The celebration of Mr. McCarthy’s illustrious career serves as a testament to his undeniable talent, with his timely recognition that the publishing landscape was changing and he needed to adapt the way his books were published.
During the 1960s, large corporations started acquiring publishing houses, leading to industry consolidation. In the 1970s, inflation increased book prices while wages stagnated, leaving consumers with less disposable income. Shareholder value became the priority, resulting in demands for quarterly growth. This shift in focus led to the growth and influence of marketing, publicity, and sales departments in publishing. Editors spent less time searching through submissions for emerging talent. Literary agents became essential intermediaries, as publishing houses no longer had the time to review unsolicited manuscripts like Mr. McCarthy’s debut.
Random House had a guardian against these changes in its chief executive, Robert Bernstein. He protected the publisher from corporate interference, but when Alberto Vitale took over in 1989, things changed. Vitale, with a background in business rather than publishing, implemented a new policy that each book had to be profitable on its own, preventing one title from subsidizing another. This policy made it nearly impossible for Mr. McCarthy’s early career to flourish.
However, this policy change opened up new opportunities for Mr. McCarthy. After his protector, Mr. Erskine, retired, McCarthy sought representation from agent Lynn Nesbit, who introduced him to ambitious protégée Amanda “Binky” Urban. Urban, impressed by McCarthy’s work, facilitated his move from Random House to Knopf. Knopf’s new editor in chief, Sonny Mehta, needed a big win and eagerly agreed to publish McCarthy, despite his lack of commercial success. The head of Random House, surprised by the decision, approved the move despite McCarthy’s previous low sales.
At Knopf, a talented team was assembled to release McCarthy’s new book, “All the Pretty Horses.” They recognized its commercial potential and the fact that it presented a hero readers could root for. The book was a hit, selling 100,000 copies initially and later being adapted into a movie. McCarthy’s commercial success grew, establishing him as a monumental figure in popular culture. His subsequent novel, “No Country for Old Men,” also became an acclaimed film, and “The Road” became a best seller with Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement.
Overall, Mr. McCarthy’s career trajectory and the recognition he receives today highlight his exceptional talent and his ability to adapt to a changing publishing industry.
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