Latinx in Publishing (LxP):What do you do?
Alex Borbolla (AB): I’m an Associate Editor at Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. I work on everything from picture books through YA!
LxP: How did you get started?
AB: I was one of those weird people who always knew what they wanted to do—it’s been my dream to be an editor since I was twelve years old! At the end of undergrad, I didn’t feel like I was done with school and wasn’t hearing back from any of the publishing jobs I was applying for, so I went to NYU to get my master’s in Publishing. And I actually got my first job in publishing after complimenting a classmate’s presentation—we got to talking, and she later asked me if I’d like a recommendation for a managing editorial assistant position at S&S in the children’s department. I accepted the job thinking I’d be happy in either man ed or editorial, but I figured out pretty quickly that twelve-year-old me was right; I wanted to be an editor. One of the publishers at S&S ended up being one of my professors, and I let him know my career goals. Luckily, he liked me enough to let me know when an editorial assistant position opened up in his department! I’ve been at Atheneum for five years now and I couldn’t think of a better career for myself.
LxP: What do you wish you knew before getting into the industry?
AB: How social it is! I was definitely the kid who had dreams of reading by myself all day as a job, but publishing a book is a real collaborative effort and being an editor requires a lot of networking. Surprisingly, this is actually one of the parts I love most about my job and the industry! You’re working with so many passionate people and it really makes your day-to-day so much better. Publishing is not just a tough industry to break into, but a tough one to stay in—it can be very demanding (I often equate it to working lawyers’ hours for less than a quarter of the pay) and having a group of people who support and celebrate each other is integral.
LxP: What book are you currently working on or reading?
AB: I’m currently editing what I refer to as my “if Perks of Being a Wallflower were a dark comedy road trip” novel. It’s called Four for the Road by K.J. Reilly, coming Summer 2022! And I’ve been gushing over the final art for one of my graphics novels, Isla to Island by Alexis Castellanos. It’s about a girl growing up in Cuba at the start of Castro’s regime who is sent to the United States by her parents—it’s absolutely stunning!
Alex joined Simon & Schuster in April 2015 as a managing editorial assistant but was drawn more to story editing than copyediting, so she moved down the hall the Atheneum in May 2016. When she’s not editing, Alex can be found spoiling her beagle Winnie, experimenting with new hobbies like embroidery and guitar, or having a breakdown about whatever new bae she’s trying. Alex describes her overall taste as “high concept plot meets high concept thought,” where commercial stories meet beautiful literary writing. She is drawn to picture books ranging from irreverent to heartfelt; middle grade that balances tough subjects with light, accessible narratives; and YA with a strong voice that has something to say. Alex earned a B.A. in English and Communications from Rollins College, and holds a M.S. in Publishing from NYU. Follow her on Twitter @Alex_Borbolla.
