Volume 272
Issue 42
11/03/2025
This year, members of the publishing industry nominated nearly 200 of their talented peers ages 40 and under for Star Watch. From these submissions, PW’s editors have selected the best of the best for recognition: 36 honorees, four finalists, and one superstar.
Jessica Anderson
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
Protect your passion. When a topic or a particular voice feels important, dig in. Every new book that goes on sale is an act of radical hope, not just from the author but from everyone who supported and worked on the project from inception to publication and beyond.
Anderson was nominated by Christy Ottaviano, VP and publisher at Christy Ottaviano Books, who describes the nominee as thoughtful, creative, and innovative. “In the last five years, her books—many of which spotlight under-represented voices—have received over 24 starred reviews and 40 distinct awards,” Ottaviano says. “Jessica is a role model among her peers, and a truly exceptional colleague who inspires me every day as a publisher.”
Janel Brown
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
As a teenager, when I first started imagining a career in books, I knew of just four roles—writer, editor, librarian, and bookseller—and I believed there was only one path to each. But publishing is a complete business, and the people in this industry do come from different experiences. You can work to createthe books; work alongside those who produce, distribute, or experience the books; and work with the systems or within the departments that sustain the bookmaking and the book-sharing. Consider opening yourself to multiple avenues. And when
you join the industry, greet everyone, ask questions, and learn all that you can.
Brown was nominated by Emily Walters, senior managing editor at Henry Holt & Company, Flatiron Books, Celadon Books, and Fablelistik Editions at Macmillan, who describes the nominee as intuitive, visionary, and collaborative. “Janel brings a refreshing thoughtfulness to her role of managing
editor,” Walters says. “Janel consistently shows an exceptional talent for collaborating with her colleagues across departments, and her infectious enthusiasm for the books Holt publishes makes working with her a joy.”
Charlotte Bryla
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
I think that the most valuable thing that someone who wants to join the publishing industry can do is to pursue the acquisition of new and varied hard skills that you can bring to the table. For the most part, we all share a mutual love of reading, but our skills and talents outside of the love of the content are oftentimes what best position us to bring new stories to readers around the world.
Bryla was nominated by Leigh Marchant, SVP and CMO at Hachette Book Group, who describes the nominee as forward-thinking, strategic, and determined. “In the relatively short time she’s been with Hachette,” Marchant says, “Charlotte has demonstrated not only an exceptional talent for strategic thinking and brilliant execution but also the kind of creative leadership and future-focused vision that has been a huge asset to the company.”
Dana Cuadrado
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Read as widely and diversely as possible. Keeping up with new releases feels like a simple recommendation, but knowing what is currently trending and what an imprint’s list looks like is invaluable. Being able to talk about the books you’re reading will help you in almost every sphere of publishing, whether it’s a job interview, department meeting, creating materials, or building your network of relationships.
Cuadrado was nominated by Estelle Hallick, senior director of publicity and marketing at Forever, who describes the nominee as innovative, collaborative, and energetic. “Dana is a true book enthusiast with amazing instincts, boundless energy when it comes to experimenting on marketing campaigns, and a heartfelt commitment to her authors and uplifting marginalized voices in this industry,” Hallick says. “She is a leader on Team Forever in so many aspects, deeply respected by her colleagues and also their biggest cheerleader.”
Leslie Calhoun
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Practice adaptability and hone an eagerness and willingness to learn and keep learning. Additionally, keep front of mind your passion and love for books and your motivation for why you do what you do. The daily grind of emails and admin work can often create tunnel vision, so it’s helpful to remember the joy of the bigger picture.
Calhoun was nominated by Susan Tjaden, VP and executive editor at Penguin Random House, who describes the nominee as creative, diligent, and collaborative. “Leslie single-handedly runs the day-to-day operation of an entire imprint, demonstrating remarkable reliability and a strong work ethic,” Tjaden says. “Despite having her art and production teams change three times in recent years, due to corporate reorganizations, Leslie has shown incredible adaptability by learning new systems and expectations with each new team.”
Jon Michael Darga
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
Be open to exploring new things, but most of all, find a path that excites and sustains you. I do not regret taking a first job in an area that was not for me, because it helped me figure out what I actually wanted to do.
