On its hundredth anniversary, The New Yorker reflects on its founder Harold Wallace Ross’s strict rules against discussing writers and editors. Ross believed that writers are generally dull except to other writers, while editors are undervalued and often unsung heroes of the publication. He famously argued for the significance of editors, comparing them to baseball coaches who are essential to success. The article encourages a reevaluation of this perspective, sharing anecdotes about notable editors and touching on the nature of their influence, which has largely gone unacknowledged throughout the magazine's celebrated history.
Harold Wallace Ross believed that while writers are often boring, editors are underappreciated, asserting their importance similar to a batting coach versus a batter.
Ann Beattie named her car after her editor, emphasizing the influence and importance of editors, despite the magazine's longstanding rule of silence around them.
'Writers are a dime a dozen,' Ross once said, asserting that he valued editors more for their crucial role, much like a skilled coach.
In celebrating The New Yorker’s centenary, we examine the often-overlooked role of editors, breaking a long-standing rule against discussing writers and editors.
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