Toni at Random: Author Toni Morrison's Work as Editor at Random House

FAIN: HB-50293-13

Dana A. Williams
Howard University (Washington, DC 20059-0001)

This application proposes a full-time award over eight (8) months ($33,600) to conduct archival research at Howard University, Columbia University, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture on Toni Morrison's role as an editor at Random House Publishing Company from 1965-1984. During the award period, I will complete drafts of chapters of a manuscript already in progress and gather additional information needed to construct other chapters. Upon completion, the manuscript will be submitted to Random House Publishing Company or to an academic press for publication. The award will allow me to take a full year sabbatical at half-pay to complete the manuscript.

Media Coverage

You Know the Novelist. Now Meet Toni Morrison the Editor. (Review)
Author(s): Martha Southgate
Publication: New York Times
Date: 7/6/2025
URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/books/review/toni-at-random-dana-a-williams.html

Associated Products

Toni at Random: The Iconic Writer's Legendary Editorship (Book)
Title: Toni at Random: The Iconic Writer's Legendary Editorship
Author: Dana Williams
Abstract: An insightful exploration that unveils the lesser-known dimensions of this legendary writer and her legacy, revealing the cultural icon’s profound impact as a visionary editor who helped define an important period in American publishing and literature.
Year: 2025
Primary URL: https://search.worldcat.org/title/1456752087?oclcNum=1456752087
Primary URL Description: WorldCat listing
Secondary URL: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/toni-at-random-dana-a-williams?variant=43146561945634
Secondary URL Description: Publisher page
Publisher: HarperCollins
Type: Single author monograph
ISBN: 9780063011977

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