Former Gourmet editor-in-chief and author Ruth Reichl is taking a job at Random House as editor-at-large. Reichl will have a dual role as author and editor at Random, and will acquire books and work with writers. Reichl’s first two books are her own, a “cookbook-slash-memoir” titled The Tao of Ruth, which was “inspired by Anthony Bourdain,” and a novel, Delicious! Random House Publishing Group publisher and editor-in-chief Susan Kamil will edit both those books.
Reichl said in a statement, “I’m especially excited to have the opportunity to participate in the future of food writing as both an author and a book editor. At Random House I’ll have the opportunity to connect to food lovers in print, and to participate in the ever-expanding digital world.” Kamil said, “I’m ecstatic to have Ruth as an author and a publishing colleague. In this one person there is a remarkable convergence of talent: Ruth is a brilliant storyteller and narrative writer, as well as an editor with the passion, knowledge, and intuitive understanding of what food lovers want to know. She will be an outstanding addition to Random House's publishing program.”
RHPG president and publisher Gina Centrello said Reichl will also be developing book projects with digital components, and said, “Ruth Reichl is one of today’s most beloved culinary writers. She has a sharp editorial eye for identifying talent and anticipating what is coming next.”
Condé Nast shut down Gourmet almost exactly one year ago.
