Books Quote by Chris Pavone
“Before I wrote my first novel, 'The Expats,' I spent nearly two decades at various arms of publishing houses such as Random House, Workman, and HarperCollins, mostly as an acquisitions editor. But a more accurate title for that job might be rejection editor: while I acquired maybe a dozen projects per year, I'd reject hundreds upon hundreds.”
About This Quote
Source Interview or memoir excerpt about publishing career
The author describes his role as an acquisitions editor, emphasizing the high rejection rate despite occasional acceptances
In simple terms: Acquisitions editors reject many manuscripts before finding a few successes
Key Takeaway
Persistence and discernment are key in publishing
Themes
publishing
career
rejection
selection
literature
Mood
pragmatic
insightful
Type
interview
career reflection
When to use this quote
- manuscript review
- career planning
- literary scouting
Key Concepts
editorial judgment
industry insight
career development
Questions to Reflect On
- How do editors balance rejection with encouragement?
- What qualities make a manuscript stand out?
A Different Perspective
May understate the emotional toll of constant rejection
