John McMurtrie Joins 'Kirkus Reviews' as Nonfiction Editor

John McMurtrie will join Kirkus Reviews as nonfiction editor, effective August 1, succeeding Eric Liebetrau, who left the magazine in June after nearly 20 years. He will report to Kirkus editor-in-chief Tom Beer. 

McMurtrie previously served as the books editor of the San Francisco Chronicle for a decade. Most recently, he was senior editor of the literary journal Zyzzyva, an editor for McSweeney’s Publishing, and a contributing editor of the quarterly literary travel magazine Stranger’s Guide. 

McMurtrie's writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and Literary Hub. He is also the general editor of Literary Journeys: Mapping Fictional Travels Across the World of Literature, published by Princeton University Press.

“John McMurtrie brings a wealth of editorial savvy and experience to Kirkus Reviews,” said Beer. “I’ve followed his career with admiration, and I’m thrilled to welcome him to the magazine. His high critical standards, excellent taste, and deep knowledge of the publishing industry will be tremendous assets to our nonfiction section and to the annual selection of the Kirkus Prize.”