Jackie as Editor

Jackie as Editor examines Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's two-decade career as a book editor in New York City. The book follows her transition from First Lady and public figure to her work at Viking Press and Doubleday. Author Greg Lawrence, who worked with Jackie on a book project, provides an inside view of her editorial process and relationships with authors. Through interviews with publishing colleagues and writers, he reconstructs her daily work life and the books she championed. The narrative traces Jackie's evolution from a newcomer in publishing to an accomplished editor who shaped numerous bestsellers and important cultural works. Her specific book projects and editorial decisions reveal her intellectual interests and professional approach. This biography illuminates a lesser-known chapter of Jackie Kennedy's life while exploring themes of reinvention and the power of books to shape public discourse. Her editorial career demonstrates how a highly public figure found meaningful work away from the spotlight.

Readers found this biography offers unique insights into Jackie Kennedy's 19-year publishing career through interviews with authors and colleagues. The book reveals her hands-on editing style, book acquisition strategy, and relationships with writers. Readers appreciated: - Personal anecdotes from authors who worked with Jackie - Details about specific books she championed - Behind-the-scenes look at publishing industry dynamics - Balanced portrayal showing both strengths and insecurities Common criticisms: - Repetitive stories and quotes - Disorganized chronology - Too much focus on celebrity gossip - Limited exploration of actual editing process Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (391 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (72 reviews) Sample reader comment from Amazon: "While fascinating in parts, the book needed better organization. The same stories appear multiple times and the timeline jumps around confusingly." LibraryThing review: "Good research but gets bogged down in name-dropping and society details rather than focusing on Jackie's editorial work."

Personal History by Katharine Graham The Washington Post publisher's memoir reveals parallel themes of a powerful woman navigating publishing and media circles while maintaining editorial standards.

An Editor's Burial: Journals and Journalism from The New Yorker and Other Magazines by David Brendel This collection presents the inner workings of magazine editing and publishing through the lens of post-war journalism.

Maxwell Perkins: Editor of Genius by A. Scott Berg The biography chronicles the career of Scribner's legendary editor who shaped twentieth-century literature through his work with Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Wolfe.

The Lady with the Borzoi: Blanche Knopf, Literary Tastemaker Extraordinaire by Laura Claridge The life story of Blanche Knopf illustrates how one editor's vision influenced American publishing while breaking gender barriers in the industry.

Another Life: A Memoir of Other People by Michael Korda Simon & Schuster's editor-in-chief recounts his experiences shaping manuscripts and working with authors during publishing's golden age.

📚 While working at Viking and Doubleday, Jackie Kennedy Onassis edited over 100 books during her two-decade career in publishing. 🖋️ Jackie's starting salary as an editor in 1975 was only $200 per week, a modest sum even then, as she wished to be treated like any other publishing professional. 📖 She was instrumental in saving Grand Central Terminal from demolition by helping to publish "Grand Central: Gateway to a Million Lives," which raised awareness about the building's historical significance. ✍️ Author Greg Lawrence worked directly with Jackie as one of "her" writers when she edited his book "Dancing on My Grave," providing him with unique first-hand insights into her editing style. 🗂️ Despite her fame, Jackie often worked in a tiny office and rode the subway to visit authors, maintaining a down-to-earth approach to her publishing career.