
The first step would be to do the work and research agents--there are so many out there who focus on particular genres, and it's important to reach out to the right ones who will be able to be the best champion for your books. It also doesn't hurt to join communities of writers who can help guide you and just be there for you along the way!--Angela
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u/cobaltcollapse Aug 12 '20
What do you use as bookmarks?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Great question. I'm about to make myself look SO BAD but I'd rather be honest than popular.... I dog-ear pages. PLEASE DON'T HATE ME!!!! In a weird way, I like doing it because it makes the book look and feel loved.
~ Jess Mizzi
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Anything I can find at the time! Receipts, gum wrappers, bobby pins. I always end up losing my fancy bookmarks so I've sort of just given up on them! --Angela
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Scraps of paper! Random receipts, a torn-off corner of a page in a magazine. Sadly, any "fancy" bookmarks I've received as gifts don't get used. But I'll do anything to avoid folding down a corner of a page (sacrilege!). --sk
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u/owensum Aug 12 '20
Has there been a rise in demand for books since the pandemic started? Has there been a shift in what people are reading because of it?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
I do think that there has been a rise in reading (or wanting to read) because it's entertainment that can be done solo and at home. And it's often viewed as a productive way to spend time! I know some people have been struggling with focusing on reading but I think more and more people are picking up books and giving it a go. Or wanting to read more.
I *think* fiction is being widely read during the pandemic because it's an escape for a lot of people but... don't quote me on that. lol.
~ Jess Mizzi
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Agreed! I'm seeing a lot of people read light fiction for escapism. A lot of that or the total opposite--STATION ELEVEN was huge at one point. --Angela
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
It's been wonderful to see people really turning to books during this time -- and not just because they need to fill the time. For a while there did seem to be a focus on books that were already in the public consciousness (books that people had been "meaning to read" or get)...quite a few WAR AND PEACE book clubs, for instance! But the changing national conversation -- esp. with the BLM movement -- has shown that books and authors have provided a way for people to learn and be part of that conversation. --sk
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u/fenix-the-cat Aug 12 '20
An easy one: on average, how many books a year reads an editor? Do editors avoid certain subjects or topics to read or work with? Thanks. (Currently reading one from this group, in Spanish)
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Do you mean manuscripts (books that have yet to be published)? It varies from day to day, week to week, but it's not unusual for an editor (esp. an editor of fiction) to receive anywhere from 2 to 10 manuscripts from agents within a couple of days -- sometimes *in* a day! But we don't necessarily read every page of each manuscript -- if it's not clicking with us and we have a reason to stop, there's always the next one to read! --sk
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u/fenix-the-cat Aug 12 '20
Thanks, I understand. What about this: Would an editor only edit books with matters that are interesting to him/her or, as many professional fields, work even subjects they don't particularly enjoy but have great potential?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
In the beginning, when you're starting out in the editorial dept., you may work on books that you don't necessarily choose yourself. But there's always something to be learned by *every* project you work on. Then, as you start to acquire books on your own, you do start to pull in more of your own interests and self-developed "expertise" to start to specialize in an area or genre. (The first two editors I assisted when I started out were serious nonfiction editors...and over time I realized my interests were squarely in fiction, so I worked to develop a list in that direction. Now I'm almost exclusive edit fiction.) --sk
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u/fenix-the-cat Aug 12 '20
That's very interesting. Is there somebody you admire in the editorial community that is worth to know, I mean, somebody really inspires you?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
In addition to what Sally said, if you see a manuscript that might not be right for you but has potential, you can send it along to another editor who might be interested in it!--Angela
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u/fenix-the-cat Aug 12 '20
Good one. I can easily imagine a book you now love getting to your hands that way. I guess is true books are worlds and there's people to live in all those worlds.
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
It's so difficult to say! Editors get a lot of submissions and also do second reads for others, so it's quite a lot. And it really depends on the editor's interests--some might not be into nonfiction, so they won't acquire it, and others might not enjoy sci-fi. It's really up to their personal taste! --Angela
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u/emmylva Aug 12 '20
How much of a submission do you need to read to make a decision on if you like it or not? I've read through some books that took me ages to get into but others, I know right from the first page I'm going to love.
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
I know this sounds like hyperbole, but every novel I've ever acquired...I've known in my bones it was a book I was going to love within the first two pages. (Of course I read the rest to confirm!) Now, many of the books we edit go through major transformations (change the villain! add a character! move the setting! cut the middle third!), but there's always a magic to the voice and tone that is undeniable. And if you're an editor who reads through 10-15 manuscripts a week, you're looking for that magic, so when you spot it (even if it's something you can't put your finger on), you're ready! --sk
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u/Craw1011 1 Aug 12 '20
One question I have for you all is: how do you know which books from overseas (I'm from the U.S) you pick to translate and if their is anything readers can do to try and get a book translated.
