7 Magaziney Books That Ed Loves!

Ed loves diving into a good book in between work hours and during his commute — especially when they’re all about the editorial world. Whether you’re seeking advice on how to get that promotion or just want a juicy page-turner, these reads will have you so invested that you may just miss your stop on the subway!

The Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
The former Cosmopolitan editor delivers humor and suspense all in one novel. With a high-profile editing job at a well-renowned magazine, a wedding around the corner and a trendy Tribeca apartment, Ani Fanelli seems to have it all. But Ani is hiding a few secrets, and when she’s asked to participate in a documentary about an incident that happened at her high school years ago, she’s forced to come clean about her past. Aside from the suspenseful plot, this book is jam-packed with anecdotes that totally resemble the magazine world IRL: office drama, cold-hearted editors stealing your ideas and cringe-worthy informational interviews.

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
This book is basically a rite-of-passage for every whippersnapper who wants to break into the publishing biz. Andrea Sachs lands a job that every post-grad would kill for: agig as an assistant to Miranda Priestly, editor-in-chief of Runway Magazine. However Priestly’s over-the-top demands, plus drama from snobby coworkers, has Andy feeling unsure about her place in the magazine. Will she crack under pressure? 

#GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso
It may not be a book about mag life, but the CEO of Nasty Gal offers real advice to those who want rise through the ranks of their careers. Amoruso dishes some funny, sassy, spot-on career advice in a way that sounds more like a coffee date with your best editor friend rather than a boss.

Tales from the Back Row by Amy Odell
Before Amy Odell became editor of Cosmopolitan.com, she was a blogging about the good, the bad and the weird of the fashion world. Between these pages, you’ll find hilarious anecdotes about her relationship with fashion, how her first fight with her boyfriend was over a pair of Alexander Wang sweatpants and the time she had one too many margaritas with Chelsea Handler. Plus, she shares a few insider secrets about what to do if you’re lucky enough to snag an interview with the queen of fashion herself, Anna Wintour.

What Pretty Girls Are Made Of by Lindsay Jill Roth
This Devil-Wears-Prada-style novel swaps the stilettos for some lipstick. Allison Kraft is in need of a career change, so when an assistant position at Sally Steele Cosmetic Studio opens up, she decides to go for it and ends up getting the job! But, like Priestly, the head of Sally Steele has her own set of ridiculous demands. This is a great read for anyone who’s worked under a difficult boss.

Pretty in Ink by Lindsay Palmer
What happens when an editor-in-chief at a popular magazine gets replaced? Pure madness, that’s what — plus a bit of nail-biting from the staff. After the EIC of Hers Magazine gets the boot and a new hire comes in to tackle the job, the remaining editors strive impress their new boss and keep their jobs intact. Each chapter tells the situation from a different staffer’s point of view and really hones in on the structural shake-ups that happen all too often in this industry.

I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This: How to Ask for Money, Snag the Promotion, and Create the Career You Deserve by Kate White
Before Lean In, there was Kate White. The former EIC of Cosmopolitan dishes her secrets for nailing just about every aspect in your career. Whether you’re trying to land your first job, score a promotion, or change careers, you’ll find White’s funny, nonsense advice helpful for reaching your goals.

Psst! Stay tuned for details on Ed’s next book club meet-up! He’ll be reading one of these page-turners  — and then dissecting it (over wine and snacks, of course) — soon.