Why It Matters
Nemens bridges creative writing and high‑level editing, influencing both the production of acclaimed literature and the next generation of writers. