In Episode 2 of Literary Prospects, we talk with acclaimed book editor Alexandra Shelley.
Alexandra is the editor of more than 50 published novels, including many bestsellers like Lilac Girls, Lost Roses and The Help, which sold more than 11 million copies and was made into an Oscar-nominated film. With more than 30 years’ experience, Alexandra has served as deputy editorial director at Bridge Works Publishing, where she was responsible for choosing and editing some of that house’s commercial and critical successes, and as an independent editor with her editorial agency, Illuminated Manuscripts. In addition to her work as an editor, Alexandra’s been teaching creative writing at Columbia, Yale and The New School for many years.
Alexandra gives us a rare peek behind the scenes of the publishing world to see how bestsellers are really made.