Over the past few months, our editorial team has undergone major transformations, welcoming *three* new members! You’ve already met Clara and Caelyn—now let us introduce you to our rockstar (literally) Assistant Editor Alicia Nadkarni…
Can you tell me a little about your role at NYU Press? What subjects do you work on?
I work with Eric Zinner on our American Studies, Culture Studies, Literature, and Media Studies lists.
Where did you work before coming to NYU Press?
Before coming to NYU, I worked at Rutgers University Press in acquisitions and later became a production editor there. My transition between the two departments was a really amazing experience—for some projects, I ended up working on the entire life of a book, from proposal to real-life bound book. By the time the books came out, I had very close relationships with those authors—we’d been through everything together! Before joining NYUP, I went to graduate school and got a Master’s degree in English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University.
What’s the most exciting part of your job?
I love talking to scholars about their work and their ideas for their next book. It’s so interesting to hear the subjects that people have chosen to explore and I love being a part of sharing that scholarship.
Why did you go into (academic) publishing?
I am one of those people who loves learning about new things and nearly any subject fascinates me. The first editor I worked with, Leslie Mitchner, used to always say that academic publishing is an extension of one’s education, and I honestly feel that to be true.
What’s the most obscure subject/project you’ve ever worked on?
I once worked on a book about bats, which was actually incredibly fun and interesting.
What are you reading these days? Got a favorite NYU Press book?
I tend to read multiple books at once—I hate to finish a good book and suddenly have nothing left to read! I usually read at least one fiction book and one theory or academic book at the same time. I just finished Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, but I am also in the middle of Gaga Feminism by J. Jack Halberstam. I just started reading The Assignment by Friedrich Dürrenmatt, but it’s driving me nuts since each chapter is one long sentence. As an editor, it’s hard not to want to break out the red pencil. From NYU, I loved In a Queer Time and Place by J. Halberstam and Cruising Utopia by José Muñoz. I can’t wait to read Habitats by Constance Rosenblum and Spreadable Media by Henry Jenkins, Sam Ford, and Joshua Green when they release in the spring.
Most preferred way of reading? Good ol’ book or fancy schmancy e-reader?
Usually, I’d say good ol’ book, but I just got a fancy schmancy smart phone and it’s been really great for reading on the go.
What are some of your hobbies?
When I’m not freelance editing or writing, I am a musician. I play several instruments, but I am primarily a bass player in several rock bands.
