Editor Extraordinaire

By Steve Brawley

A flurry of attention about Jackie's important contributions to book publishing came about this winter when new books about her work as an editor were published in 2010-11.

Through the magic of Facebook, Pinkpillbox has become acquainted with William Kuhn, the author of Reading Jackie. Through his book, we are learning more and more about her quiet influence on some fascinating works by some impressive authors - as well as insight into the private Jackie as well.

Jackie had a great deal of professional and personal experiences that would make her more than qualified to be an editor. Her first job out of college was at the Washington Times Herald - she would photograph and ask people around DC questions about their opinions on topics such as popularity of Mamie Eisenhower's bangs. It was during this time she met Senator Kennedy.

As a Senator and President's wife, and confidant, Jackie most certainly had important editorial influence on her husband and his own literary work.  Her world travels, life experiences and little black book would be invaluable to her editing career.

Through Kuhn, we gain some fun and detailed insight into Jackie's later life as a NYC working gal. Any Jackie fan needs to learn more about this important aspect of her life.

Jackie would work up until her death - with many of the final works she edited coming out long after her funeral.

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Jackie's Writing and Editing Timeline by Steve Brawley.

1953: Worked as the "Inquiring Photographer" for the Washington Times Herald.

1955: Encouraged JFK to write "Profiles in Courage" (most likely had some input - he dedicated book to her)

1955-1963: Most likely also has input and inspiration for JFK's speeches as Senator and as President. Often spoke in French and Spanish during trips as First Lady. Wrote a newspaper column called "Campaign Wife" during the 1960 Presidential Campaign (some may have been ghost written).

1962: Created and edited first official White House Guidebook.

1963-1994: Instrumental in the work of the JFK Library and its development.

1974: Writes "One Special Summer" with sister Lee Radziwill.

1975: Ghost writes column for the New Yorker.

1975: Hired at Viking as an editor ($200 a week).

1977: Leaves Viking. Joins Doubleday (Salary would rise to $100,000 a year).

1994: Still working as an editor throughout her cancer treatments.

List of books edited by Jackie (compiled by William Kuhn)

Collages below by Steve Brawley.