William Targ Quotes
- Publisher
- 1907
William Targ (1907-1999) was a prominent American book editor and publisher. He worked for several major publishing houses, including Doubleday and Putnam, before becoming the editor-in-chief of World Publishing Company in 1946. Targ was known for his keen eye for talent and his ability to spot best…Read More
William Targ (1907-1999) was a prominent American book editor and publisher. He worked for several major publishing houses, including Doubleday and Putnam, before becoming the editor-in-chief of World Publishing Company in 1946. Targ was known for his keen eye for talent and his ability to spot bestsellers, publishing works by authors such as James Baldwin, Truman Capote, and Vladimir Nabokov. He also founded Targ Editions, a small press that published limited edition books by notable authors. Targ was a pioneer in the publishing industry, introducing new genres and promoting diverse voices. He was inducted into the Publishing Hall of Fame in 1997.Read Less
William Targ (1907-1999) was a prominent American book editor and publisher. He worked for several major publishing houses, including Doubleday and Putnam, before becoming the editor-in-chief of World Publishing Company in 1946. Targ was known for his keen eye for talent and his ability to spot bestsellers, publishing works by authors such as James Baldwin, Truman Capote, and Vladimir Nabokov. He also founded Targ Editions, a small press that published limited edition books by notable authors. Targ was a pioneer in the publishing industry, introducing new genres and promoting diverse voices. He was inducted into the Publishing Hall of Fame in 1997.
William Targ Career Highlights
- William Targ was a prominent American book editor and publisher, known for his work at several major publishing houses including G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Simon & Schuster, and World Publishing Company.
- He began his career in publishing in 1926, working as a book salesman for Brentano’s Bookstore in New York City.
- In 1933, Targ joined G.P. Putnam’s Sons as an editor, where he worked for over 20 years and helped to establish the company as a major player in the publishing industry.
- In 1954, Targ became the editor-in-chief at World Publishing Company, where he oversaw the publication of several best-selling books, including “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger.
- Targ also served as the editor-in-chief at Simon & Schuster from 1962 to 1965, where he worked with notable authors such as Ernest Hemingway and James Baldwin.
Key Contributions by William Targ
- Targ was known for his keen eye for talent and his ability to spot potential best-selling books.
- He was instrumental in the success of many notable authors, including J.D. Salinger, James Baldwin, and Ernest Hemingway.
- Targ was also known for his innovative marketing strategies, which helped to promote and sell books to a wider audience.
- He was a pioneer in the use of book clubs and direct mail campaigns to reach readers and increase book sales.
- Targ was also a strong advocate for diversity in publishing, and actively sought out and published works by minority and female authors.
What Sets William Targ Apart
- Targ’s passion for literature and his dedication to promoting and publishing quality books set him apart from his peers in the publishing industry.
- He was known for his hands-on approach to editing and his ability to work closely with authors to bring out the best in their writing.
- Targ’s innovative marketing strategies and his commitment to diversity in publishing also set him apart and helped to shape the industry.
Takeaways
- William Targ’s career highlights the importance of having a strong eye for talent and a passion for literature in the publishing industry.
- His contributions to the success of many notable authors and his innovative marketing strategies serve as valuable lessons for aspiring publishers and editors.
- Targ’s commitment to diversity in publishing also serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and representation in the literary world.