jaclyncrupi 's review for:

Toni at Random: The Iconic Writer's Legendary Editorship by Dana A. Williams

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This was so interesting and is great reading for publishing nerds like me. The research offers incredible detail into Morrison’s editorship and the role she played and impact she had on black American writing. I loved seeing her editorial work at a structural and line level as well as her involvement in design and marketing. The ways she fought for and championed her authors but also chastised them is delightful. She did not tolerate nonsense. The book showed a surprising amount of miscommunication between Morrison and some of her authors. Some of her sarcastic letters are glorious. I loved seeing the way she navigated the many institutions that stood in her way. That she did all this with two young children at home and while writing her first three novels is mind blowing. This is the portrait of a true old school publisher and I loved it though I imagine the level of detail will be too much for a general audience. Also, no acquisitions meetings!