Six Questions with McClelland & Stewart Publishing Manager and Editor Kelly Joseph

Kelly Joseph is the Publishing Manager for McClelland & Stewart, an imprint within Penguin Random House Canada. She’s also the editor of Half Life.

What has been the most obvious change in your work as an editor during this extraordinary year? 

My approach to the work as an editor hasn't changed--I'm still focused on the author's vision for their book and my role as a stand-in for their readers--but I have changed as a reader. I'm finding obvious differences in the ways that stories and narrative resonate for me and I find that I have a deeper investment in the storytelling and characters.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of this change? 

I'm not sure that there are disadvantages. So far, I think the change means that I've been more attentive and careful. 

What are the biggest challenges that you see moving forward into a transforming publishing landscape?

The biggest and most important challenge is one that existed before this year. The challenge for the publishing community is to look critically at our failures when it comes to properly representing the diversity of voices and perspectives in our country and to hold ourselves accountable. Beyond accountability, we need to make sustained progress by increasing the number of books by authors who have been marginalized and underrepresented in the publishing landscape. 

What new habit or perspective have you adopted this year as a hedge against being overwhelmed? 

The new habit that I'm most happy about: more phone calls. I've been trying to opt for a phone call over email or a zoom meeting when it makes sense. I'm relying on phone calls more as a way to connect and check-in, and that usually helps when I'm overwhelmed. 

What is your favourite part of shepherding a book through to publication? 

There are so many great milestones before publication, like the first in-depth editorial conversation or seeing the cover for the first time, but my favourite part of the process of making a book is seeing the author with the first copy in their hands.

What still surprises you about this process?

The generosity of writers. How deeply they consider every part of their work and their willingness to share it with complete strangers. That still surprises me.