This book took a village. For a few years, I sat alone and thought about writing it but did nothing. I kept talking to my agent, Linda Loewenthal. Finally she lit a fire under me. Linda has a patient ear and an iron fist when it comes to writing book proposals. Together we birthed the idea for the book.
Beth Rashbaum, armed with skills as a freelance editor, helped me sharpen my vision and build a structure. Both of us are stubborn. We did not always see eye to eye, but we pulled it off. Beth was right more often than I. When Blue Rider Press bought the book, Becky Cole became my editor. I thought Becky was terrific, but Penguin Random House mysteriously discontinued Blue Rider Press, and Becky moved on.
Dutton, another PRH imprint, adopted the book, and Jill Schwartzman took over as my editor. By now, I was dizzy, but Jill was a calming force. She brought the manuscript in for a safe landing. Jill’s enthusiasm for the book was clear. All these editors made collaboration a pleasure.
Toby Wertheim, my friend and former colleague, was at my side for the duration. Toby was the chief researcher on the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather. She resurrected that role and provided invaluable assistance filling in the blanks and functioning as a sounding board.
I enjoyed life in this village and hope all of us can work together again.