Now, clearly I’m biased. I started as her assistant, I’m still her colleague, and I’m also her friend.
But the fact that the Locus 2011 Poll and Survey is now up, and doesn’t list Anne Groell as a nominee for Editor of the Year bothers me.
Why?
Because name a science fiction and fantasy editor that had a bigger year in 2011.
And this is nothing against the other editors on the list—all of whom are great at their jobs and do terrific work. But to not have Anne Groell on the list?
Really?
But don’t take my word for it. Instead, let’s see what Anne did in 2011.
Oh, right: just edited a little book called A Dance With Dragons.
Now, this wasn’t just the biggest fantasy book of the year. It was, simply put, one of the biggest books of the year, one that’s still a New York Times bestseller, half a year after its hardcover release.
Anne’s been George R.R. Martin’s editor since A Game of Thrones, and although I’m a firm believer of the author getting all the credit, if we’re going to pick an editor to get some credit, then Anne certainly should be recognized.
Because, besides A Dance With Dragons, two of Anne’s books won both the Nebula and Hugo Awards last year: Blackout/All Clear by Connie Willis.
As I’m sure you know (since you’re reading a sci-fi and fantasy blog), those just happen to be two of the biggest awards in the genre. Connie’s novels won both—and Anne was the editor.
Now think about this: George’s and Connie’s books are wildly different. Different genres, different styles, different kinds of books (one is part of a series; the other, a stand-alone story).
Now think about this: In addition to Connie and George’s books (which she continue to work on the comic adaptation of A Game of Thrones), in 2011 Anne worked with Elizabeth Bear, Paula Brandon, Kelly Meding, MK Hobson, Jaida Jones and Danielle Bennett, Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon, Keri Arthur, Jules Watson, and Cherie Priest.
Again—did another SF/F editor have a bigger year than Anne? And, even if they did, does that mean her year wasn’t impressive enough to include on this list?
I don’t think so.
Therefore, I’m asking that not only should everyone write-in “Anne Groell” on this year’s Locus ballot, but make sure they rank her #1 when they do.
Because frankly, that’s the least we can do to recognize what an amazing year she’s had.
UPDATE: It appears the list does not include Anne Groell (as well as some other deserving candidates, it would seem). Thanks!
I totally agree: Anne was one of the editors who struck me as keenly aware of things that others missed and capable where others failed.
One the other hand:as with the Kitschies, the PKD Award, and the locus Poll itself, I see books that I hated included, and books that I loved excluded.
My conclusion: SFF awards and polls are not meant to be fair.
I think she’s now included in the poll – have you checked again?
You are so right! The way you describe Anne Groell, she must be a super person and editor! Thanks for standing up for the well deserved.
And she gave me the rights back to my Area 51 series which was only outsold on Kindle and Kindle UK last summer by George RR Martin. So she has my vote.