5E

07/07/2025

In yesterday's New York Times, the novelist Martha Southgate reviews a new biography of Toni Morrison, one that looks closely at Morrison's years as an editor at Random House. In her bio, Southgate lists 5Eer Jane Rosenman as her editor for "all but the first of her novels"! We were thrilled to see Southgate's generosity in acknowledging Jane's contribution. BTW, Jane recommends Southgate's novel Third Girl from the Left as "a knockout." (Pat)

In her new book, “Toni at Random,” Dana A. Williams highlights the groundbreaking writer’s time working in publishing.

06/21/2025

Is writing to A1 the future? Very interesting piece. The future must be faced with knowledge and perspective. (Pat).

For many people, A.I. may be bringing the age of traditional text to an end.

05/11/2025

Sag Harbor Books is a wonderful bookstore in Sag Harbor, NY

04/14/2025

5E recently joined the Historical Novel Society, NYC Chapter, for a virtual roundtable. This blog post covers Jane Rosenman's advice on balancing research with storytelling, and Leslie Wells's insights into current publishing trends in historical fiction:
https://www.5eeditors.com/5e-blog/2025/4/10/5e-at-the-historical-novel-society-part2
Our earlier post covered Judy Sternlight's tips for sticking with a project over the long haul: https://www.5eeditors.com/5e-blog/2025/4/4/5e-at-the-historical-novel-society
If you missed the session, you can listen to the Historical Novel Society's podcast:
https://www.hnsnyc.org/podcast (website)
Thanks to the for hosting 5E!

04/09/2025

Adolescence on Netflix is really compelling. I noticed the unusual camera work but didn't know, until I heard the Fresh Air episode with co-creator and actor (plays the father) Stephen Graham, that they shot each of the four episodes in one long take. Talk about high stakes, emotionally connected storytelling. Was anyone else impressed by this show? (Judy)

The Netflix miniseries follows a 13-year-old accused of murdering a girl from his school. Co-creator and star Stephen Graham says he read about similar crimes and wanted to know: "Why is this happening?" Graham spoke with Sam Briger about the crime that inspired the show, fatherhood, and the unusual...

04/04/2025

Check out 5E’s post about the informative session with Historical Novel Society, NYC Chapter at https://www.5Eeditors.com/5e-blog

04/02/2025

I have been immersed in Eamon Dolan’s powerful, thoughtful book on family estrangement. For anyone who has endured difficult family dynamics, this book is a lifesaver. (Leslie)

03/23/2025

I can’t wait to read Carrie Courogen’s MISS MAY DOES NOT EXIST: The Life and Work of Elaine May, Hollywood’s Hidden Genius (NBCC finalist). Nichols and May were a mind-blowing comedy team, and individually brilliant too, in improv, sketch comedy, directing, script doctoring. I wish I could have seen their Broadway run in person. After their seasoned sketches, they would end each night with fresh improv, blowing the minds of audience members. I’m grateful to Nicki Richesin for making sure I saw this book! (Judy)

03/11/2025

Love this idea! LitHub is highlighing small press books all month. (Pat).

Small presses have had a rough year, but as the literary world continues to conglomerate, we at Literary Hub think they’re more important than ever. Which is why, every (work) day in March—wh…

03/11/2025

A big change for my favorite indie press but I think a positive one, as it will keep Tin House’s great backlist in print and secure their future, under longtime editorial director Masie Cochran. Having copyedited more than seventy (!) Tin House books since 2011, I have a long list of favorites, including books by Morgan Talty, Matthew Specktor, Jeannie Vanasco, Kristen Arnett, Myriam J. A. Chancy, Pamela Erens, Courtney Maum, Natalia Theodoridou, and Lena Valencia. I’m wishing Tin House and Zando a happy partnership. (Anne)

The respected literary press, founded in 2002, will become an imprint of the expanding independent publisher Zando, which was launched by former Crown publisher Molly Stern in 2020.

03/08/2025

So pleased to see this marvelous novel reviewed on the cover of the New York Times Book Review. Yes, it’s the story of one woman’s search for meaning at a retreat center/convent in rural Australia. It’s also funny, profoundly moving, beautifully written and totally engrossing. One of the best books I’ve read this year. I first noticed it on the Booker shortlist. (Pat).

03/05/2025

Historical fiction authors and agents: Join 5E members Judy Sternlight, Jane Rosenman and Leslie Wells for a free zoom with the Historical Novel Society/NYC chapter March 25th, 4:00-5:30pm ET. Register at www.hnsnyc.org