Meet Levine Querido Editor Nick Thomas

This month, we checked-in with Levine Querido Executive Editor Nick Thomas. We wanted to learn more about Nick, his work, his background and what it’s like to work with him. Want to work with Nick, check out his class: First Fifteen: Openers to keep readers turning the pages coming up next month.

Can you tell me a bit about your editing background prior to joining Levine Querido?

I would say it really began in high school when I worked at Books Bytes & Beyond, a children’s bookstore! But officially, I was an intern at Arthur A. Levine Books (Arthur’s old imprint at Scholastic) for two summers in college. Then I was Arthur’s assistant after graduating, worked in editorial at Bloomsbury and then back at Scholastic in another role (with two British imprints, Chicken House and David Fickling Books), and then back at Arthur A. Levine Books for a couple of years before leaving to join LQ! I’ve been at LQ for five years, which is my longest time in one place, funnily enough.

How do you think publishing has changed in the past few years?

In so many ways, some good, some bad! I definitely feel like we’re seeing a broader diversity of voices being published (good). We’re also seeing consolidation into ever-larger houses and an even greater portion of sales going to a few bestselling backlist titles (both of which I think have some negative ramifications). But indies remain resilient and it’s been great to see Barnes & Noble expanding. It feels like that’s the way it goes with publishing – a mix of positive and negative and there’s always change.

How has your mission changed in the past few years?

I wouldn’t say it’s shifted, moreso our commitment has only deepened! We’re trying to make beloved books that people will look back on decades later and say, “that book meant so much to me.” And we’re trying to have our list reflect the world around us in the stories and creators we publish. We believe that, deep in our core, and our experience the past five years has only strengthened that feeling.

What kinds of stories do you look for?

Books from really talented people who are telling a story from their heart. I edit everything – picture books, chapter books, novels, nonfiction, graphic novels, etc.

What will writers get from working with you? 

That’s a great question. I would hope they get honesty, kindness, and enthusiasm. And my full and utter commitment!

How do you approach editing?

I always say being an editor is one-third discovering talent, one-third nurturing that talent, and one-third communicating your passion for that talent to other people (in-house and out of house). When I’m working with an author to develop their book, I’m trying to be that trusted first reader and friend who loves their work and just presents his reactions – for them to take or leave and revise as they see fit. I think if you get too prescriptive that’s a slippery slope.

What's your favorite book of all time for adults? For kids?

 For adults, I would probably say The Secret History. For kids, I would say the His Dark Materials trilogy (cheating a bit there)!

What are you watching now? Or, best movie you saw in the past year?

Always the NBA and WNBA (my wife and I are huge fans). I’m not a huge TV show consumer but I love movies. I really loved Past Lives and The Boy and the Heron this past year. I’m hoping to see the new Godzilla and All of Us Strangers soon.

What snack is by your desk?

My colleagues would probably laugh at this because I am eating almost constantly during the day:  chicken, trail mix, carrots, tuna sandwiches, etc. Whatever I can get my hands on.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee by a million. I drink a LOT.