Diana M. Pho: A Career in Book Editing and Creative Collaboration

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in suburban Massachusetts, Diana M. Pho moved to New York City as a young adult. She holds double bachelor's degrees in English and Russian literature from Mount Holyoke College, where she was mentored by prominent scholars. She is also an experienced international performance artist, specializing in Asian and Asian diasporic political theatre.

Career in Publishing

After graduating, Pho quickly rose through the ranks at various publishing houses. She worked at Hachette, Tor.com, and Science Fiction Book Club before earning a master's degree in performance studies from New York University. Her research focused on the performance of racial and national identity in steampunk culture.

Pho returned to Tor as an editor and credits her "geekdom," particularly her blog Beyond Victoriana, for opening her eyes to science fiction and fantasy literature.

Notable Successes

The first book Pho acquired for Tor, Steeplejack by A. J. Hartley, won multiple awards and landed on several "best of" lists. In 2020, Pho joined Realm Media as Lead Creative Executive for Co-Productions & Partnerships. She has since produced several acclaimed podcasts, including Spider King and Black Friday.

In 2022, Pho became Executive Editor at Erewhon and was recently promoted to Editorial Director. The books she has edited include award-winners such as Ring Shout, A Master of Djinn, and The Amberlough Dossier trilogy. She received the prestigious Ignyte Award and has been a Hugo Award finalist four times.

Myths and Misconceptions about Book Editors

Pho dispels common misconceptions about book editors, emphasizing that they are not simply party-going dealmakers or copy editors. She explains that they are creative collaborators who balance artistic and business considerations. While they don't control the money or make unilateral decisions, they play a mediating role zwischen authors, publishers, and colleagues.

Challenges and Rewards of Editing

One challenge Pho identifies is the need to manage diverse expectations from authors, publishers, and colleagues. She stresses the importance of time management and collaboration. Despite the challenges, Pho finds great satisfaction in shaping book lists, supporting new voices, and highlighting underrepresented communities.

Erewhon Books and its Unique Vision

As Editorial Director of Erewhon, Pho is excited about the opportunity to define the publishing house's direction. She aims to publish a broad range of speculative fiction that appeals to both seasoned genre readers and those new to the genre. Erewhon's books strive to be thought-provoking, entertaining, and socially relevant.

Pho's personal taste in literature has evolved over time. While she remains drawn to innovative worldbuilding, she now places more emphasis on character-driven stories that resonate emotionally. She seeks books that connect themes and ideas, with a lasting impact beyond the final page.

What to Look for in Manuscript Submissions

When evaluating manuscripts, Pho asks herself if the story immediately captivates her enough to finish reading it. She is drawn to originality, compelling characters, and hooks that linger in her mind.

Upcoming Titles to Watch

Pho highlights several upcoming titles from Erewhon, including Metal from Heaven, The Eyes Are the Best Part, Where I End, North is the Night, Motheater, A Harvest of Hearts, rekt, When the Tides Held the Moon, and Amplitudes. She predicts they will be well-received by readers and critics alike.

The Role of Conventions

As a Guest of Honour at recent conventions, Pho emphasizes the value of attending these events to gauge the pulse of the SFF community. She engages with authors, panelists, and attendees to learn about industry trends and discuss the challenges and joys of writing.

Advice for Aspiring Writers

Pho advises writers to prioritize reading widely, strive for completion, seek feedback from diverse sources, and stay connected with other creatives.