The Editor

By: Steven Rowley

Narrated by: Michael Urie

Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

From the best-selling author of Lily and the Octopus comes a novel about a struggling writer who gets his big break, with a little help from the most famous woman in America.

After years of trying to make it as a writer in 1990s New York City, James Smale finally sells his novel to an editor at a major publishing house: none other than Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Jackie - or Mrs. Onassis, as she's known in the office - has fallen in love with James' candidly autobiographical novel, one that exposes his own dysfunctional family. But when the book's forthcoming publication threatens to unravel already fragile relationships, both within his family and with his partner, James finds that he can't bring himself to finish the manuscript.

Jackie and James develop an unexpected friendship, and she pushes him to write an authentic ending, encouraging him to head home to confront the truth about his relationship with his mother. Then a long-held family secret is revealed, and he realizes his editor may have had a larger plan that goes beyond the page....

From the best-selling author of Lily and the Octopus comes a funny, poignant, and highly original novel about an author whose relationship with his very famous book editor will change him forever - as both a writer and a son.

©2019 Steven Rowley (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

One of NPR's Favorite Books of 2019

One of Esquire's "Best Books of 2019 (So Far)"

One of Southern Living's “25 Beach Reads Perfect for Summer”

One of PopSugar’s “Buzzy Books to Read This Spring”

One of Town & Country's “Must-Read Books of Spring 2019”

One of Cosmopolitan's “13 Best Books Coming Out in April

"The editor makes James a better writer, and The Editor will make you want to be a better son." (NPR)

“Filled with whimsy and warmth, the Lily and the Octopus author’s second novel centers on the complex relationship between a fledgling writer and his fabulous editor, the latter of whom becomes a mentor, friend, and maternal figure. Oh, and she happens to be Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, but that’s Mrs. Onassis to you.” (O, The Oprah Magazine)

“Steven Rowley is the best-selling author of Lily and the Octopus, and he's honestly outdone himself with The Editor.” (Cosmopolitan)

Beautiful story, Beautiful performance.

One of my favorite books in the past few years. The narrator brings true personality and emotion to this author’s story. I laughed and cried in the same paragraphs many times throughout. I will follow whatever this author writes…and I hope that means many, many more books to come!

Just love this sooo much!

Wow this was a blast! i Loved it and believe me it is so good! What a great historic remembrance. The Author is so different and real… I also Loved Guncle. Wow I couldn’t stop listening to both stories. Just listen… You won’t be disappointed.
Moms are just the best, so very very sad we forget that sometimes.
Crazy how life way too short. Great to have a reminder :)
Live your life everyday as we aren’t guaranteed tomorrow.
Each day is a new beginning. Take it all in. Smell the roses, live like there is no tomorrow and appreciate all you have.
Celebrate health, eat the cake and cheers all the celebrations.
Love everyone, steer clear of HATE aim anyway.

The Editor

I purchased this title as soon as it was available, not knowing what it was about. Lily and the Octopus was one of the best audiobooks I have ever owned, so I didn't think twice when The Editor was available to buy. I felt it dragged at times, but still has the same heart as Rowley's previous novel. I love his honesty and his ability to touch a reader without being cheesy. I also could listen to Michael Urie read the phonebook; he's very talented as a narrator. I would definitely reccomend this book.

Loved it

Loved it! Give it a try it very sweet story about a man and his mother.

Keep trying dear author which I know you have

Great premise but dialogue and story could be a lot tighter. Felt like pages needed to be filled so hemming and hawing dialogue was constantly added. Plus all I ever wanted to hear/read more of was the main character James interacting with Jackie O.

I laughed, I cried...

Right out of the gate I was hooked. Funny, compelling. Serious David Sedaris vibes. Not sure if it was a comedy, a tragedy or a drama, probably all of the above but it was so good.

Wonderful surprise!

Beautifully written. I absolutely loved the journey of this story of James and his family. Mrs. Kennedy Onassis would most certainly be someone I’d love to have spent time with.

What am I missing?

The premise of James’ book was his relationship with his mother but there was so little depth to that part of the story. It felt oddly missing. The pace of the second half of the book picked up a little so I thought maybe there would be more character development. I would listen to Michael Urie read the phone book (loved his narration as the octopus in Remarkably Bright Creatures) but I didn’t like the way he narrated the mother character. It was too clipped and sharp. It left me feeling James’ mother didn’t like him. The book was “meh” for me. Interesting premise that didn’t hit the mark for me. Glad others loved it but not me. It happens.

Beautiful and funny

This book had me in tears but also had me busting some laughs… loved it! I’m this is my first book from Rowley so looking forward to read more.

The BEST

Wow, Steven went soooo deep. Read this, please. So much to love, funny, writerly, New York, mother’s and sons and fathers and lovers, Jackie, grief, forgiveness. So so so good. I need 10 stars.