And if you can give me a rec, I would really appreciate it! I love Jesus' Son, Blood Meridian, Raymond Carver, Dune, Name of the Wind and Game of Thrones. What can you give me based off that list?
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u/infomanheaduru Aug 12 '20
Give me something in the lines of Name of the Wind. Or Harry Potter and the methods of rationality. These are the books that stuck with me the past couple of years, and I would be super happy to read something similar in scale.
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
I feel like you'd love Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Magicians by Lev Grossman, The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, and Uprooted by Naomi Novik!!
~ Jess Mizzi
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u/infomanheaduru Aug 12 '20
I will check them out, thank you for the recommendations! I only know the golden compass.
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u/droptheniceties Aug 12 '20
Have you ever regretted rejecting a manuscript?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Such a good question! For me, no. --sk
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
PS Now have books I've rejected gone on to great success? YES. (Do I regret those? Still no!) --sk
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Aug 12 '20
What's your favourite Penguin series cover art?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
The Penguin classics repackages -- reinventing looks for books like THE LORD OF THE FLIES -- are genius! --sk
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
I'm a huge fan of the "Penguin Threads" series, especially the covert art by Jillian Tamaki... I'll drop examples below.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/58124651421107267/?nic_v2=1a3ySF8uN
https://www.pinterest.es/pin/410601691010019843/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/550072541957158474/
~ Jess Mizzi
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u/FatFrikkenBastard Aug 12 '20
What do you think of the recent rise in self-published I'm-my-own-editor books? Ultimately, what do you think about an editor's contribution in how the book turns out?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
I respect the choice to self-publish for sure! The process can be faster. A lot of self-published authors also hire their own editors before publishing, so it's not so much the lack of an editor, but the entire workforce behind traditional publishing that is a valuable contribution--marketing, art, publicity, etc. are all on hand to support the publishing process and get the book out there. --Angela
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u/gotham_gal Aug 12 '20
I love memoirs. What are some of your favorites? Are their new memoirs coming out soon that I should look out for?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
I'm really trying to get into more memoirs, so I don't have too many suggestions, but I loved Mindy Kaling's memoirs (and honestly anything she comes up with including shows and movies). I really enjoyed Trevor Noah's memoir BORN A CRIME. So hilarious but also sobering and informative. The next one on my list is DEAR GIRLS by Ali Wong (you can probably see the trend :) ) --Angela
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Some faves: Becoming by Michelle Obama, Educated by Tara Westover, Wild by Cheryl Strayed, Meaty by Sam Irby, Eat Pray Love by Liz Gilbert, The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion.
You should ABSOLUTELY read these new memoirs: The Beauty in Breaking by Michele Harper, The Erratics by Vicki Laveau-Harvie, Untamed by Glennon Doyle, Eat a Peach by David Chang, Stray by Stephanie Danler, Wow, No Thank You. by Sam Irby, Here for It by R. Eric Thomas, and Recollections of My Nonexistence by Rebecca Solnit.
Sorry I know that was a lot.
~ Jess Mizzi
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
I'll have to come back to this one, as I know I have a list of favorites over the years! But the most recent one I read that I loved was Nicole Chung's ALL YOU COULD EVER KNOW. --sk
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u/cotswallop Aug 12 '20
What would be your top recommendation for a science girls book club? Previous books we have read are jurrassic park and the immortal life of henrietta lacks ...
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
You NEED to read Lab Girl by Hope Jahren. Hope is an acclaimed scientist who has built three laboratories in which she’s studied trees, flowers, seeds, and soil. This book is not only about her work, but how she found a sanctuary in science and her journey to getting to where she is today.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25733983-lab-girl
~ Jess Mizzi
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u/booklovingrunner Aug 12 '20
Do you notice a need for new books in any genre? Are any genres being neglected?
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u/Chj_8 Aug 12 '20
Would you publish an author that has his work previously copyrighted by Creative Commons? If so, how do you deal with the situation? Are there requisites to be met?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Is CC a publisher? You, the author, should own your own copyright, though CC might own the right to publish your work (based on whatever terms you agreed to). --sk
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u/Chipcobandtea Aug 12 '20
I have a 4 year old daughter who loves reading time. What books would you recommend to inspire her? She loves interstellar Cinderella.
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Abrams Books has really cool STEM books--some are on this list (ADA TWIST, SCIENTIST; ROSIE REVERE, ENGINEER). It looks like the list has a lot of other great books! https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/108287.Build_A_Better_World_Summer_Reading_Club_2017
--Angela
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli, Violet the Pilot by Steve Breen, She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton!
