Books, editors, and publishing in a man's world

Update: In the Land of Men is now available.

In previous posts, I mentioned that several times a year I read books about writing, the publishing industry, or literary criticism. My next will be In the Land of Men by Adrienne Miller. (Publication February 11, available for pre-order) Adrienne Miller was the literary and fiction editor of Esquire from 1997-2006. This "fiercely personal" memoir tells us about her experiences as the often lone female editor in a male dominated industry.

A rich, dazzling story of power, ambition, and identity

The New York Times named In The Land of Men as one of 14 New Books to Watch For in February, The Washington Post includes it in their Top Ten Books to Read in February, and it’s Parade’s February Must-Read. The book is also on major “Most Anticipated Books of 2020” lists, including Vogue, Esquire, Parade, Maclean’s, Bitch, and has received amazing early endorsements from authors Jonathan Lethem, John Hodgman, Meghan Daum, Gary Shteyngart, Eleanor Henderson, among others. Early reviews appear in the latest print issues of Vogue and InStyle.

San Diego for the Winter

Me at the Boston Library this fall.

For the last fourteen years, my wife and I have made extended visits to San Diego. When we lived in the Phoenix area, we went in summer. Now that we live in Omaha, we go in the winter. We arrive just after Christmas and return home just before Easter. In the meantime, I'll do a little surfing, visit friends and relatives, and hopefully do a lot of writing.

My current book project is The Templar Reprisals. It's a modern day thriller using the same cast of characters as The Shut Mouth Society and Deluge. Greg Evarts is the police chief for Santa Barbara and his wife Patricia Baldwin is a UCSB professor and renowned Abraham Lincoln historian. Fun story.

My latest book, No Peace, A Steve Dancy Tale has leaped out of the gate faster than any of my previous books. I'm pleased it has been well received by Steve Dancy fans. I'm already doing research for the next Steve Dancy, so stay tuned.

I'm participating in Constituting America's 90-Day essay event again this year. I'll let you know when my essays are published, but if you're a Constitution enthusiast, you'll want to bookmark the site to read all 90 essays. More on this with the essays start publishing in February.

Another reminder: If you would like a free Steve Dancy short story, Kindle book, or a audio book, send me a request at jimbest@jamesdbest.com. I have some left over promo codes that you can share with friends and family. (Or strangers, if you're inclined.)

Honest Westerns filled with dishonest characters.