An Illustrated Book Editor’s Journey
by Lisa Tenaglia, Senior Editor

How did I become an illustrated book editor? Picture this: You graduate from college planning to become the next great literary editor. But then…
I’ve just celebrated my 10-year Black Dog & Leventhal anniversary and I’ve been reflecting at how I ended up here. My road to trade publishing was a bit windier than I expected. While looking for editorial assistant positions out of college (totally expecting to be working in the world of literary fiction), I took a job at an independent bookstore full of beautiful coffee-table books. I thought I’d be there temporarily but I fell in love with the bookstore culture (which I still adore) and stuck around, eventually becoming a manager and book buyer. After a few years though, I knew it was time to move on and try to get back on track to working in publishing. I took a stop in academic publishing before landing an editorial assistant position at BDL.
It turned out to be a perfect fit. Editing illustrated books forces you to become a project manager. You are very involved in developing the book (sometimes coming up with the idea yourself); guiding authors and editing their manuscript; figuring out what the trim size, design, and feel of the book should be; managing several people including the author, illustrator/photographer, and designer; and of course, keeping your eye on the almost always tight schedule. You end up wearing many hats, which can drive you crazy, but I quickly realized I wouldn’t want it any other way. You are so involved in every stage of the book that it really feels like your own. My favorite part of the process is seeing the first round of designed pages. Up till that point the book can just feel like a concept in your head and finally seeing it come together is pretty exciting.
Another unexpected part of working on illustrated books is the variety of topics I get to edit that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do elsewhere. This September, five books I’ve worked on are being published or released in paperback: an antiques book, a dog photography book, an Eleanor Roosevelt book, a Monty Python book, and a book of aggravating things. I’m constantly learning new things and working with some very smart and creative people.
I think a lot of us start our careers thinking we’ll edit a certain type of book. My path taught me to be open to the opportunities that come your way and that every experience can help you in unexpected ways. And that illustrated books are awesome!
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