Marco Palmieri is a senior editor of Tor Books and Tor.com.
What led you to start working in digital/media publishing?
I’m a senior editor at Tor Books, one of the world’s leading publishers of speculative fiction. I acquire primarily novels and shorter works of science fiction and fantasy. But I’ve also been looking for ways to broaden the usual scope and definition of genre publishing. To that end, in mid-2017 my colleague Jen Gunnels and I launched an experimental publishing imprint, Tor Labs, with the goal of offering spec-fic audiences new ways to experience the kinds of stories they love. Our first project was the podcast Steal the Stars, a 14-part, weekly, full-cast science fiction audio drama, produced in partnership with New York-based theatre group Gideon Media.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My typical day is a mix of editing manuscripts, reviewing submissions, creative brainstorming, meetings of one sort or another, social media, and administrative work. It’s very glamorous. #noitisnt
What’s your work setup look like?
I work primarily from a desktop computer during office hours at Tor and use a mix of other devices during off hours: laptop, tablet, and phone. My office at Tor is full of books I’ve edited, and personal mementos that remind me to keep pushing forward.
What do you to get inspired?
Regular contact with other creative people and learning about what they do, and how they do it, is very energizing, as is experiencing their work. I’m inspired by discussions of the ways artists in different media and different industries can work together to create great new things they cannot achieve separately.
What’s your favorite piece of writing or quote?
“Pessimism is a misuse of imagination.” I first heard it in 2001, spoken by broadcast journalist Ted Koppel. It’s always struck me as one of the most beautifully true statements I’ve ever heard.
Is there a product, solution, or tool that you think is a good match for your digital publishing efforts?
The nature of my work isn’t about any single product or approach. As an experimental imprint, Tor Labs strives to be nimble, adaptable, and open to the possibilities created by the emergence of new technology and new media trends.
What’s the passionate problem you are tackling at the moment?
Managing my time!
Any advice for ambitious digital publishing and media professionals just starting out?
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Make peace with the possibility of failure. Surround yourself with creative, energetic, enthusiastic people. Be passionate, and be flexible.