Darga was nominated by Julianna Haubner, executive editor at Flatiron Books, who describes the nominee as creative, collaborative, a partner, and a champion. “Jon is a supportive peer and colleague, and the best ally an author could ask or hope for,” Haubner says. “He approaches his work with discipline and passion. He trusts his gut and finds—or helps to create—the books he wants to see in the world.”
Jess Davis
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
Seek out mentorship and community. Just like in life, surrounding yourself with people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and expertise will make you a better professional, leader, and employee. Remember that, generally, people are willing and eager to help. When you find that community, pay it forward and support others in their development and growth.”
Davis was nominated by Chris Bauerle, VP and general manager, books and consumer products, at Highlights, who describes the nominee as wise, dedicated, and inspiring. “Jess is as special of a human being as she is effective as a strategic marketer,” Bauerle says. “While her impressive accomplishments and effective leadership are key to the success of Highlights, it is her wisdom, empathy, bridge-building, dedication, and quiet confidence that makes Jess a true shining star.”
Bryce de Flamand
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Building relationships with other professionals from all aspects of publishing is important and might open unexpected doors. Additionally, don’t overlook building your skills in other professional areas such as business, marketing, SEO, data and analytics, or creative writing. Having a different and more holistic perspective can be invaluable.”
De Flammand was nominated by Lindsay Wilkes-Edrington, chief content officer at Blue Star Press, who describes the nominee as creative, collaborative, and composed. “Bryce has transformed
our design and production department since joining Blue Star Press in fall 2023,” Wilkes-Edrington says. “While her creative eye is exceptional, what truly sets her apart is the way she pairs artistry with strong management skills, meticulous attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to our team.”
Alexis De Weese
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Don’t be afraid to suggest new solutions to old problems. Publishing can find itself stuck when the solution-that’s-always-been is no longer serving. Have the courage to ask a strategic “what if we...” question and provide your perspective. You get to learn, and your voice may get to guide a new solution.
Weese was nominated by K.J. Ramsey, author of The Book of Common Courage, The Lord Is My Courage, This Too Shall Last, and The Place Between Our Pains, who describes the nominee as diligent, dedicated, and an innovator. “Alexis de Weese approaches marketing unlike anyone I’ve encountered in the publishing business,” Ramsey says. “Her approach is undeniably powerful and has personally shaped the trajectory of my entire author career. I nominated Alexis because her unique approach deserves recognition and because publishing houses and authors could so benefit from her human-centered, hospitality-driven approach to marketing.”
Cosme Del Rosario-Bell
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
I probably wish I could have told a younger me to trust myself, my instincts, and my interests more, and to let those drive. To be careful about making my job too much my personality, lest a work setback become an existential crisis. And probably, not to worry too much about the future, as things have a way of figuring themselves out, and the figuring out is what it’s all about.
Del Rosario-Bell was nominated by Steph Opitz, director of bookstore partnerships at Bookshop.org, who describes the nominee as curious, thorough, and kindhearted. “Cosme is a rare polyglot in the publishing space,” Opitz says. “He genuinely likes books and cares about getting them into the hands of readers, and he has helped to build a company that does that in a unique and effective way. Plus, he’s an absolute joy to work with.”
Kate Dilyard
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Be kind, be authentic, and speak up about what areas interest you the most. I came into the publishing industry in an unconventional way, but with the support and guidance of my manager and colleagues, I was able to carve a path for myself that fit my passions for marketing and working with authors.
Dilyard was nominated by Colleen Prendergast, associate director of audiobook publishing at Spotify, who describes the nominee as effervescent, tenacious, and kind. “With optimism and creativity, Kate has opened up new promotional pathways for authors that simply didn’t exist before,” Prendergast says. “She is helping shape the future of audiobook publishing. She’s not waiting for industry best practices to be handed down; she’s out there brainstorming new ones and leading the way on innovation in the book marketing space.”
Caolinn Douglas
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
Worry less! Editorial is an art, not a science, and just because you like a submission that someone else doesn’t, or vice versa, that doesn’t make you wrong about it. You will learn everything as you go; there’s no need to rush or overthink the process.
Douglass was nominated by Sarah Goldstein, executive and editorial assistant at Zando, who describes the nominee as a tastemaker, an uplifter, and authentic. “Caolinn is a true visionary,” Goldstein says. “Not only can she see learning and growth opportunities for herself but she constantly empowers her authors, colleagues, and friends to see them for themselves, too. She takes unprompted time out of her day to offer mentorship to junior employees and makes it her mission to uplift diverse, marginalized, and global voices through her acquisitions.”
