The Editor

By: Steven Rowley

Narrated by: Michael Urie

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Eloquent well written but amazing story

A very well written, class act. Intricately woven with a heartfelt ending. Love the narrator.

Everything I didn’t expect

After reading the description I wasn’t sold on this title, thinking it might be too tricky or far-fetched. I was happily wrong. It’s a lovely, perfectly conceivable story with surprising depth. Recommend.

Loved it!

I picked this book primarily for the narration of Michael Urie, whom I fell in love with after listening to "Remarkably Bright Creatures" and I am so glad I did! He completely embodied the character of James. However, there would be no James without the excellent writing and mesmerizing story by Steven Rowley. I was never a Jackie O fan (I was obsessed with Maria Callas in high school and saw Jackie as a devastating rival to her for Aristotle Onassis' affection) but, as painted by Mr. Rowley, she took on a very different tone. He made her real and human in a slightly bizarre situation. Excellent!

Spellbinding Great Read

Wonderful, heartwarming and tearful. Makes you rethink your own family and what they mean to you.

Enjoyable, but long at times

Great idea for a story. The narrator wasn’t very good. Parts of the story just dragged. But overall I guess I’d recommend it.