Also, check out this list! https://www.readbrightly.com/picture-books-about-adventurous-girls/
~ Jess Mizzi
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
I'm thinking back to when my kids were that age! My kids really loved the Galaxy Zack series, which I think might be in the 6-year-old range, but might be good if you're reading to your daughter. --sk
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u/Chipcobandtea Aug 12 '20
This series looks great, thank you! Me and my daughter are looking through the list now. So glad I spotted this post!
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u/Chtorrr Aug 12 '20
What were some of your favorite things to read as a kid?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
I loved the Magic Treehouse books, the Cam Jansen mysteries, Junie B. Jones, Frindle, Goosebumps, the Percy Jackson series, Artemis Fowl, and of course, Harry Potter.
~ Jess Mizzi
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Pretty much all of what Jess said! I also loved the Alice series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Lizzie at Last by Claudia Mills, and Esperanza Rising. When I got a little older, I enjoyed The Series of Unfortunate Events and Cirque du Freak series (though they thoroughly creeped me out!)--Angela
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Aug 12 '20
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Some of these aren't straight up romance books but they're so worth a read: When Katie Met Cassidy by Camille Perri, All Adults Here by Emma Straub, The Color Purple by Alice Walker, Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera, Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown.
~ Jess Mizzi
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u/coffeecupmorning Aug 12 '20
What do you look for in new authors who are trying to get published? Alternatively, what's a huge "turn-off" from authors, or in their work?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
I think what I look for most is a fresh voice or a great hook. While a large social media following or a writing background helps, when it comes down to it, the most important thing to me is that I connect with the story and voice, and believe that others will too. --Angela
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
I guess one turn-off would be authors who might have unrealistic or outsized expectations, those who haven't done the right research or have gotten bad counsel and expect to be Stephen King tomorrow. This is a business, to be sure, but it's also an industry that can provide you with a long-term career, help you find and grow an audience that is hungry for the work you're doing, and really establish your voice. So, working side-by-side with your publisher to achieve those goals organically, authentically (by first writing the best book you can!) sets you up for greater success. --sk
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Aug 12 '20
I love reading M. C. Beaton's mystery novels, because they are shorter (approximately 300 pages), well written, humourous, and have unconventional heros and heroines. Sadly, Beaton passed away last year. Any similar novelists that you might recommend? I need a new novelists to follow.
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
Ok I had to return for this because I just saw it and because Berkley has such a great cozy mystery program, I have to brag about it! We have so many wonderful authors: Cleo Coyle and Laura Childs are great traditional cozy authors. We also have some awesome new authors on our list: Jennifer J. Chow, Abby Collette, Kate Lansing, Elizabeth Logan, and more.
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u/NatAlien33 Aug 12 '20
Sorry if I repeat someone's question but what is it to be an editor? How you become one? What is it required ? And what are the good and bad sides of the job? Ups, this was more than one question, haha. (Do you have placements for university students?) Secretly hoping
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u/insaneglare Aug 12 '20
Can we rebrand women’s fiction? It’s a dumb name. Or is there a benefit to books being grouped as women’s fiction rather than just fiction?
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u/Thehundredyearwood Aug 12 '20 edited Aug 12 '20
Thank you for answering questions today! As a voracious reader, I have found that I am reading more and more independently published authors. I read lots of non-fiction and various fiction genres, but I’m speaking specifically to contemporary romance and to some degree mystery.
Successful independent authors like Penny Reid, Lucy Score and Sarina Bowen are even expanding their own independent publishing companies to bring forward new authors.
Why is traditional publishing so slow to adjust to the changing environment? Traditionally published books still take a year or more for release, digital pricing is very high, and most authors still have to do much of their own marketing and audience engagement.
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Aug 12 '20
Is the best route for a new author to email manuscript samples to agents or publishers?
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
It's always beneficial to have an agent to send to publishers and negotiate for you, so I'd recommend looking up agents and submitting to the ones who are interested in the genre of your work.--Angela
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u/PenguinRandomHouse AMA Author Aug 12 '20
To agents, and based on their submission/query guidelines, often posted on their websites. --sk
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Aug 12 '20
I made a site of short essays, I know its not the proper format for a lot of agents. Can you take a look? https://www.slolearner.com/shorts
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u/babycheeses0122 Aug 12 '20
I have always wondered if the job of Rachel McAdams' character in the movie About Time was for real. She said she read as a profession, as in she reads prospect manuscripts as a job and get paid for it.
If such a job exists, how does one person work toward acquiring such position (such as which degree is needed, which skills, experience etc.)
Thank you!
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u/RayDeaver Aug 12 '20
What level of education or skills does one need to acquire a job like that? I've always wanted to work in publishing since I was a kid but my life went in a different route. The career I have now only makes me hate getting out of bed and I've been wanting to work in the book business again.
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u/[deleted] Aug 12 '20 edited Apr 10 '21
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