Kait Feldmann
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
The longer you stay in publishing, the more illiterate you become in your free time, so make sure to fill your life outside work with things you love that have nothing to do with books! And be protective of your time—because you know who loves it when you work late, work weekends, and skip vacations? Burnout. She feeds off it. Don’t let her.
Feldman was nominated by Shelly Romero, associate agent at Azantian Literary Agency, who describes the nominee as eclectic, inimitable, and an advocate. “Kait is truly one of a kind,” Romero says. “She’s an incredible champion of BIPOC creators and has been from start of her career as an editor to her current work as an agent representing illustrators and author-illustrators. As a young assistant I looked up to Kait, and she was a fabulous colleague to be able to go to with questions.”
Pilar Garcia-Brown
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Don’t be afraid to send a cold email and talk to as many people as you can to broaden your understanding of the industry. You’ll learn that there are so many different ways to be a part of a book’s life; you could be the perfect fit for a job you didn’t even know existed.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
I would tell myself to ask lots of questions, to manage the little details but not get too bogged down in them, and to step away and read something you love when your brain feels foggy.
Garcia-Brown was nominated by Maya Ziv, VP and editorial director at Dutton, who describes the nominee as passionate, insightful, and sage. “Pilar’s list and taste is admired and envied across the industry,” Ziv says. “She has a unique and keen eye for mesmerizing novels and nonfiction that defy category; books that both capture our present and help readers grapple with the future. Whether it’s giving an author invaluable editorial collaboration and feedback to find the perfect version of their book or creating their dream cover, Pilar puts her heart and soul into her books and authors.”
Avani Goswami
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Trust yourself and be confident. Your passion for publishing and the genuine excitement you feel about books can go a long way. It might be intimidating to speak to those in the industry, but it’s worth it to take a chance on yourself and put yourself out there.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
Be curious! I would tell myself to learn all I can about the industry, from different people across teams. You can learn something from every person, no
matter the department or level. Listening to others and asking questions is super valuable.
Goswami was nominated by Carrie Bloxson, chief people officer at Hachette Book Group, who describes the nominee as engaged, personable, and trusted. “Avani has become a trusted HR colleague, praised by hiring managers for her professionalism, responsiveness, and the care she shows to employees, new hires, and candidates,” Bloxson says. “Her creativity is also evident in her work on the HBG Careers Instagram account, which has boosted our employer brand.”
Megan Green
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Community is so important! Network, find your people, and get plugged in.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
Remember to read for fun! Don’t just read what everybody else says to read. You got this!
Green was nominated by Madeline Perkins, a bookseller at Three Avenues Bookshop and business analyst at Marsh McLennan, who describes the nominee as smart, kind, and clever. “Megan is so passionate about books, community, and the place where those two intersect,” Perkins says. “She is an incredible team member, equal parts organized and kind and productive and fun. She is a talented bookseller and an amazing person.”
Genevieve Hartman
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
2025 is not an easy time to be working in publishing, but we have the best jobs in the world: uplifting the most exciting, daring, innovative new books being written today. We need you—your commitment to championing the voices of marginalized writers, your intelligence, your resistance, your tenacity, your hope.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
You will find a space for yourself. It might take a little while to carve out a place to belong, but you will.
Hartman was nominated by Emily Marquis, marketing director at Alice James Books, who describes the nominee as ardent, kindhearted, and resolute. “Gena is a rare soul, equally defined by her gentle spirit and devotion to community as by her ambition and zealous drive,” Marquis says. “It is this combination of qualities that makes her a true visionary—someone with the creativity and compassion to imagine new ways forward, and the conviction to carry them through.”
Julianna Haubner
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
Soak it all in. There are no dumb questions. Watch, listen, ask, contribute. Enthusiasm and hard work are never wasted, or unnoticed. And finally: this is a unique path you’ve chosen. The people who have chosen it with you will be your colleagues, your allies, your advocates, your foxhole companions, your sounding boards, your support system, and, most importantly, your friends. Keep them close.
