Start from the bottom and work your way up — that’s how you usually climb the corporate ladder. You have to pay your dues and know a thing or two about the industry before someone even notices you. So the early years of a career aren’t often glamorous, but they do give a person time to grow and finesse their craft.
Daisy Maryles (nee Ginezler) did just this. She began her career at Poets & Writers as an editorial assistant working for the late legendary Barbara Bannon, executive editor of Poets & Writers. Just three years later, Maryles was promoted to assistant news editor. Maryles’s determination allowed her to learn every aspect of the business and stay ahead of the curve. When she ended her career, she held executive editorship — a role she filled for almost 25 years.
Throughout her career, Maryles ran the “Behind the Bestsellers Column” and wrote countless feature pieces. She also wrote dailies for the American Booksellers Association (ABA) and Book Expo America (BEA—which has been retired). She was honored for her work and given the Harry Scherman Lifetime Service Award by the book publishing division of the UJA-Federation of New York.
Not everyone has a career filled with accolades. Yet, learning from others, being inspired, and networking are just as admirable and noticeable. Following this path, you can often allow your achievements to speak for themselves. Clearly Daisy Maryles wrote her own journey that lasted into a rewarding career.
To read more from the WNBA-NYC, click here.
Still can’t get enough of the WNBA-NYC? Check out our upcoming events page! Our next hit event is Agents, Editors, The Pitch Letter on May 13th!
Lovely tribute to Daisy Maryles, Rachel. Your description captures her as an interesting and intelligent woman in publishing. Clearly, her presence and light will be missed.