The Nasty How it Started: 15 minutes of EICs on the bizarre process of getting hired.
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Jul 31, 2025 
Graydon Carter, former editor of Vanity Fair and co-founder of Spy Magazine, shares his quirky and unexpected journey through the world of editorial hiring. He dives into the unpredictable hiring processes at elite publications and recounts fascinating personal anecdotes that reveal the complexities of career transitions. Alongside other notable editors like Ruth Reichl and Linda Wells, they discuss how a seemingly casual interview can lead to transformative career opportunities. Prepare for entertaining stories of fate, food, and the unusual paths of publishing.
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Ruth Reichl's Awkward Lunch
- Ruth Reichl's lunch with Cy Newhouse was awkward and unexpected due to his unassuming appearance.
- Ruth was deeply influenced by Gourmet magazine from childhood, which made the job offer meaningful.
Graydon Carter's Surprise Offer
- Graydon Carter was surprised when Cy Newhouse offered him The New Yorker or Vanity Fair.
- His past with Vanity Fair made the offer complicated, yet he was intrigued by The New Yorker.
Linda Wells' Beauty Magazine Offer
- Linda Wells was invited to lunch and casually offered to start a new beauty magazine as editor-in-chief.
- She almost immediately wanted the job, showing the simplicity of the hiring process.