Publishing veteran Claire Wachtel has had the pleasure of supporting a great many authors and introducing a library of memorable works of fiction and nonfiction into the literary world.
Beginning in 2022, Wachtel has served as editor-at-large at Union Square (formerly Sterling Publishing), which has allowed her to continue her mission of investing in the careers of diverse authors and publishing books that broadly resonate with readers.
PW spoke with Wachtel about working at Union Square, what she looks for in a book, reading for pleasure, and a whole lot more.
Before joining Union Square in 2022, you’d already had such a storied career within the publishing world. As you look at your tenure in publishing, what have been some of your guiding principles and goals?
From the very beginning of my career, I focused on acquiring books that were well written but also accessible. In my initial reading of a fiction manuscript, I worried less about plot and characters and more about the quality of the writing itself. I came to learn that if the language resonated, most issues could be resolved. And for the most part, it worked out that way.
I have been fortunate to work with many talented fiction writers in genres such as literary fiction, mysteries, and thrillers. These include Jo Nesbo, Anita Shreve, SJ Watson, and Dennis Lehane. My goal was to ensure that there was a strong narrative pull, suspense when necessary, and surprise at the end of the read—“Wow, I didn’t see that coming.” And to help develop careers to the next level.
Lastly, I hope that at least some of the books that I edited have longevity. And that the novels resonate long after the last page has been turned and the book closed.
So far, what have you enjoyed most about being a part of Union Square?
I spent my previous tenure in publishing working in big companies with many departments. Since many books were being published at the same time, I often had to ensure my authors and their books received the attention they deserved. Union Square is a much smaller house, and the publication plan of each book is thoroughly discussed at the time of the acquisition.
I also have the privilege of working with talented colleagues in an atmosphere of collaboration. Our publisher, Emily Meehan, is unique in that she is a straight shooter, supportive of the editorial department, and has a vast knowledge of fiction and nonfiction.
When working in the book industry, it can be easy to sometimes forget to read simply for the joy of reading. How do you remind yourself to pick up a new book in your downtime to read for pleasure?
While it is true that I did not have much free time to read for pleasure, I made certain I would buy books that I wanted to read. Thus, if you come to my apartment, you will see over 40 years of books on my various bookshelves, tables, etc. My husband occasionally goes through the shelves and at times finds multiple copies of the same book. He gets great joy out of saying to me, “You must have really liked this book since you have more than one copy.” Alas, often I haven’t even read one edition.
Having said this, after I stopped working full-time, I was able to rediscover my love of reading! I had the time to peruse bookstores, read the TBR, the reviews section of the WSJ, and the New York Review of Books, and I continue to buy books. I was saving Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey for my old age, but I might already be approaching it.
Can you share a few upcoming titles on the Union Square list? What are you most excited about?
I have two children, both of whom I love equally. After all these years, I have come to feel the same way about the books I acquired, so it is a difficult choice to make. But the first book I bought at Union Square was The Daughters of Madurai, a beautifully written literary novel about infanticide, the bonds between mothers and daughters, and the strength of women. Although it takes place in India, many of the issues are universal. And I recently acquired The Dance of the Dolls, a novel about obsessive love featuring twin ballerinas in pre-war London that has a delicious twist you will not see coming.
What’s your wish list for books going forward?
I would like to continue acquiring literary and well-written commercial fiction. I also acquire nonfiction and am looking for material that provides a window into an experience or event that would be new to me and the reader. There seems to be endless fascination in fiction and nonfiction for WWII books, political books, and the latest conspiracy. I have acquired in this genre previously and would hope to continue to do so.