Haubner was nominated by Jon Michael Darga, senior agent at Aevitas Creative Management, who describes the nominee as dedicated, passionate, and brilliant. “For my money, Julianna is peerless in the publishing industry for the depth of care, rigor, passion, and compassion that she brings to every author she works with and every project she works on,” Darga says. “From the very first time I met her over 10 years ago, she has lived and breathed a true and singular love of books and a true and singular dedication to making them, and the industry, better.”
Katelyn Hemmeke
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Don’t give up! I know that’s far easier said than done, given how difficult the job market is in general and how particularly difficult it is to break into the publishing industry. But you never know when the right opportunity will come up, so keep your eyes and ears open—as well as an open mind—and don’t talk yourself out of something before you’ve even applied.
W Hemmeke was nominated by Rebecca Taylor, editorial director at Inklore, who describes the nominee as collaborative, brilliant, and indefatigable. “Katelyn has rocketed into the publishing industry, quickly building one of the most impressive lists of webtoons in the U.S. marketplace,” Taylor says. “She quickly won the Inklore team over with her passion for Korean folktales, her unflappable work ethic, and a sense of humor that makes all hearts grow three sizes.”
Maddy Jackson
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
Everyone is just figuring it out as they go, learning through the wins and the losses. No one has all the answers all the time, and as long as you stay open to learning from your experiences—the good and the bad—you’ll be just fine.
Jackson was nominated by Alee Moncy, director of publicity at Storey Publishing, who describes the nominee as insightful, collaborative, and proactive. “Maddy is a tireless advocate for her authors, thoughtfully pitching them for the right opportunities and supporting their efforts well after their initial book launch,” Moncy says. “Maddy is a leader in our department, always collaborating with the team and connecting with new hires and interns.”
Rachel Jackson
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Read, watch, listen, and engage with anything and everything related to the industry as early as you can. Webinars, newsletters, panel discussions—these are all wonderful sources of information that can help you navigate the industry and know what’s occurring.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
The publishing and distribution landscape is continuously evolving, so embrace and explore changes and challenges.
Jackson was nominated by Joe Matthews, CEO of Independent Publishers Group, who describes the nominee as driven, confident, and trustworthy. “While Rachel might live in Texas, she stands out in the company as if she were in office every day,” Matthews says. “She goes above and beyond to take initiative, and I have been very impressed with her drive. Her detail-oriented nature and excellent communication skills solidify my confidence that she will have a very bright future in the publishing industry.”
Kourtney Jason
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
First, new technology is constantly changing the industry, so it’s important to be flexible and willing to learn new skills. Second, publishing is very much a people business: authors, editors, designers, publicists, journalists, booksellers, book buyers, consumers. You’re never too old for a mentor, so seek out those relationships and nurture them. Join professional groups and attend industry events. Invest in these connections and relationships early, as they can shape your career years down the line.
Jason was nominated by Abigail Monti, associate publicist at Quadrille, who describes the nominee as passionate, enterprising, and inspiring. “Kourtney Jason is more than a publicist and entrepreneur,” Monti says. “She’s a champion. Kourtney excels at what she does because she truly cares about her work, team, and mission of giving indie authors and publishers the spotlight they deserve.”
Rebekah Jett
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Be open to a variety of roles and departments. There are interesting things happening everywhere in a publishing house, and it’s important that you like your day-to-day. And if you read a lot of new stuff, read some old stuff. If you read a lot of old stuff, read some new stuff. Lastly, once you find a job, lean on people while you’re getting the hang of it. Ask questions when you’re struggling.
Jett was nominated by Kathryn Belden, VP and editor-in-chief at Scribner, who describes the nominee as kind, compassionate, and empathetic. “Rebekah is among the best young editors I have ever encountered,” Belden says. “Her ability to see the work and the author’s intent, to diagnose the strengths and weaknesses, and to communicate all of this to the author so it can be heard, well, it is exceptional. She’s a deep thinker and a deep feeler; she’s a great editor and a great colleague.”
Rachel Kanter
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Talk to as many people in the publishing world as possible—this is very much an industry of relationships led by passionate individuals who care about the people they do business with. Go to the trade shows, visit bookstores, ask questions, and send those cold emails. People in the book world are incredibly generous with their time, and they’ll be excited to share their experience with you.
