In Praise of Editors

A Vanity Fair article (November 2011) about Bob Loomis, who has just retired from 55 years as an editor at Random House, reminds me of the importance of editors. They do not often get the credit they should, except in the occasional brief acknowledgment at the front or back of a book. Loomis, for example, edited Maya Angelou’s 26 books, as well as books by Calvin Trillin, Edmund Morris, Shelby Foote, and more. He knew and respected the founders of Random House, the legendary Bennett Cerf and Donald Klopfer. Of course the publishing business has changed dramatically during those 55 years, so it is particularly enjoyable to read Loomis’ recollections of the early years in his job. Not everyone realizes how much editors do; the great work of some of our most famous writers would be much less great if they hadn’t had gifted editors. So in this post I would like to praise, thank and honor all the editors who have edited the books I have treasured, enjoyed, and learned from over the years. In addition, I want to say a word of thanks to the two wonderful editors who edited the books I have authored, co-authored, or co-edited: Thanks, Naomi S. and Kelly S.! You're the best!