Richard Babcock – Editor

I grew up in the Midwest, and after earning a law degree, I turned to journalism, serving as a top editor at New York magazine and then editor in chief at Chicago magazine. In both jobs, I edited some of the best writers in the business and some first-timers. The work was a pleasure—I never once looked back and wondered why I wasn't practicing law (although the training often came in handy). On the side, I wrote novels, all published by top publishers. I have taught writing and editing, principally at Northwestern University. For the last few years, I have been a ghostwriter and/or editor on books and articles. The subjects have ranged across the board, from personal history to business to crime to politics and beyond.

I find editing a delightfully collaborative operation. As an occasional writer myself, I know how important a good editor can be, and I recognize the value of a warm and candid writer/editor relationship. Typically, a manuscript will bounce back and forth between me and the writer—in effect, we edit each other (of course, the writer always owns the final say). This is hard work for both of us, but invigorating and, more times than not, fun. The point is to make the story as good as it can possibly be, and I’m often astonished at the insights and skills that a writer—even a novice writer—can bring to a narrative.

Here's how I worked with the writer on several projects:

Still Burning—This memoir by a well-known Chicago politician who was often at the center of events essentially tells the history of the city over the last half century. I interviewed him extensively and did additional research to create a narrative of his life in his voice.

Reservations for Nine—A doctor came to me with a manuscript that tells the heartbreaking story of his adult son who suffered from early onset colon cancer. The book covers the science of the disease and the impact on doctor’s close family. I did extensive re-organizing and line editing of material written by the doctor.

Fewer, Bigger, Bolder—Two Northwestern University business professors developed a powerful approach to management. We built this book out of extensive interviews I did with them and some of their own writing.

My wife is also a writer, as is our son (we didn't provide him the DNA to be a scientist). My wife and I live in a house surrounded by books. Good storytelling, thoughtful analysis, a fair and accurate depiction of the facts—these are the precepts that guide us in our work and in our lives.