W Kanter was nominated by Nick Petrulakis, general manager at Newtonville Books, who describes the nominee as passionate, trendsetting, and bold. “Rachel Kantner founded Lovestruck Books with a daring clarity of purpose: to carve out a space where romance is taken seriously as both literature and community,” Petrulakis says. “Rachel uplifts underrepresented voices; welcomes readers into an inclusive, joyful, gorgeous environment; and is reimagining how a bookstore can connect authors with their audience.”
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
Don’t twist yourself into knots trying to be or say the perfect thing. Solidarity with your coworkers will take you far. Trust your gut and your taste. Thereis no such thing as a “book emergency.” Turn off email notifications on the weekends. Reach out to the journalists and writers you love to get on their radars early, even if you’re not yet acquiring. Oh, and invest in non-book-related hobbies! You’ll thank me later.
Kupor was nominated by Jenny Xu, senior editor at Atria, who describes the nominee as visionary, bighearted, and ambitious. “It is so clear to everyone he meets that Ezra is in publishing for far more than just the books—he’s here to champion authors, colleagues, fresh ideas that could make the whole industry better,” Xu says. “You can trust Ezra to be putting his whole heart into making something into the best version it could be.”
Adam Z. Levy
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
I would say to read widely, across genres, across languages and cultures, books published by independent houses and corporate ones, and to look for ways to get involved with the agencies and presses behind the books you love. There’s a richness and diversity to the literature being published today, if you’re willing to look for it.
Levy was nominated by Ashley Levy, copublisher at Transit Books, who describes the nominee as bold, visionary, and a thought leader. “I nominated Adam because he has built and positioned Transit Books as an award-winning publisher and industry leader in a phenomenally short amount of time,” Ashley Levy says. “He’s responsible for the distinct visual identity of the press and its bold, original literary aesthetic.”
James McGowan
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Read everything. When you’re starting out, that means books for all ages and in all genres, but also industry articles, press releases, and newsletters. When you begin working in the industry, read the contracts and royalty statements, marketing plans, cover copy drafts, the emails your colleagues are workshopping, and so on and so forth. It’s the best way to widen and deepen your understanding of an ever-shifting industry.
McGowan was nominated by Samantha Fabien, literary agent at Root Literary, who describes the nominee as kind, collaborative, and detail-oriented. “James is a hardworking agent with experience working across multiple departments at his agency, who is always willing to lend his perspective and knowledge to other agents,” Fabien says, “whether it’s through causal agent groups or more formal mentorship programs.”
Carrie Napolitano
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. A lot of folks in editorial and publishing in general—myself included—are perfectionists, and as much as you want to tweak something until the end of time, at a certain point, you gotta let it be. That email has to get sent, that copy has to get in the system, that book has to get to press. Onward!
Napolitano was nominated by Libby Burton, VP and editorial director at Dey Street Books, who describes the nominee as vivacious, empathetic, and creative. “Carrie Napolitano understands the emotional and psychological work of editing better than many who have spent much longer in the business,” Burton says. “Her ability to bring the best out of writers and creators is nearly unparalleled, and that ability is her special sauce. She cares the most, she does the work, and she knows what it takes to move a manuscript from ordinary to the next level—all while making an author feel empowered and respected. That kind of emotional intelligence is rare these days, and it’s a gift to watch it in action.”
Claudia Pilcher
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Publishing is such an amazing industry to be in because of the sense of community—it’s quite small for having such a large influence and impact as it does. Meet anyone and everyone you can in the beginning; you never know when it may serve to benefit you.
W Pilcher was nominated by Kevin E. Spall, SVP of operations, manufacturing, procurement, and sustainability at Scholastic, who describes the nominee as future focused, collaborative, and a change maker. “Claudia Pilcher is helping transform publishing’s environmental footprint,” Spall says. “With a deep understanding of the industry and its emissions drivers, she develops tactical, creative, and innovative solutions that not only improve company practices but also serve as a model for how publishing can reduce its impact and lead on environmental responsibility.”
Alexis Nowicki
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Do your research. By which I mean, read, read, read. Books, magazines, anything. Follow your interests and the job will come.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
Ask questions, stay curious, and savor this time.
Nowicki was nominated by Rachael Small, director of publicity at Astra Publishing House, who describes the nominee as resourceful, creative, and extremely personable. “Alexis is a dream publicist: a literary citizen who uses her free time to collaborate on innovative publications and run exciting new reading series, a chameleon whose broad taste in books allows her to move seamlessly between hard-hitting nonfiction titles and experimental fiction,” Small says. “She’s also an incredibly collaborative coworker who helps keep our documents and databases healthy and organized, and makes the office a warmer, more enjoyable place to be.”
