Acknowledgments

For two books now, the most brilliant people in publishing have had my back. Three fierce, fabulous women in particular have made all of this possible: my agent, Allison Hunter; my editor, Carina Guiterman; and my publicist, Maggie Gladstone. I’m more thankful to them—my powerhouse trio—than I know how to say.

I’m deeply grateful to everyone at Little, Brown for their belief and dedication: Asya Muchnick, Reagan Arthur, Judy Clain, Craig Young, Ashley Marudas, Lauren Harms, and Pamela Marshall. At Janklow & Nesbit, I also owe great thanks to Clare Mao.

Several people generously lent their insight and expertise about the world of broadcast news. I could not have written this book without Molly Battles, Katie Wiggin, Kira Kleaveland, Paul Needham, and others (who know who they are!). A special thanks to Kira and Paul, who read an early version of the manuscript and offered sharp-eyed advice. I also found invaluable illumination in the writings of Gabe Sherman and Brian Stelter, who allowed me to understand the behind-the-scenes dynamics of this world.

In the midst of writing this novel, I read Richard Ben Cramer’s masterpiece What It Takes. It’s the best portrait of ambition I’ve ever encountered, and his observations made a permanent groove in my imagination. There are journalists who write like novelists, and I’m grateful to them for so vividly capturing the drama and comedy and tragedy that resides in the real world, not just in fiction—and for deepening our understanding of the world as a result.

Lastly, thank you to my family, the people who offer me grace and love, who allow me to find joy and meaning in both the hard times and good times. To my parents, Ed and Kate; to my sister, Nellie; and to my husband, Andrew: I love you so much.