I was shocked to learn the terrible news that Derek Weiler, editor at Quill and Quire, has passed away at the ridiculously young age of 40. Derek and I had many heated arguments here in the comments and through email. (He once called me “pathological.”) But despite our feisty exchanges, Derek was a very fair-minded and reasonable man who deserved to live much longer. And I enjoyed our volleys. He had the balls to take me on, and the decency to understand positions that were contrary to his own, which I can’t say about a lot of editors. My profound condolences to Derek’s family and friends for this terrible loss.
© 2009, Edward Champion. All rights reserved.
Feel like I’ve been run over by a truck, Edward. Didn’t know you knew Derek; but, I’m glad you did. I’m just reeling, cannot believe it, must believe it . . . Incredibly impossibly heart-breaking. Deepest condolences to his family, friends, co-workers, and all who knew and admired and loved him. RIP.
—
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/Booksblog/
“He had the balls to take me on, and the decency to understand positions that were contrary to his own, which I can’t say about a lot of editors” –
Classy — and classic. Even in tribute to someone else, this becomes, in fact, a tribute to your own overlooked editorial bravery.
Let me guess, Reagan. You’re used to writers kissing your ass instead of the more fruitful results of writer-editor collaboration.
[…] was distributed to the Hachette Book Group or Grand Central. But investigations are ongoing. And a bitchy and decidedly unprofessional comment left on this site today by executive editor Reagan Arthur would seem to suggest that she’s […]
If this reply and the one you sent me privately are examples of “fruitful” writer-editor collaboration, it’s clear I’ve been missing out on something meaningful and enriching. I’ll try to survive.