(photo: Rachel Coster)
Abby Roseberry Rice
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Don’t pull the ladder up behind you. This is a competitive industry, but we can all learn from each other. We all benefit from supporting each other, especially those of us in the margins!
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
It’s okay to pace yourself! It’s all decidedly overwhelming, but you don’t have to say yes to everything if you’re still getting your feet under you.
Rice was nominated by Elly Blue, VP at Microcosm Publishing, who describes the nominee as organized, spirited, and a leader. “They’re a fantastic team member, a kind and insightful manager, and also possibly a trench coat full of memes and the sort of weird and wonderful perspectives and ideas our readers love,” Blue says. “Their zest to learn and lead and create systems is contagious. They’re an asset to our team, our books, and our readers.”
Sarah Robbins
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Just because you’re new, or young, doesn’t mean that you have to burn the candle at both ends to succeed. Your time is precious—you can still have passion without giving your career all of your time and energy. Know the value of your labor!
Robbins was nominated by Madeline Morales, designer at Abrams, who describes the nominee as clever, fierce, and personable. “I nominated Sarah because they’re a force to be reckoned with, bringing books to the market that need to be read,” Morales says. “They have an eye for authors and stories that are destined to be critical and commercial hits, and they pour their body and soul into seeing them come to fruition.”
Emilia Sowersby
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Never forget why you’re doing what you’re doing. Remember the books that felt like magic to you growing up and try to create some more magic for future readers.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you?
Take the swings for the projects you believe in. You never know how a story will truly connect with readers, but you will always know what feels special to you.
Sowersby was nominated by Emily Feinberg and Kate Meltzer, executive editors at Roaring Brook
Press, who describe the nominee as unflappable, resourceful, and passionate. “Kate Meltzer and I nominated Emilia because she is the best of the best,” Feinberg says. “Watching her grow from editorial assistant to associate editor in the short time she’s been on our team at Roaring Brook, we’ve been blown away by her ability to take on any problem without fear, to add a critical perspective to our team, and to inspire others to strive for their best.”
Maris Tasaka
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Read widely. Don’t underestimate the importance of knowing what’s popular and resonating with people and you might be surprised to find you enjoy a book that’s not in a genre you typically read.
Tasaka was nominated by her former manager, Katherine Turro, marketing director at Flatiron Books, who describes the nominee as driven, passionate, and resourceful. “Maris quickly rose from an assistant to a marketing manager, exemplifying how capable, talented, and eager she is to grow in this field,” Turro says. “Although romance and young adult novels are her passion, Maris can truly work on any genre of book, and that is what makes her such a strong marketer.”
Irene Vázquez
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
Keep an open mind when it comes to the type of publishing—and the work within publishing—that might be the right fit for you. I had no idea I wanted to work in children’s books until my first internship, and I’ve fallen in love with the work.
Vázquez was nominated by Vanessa Navarrete, senior client manager, distribution sales, at Chronicle Books, who describes the nominee
as sharp, an advocate, and a powerhouse. “Irene has impressed me from the moment I started working with Levine Querido as a client,” Navarrete says. “Their passion for the written word and elevating underrepresented voices in children’s lit shines in each book they have helped usher into publication.”
Krista Vitola
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today?
I know this phrase has been used often, but it’s because it’s so true: do what you love and love what you do. If books bring you joy beyond measure, you are going to meet your people upon entering this wonderful industry. When the work is fun and engaging—and sometimes even silly—the effort is incredibly rewarding. So, follow that passion, whatever it may be, because life is too short to not enjoy it to the fullest.
Vitola was nominated by Celia Lee, executive editor at Simon & Schuster, who describes the nominee as warm, collegial, and honest. “In a business where wearing multiple hats and working on multiple intensive projects is the norm, she truly makes the job look effortless when it’s anything but—all while being a kind and caring collaborator, to boot,” Lee says. “Whether it’s managing complicated projects on tight deadlines or mentoring junior colleagues and sharing her vast editorial knowledge, Krista is the embodiment of an editor who is always working behind the scenes to get things done and make things better.”
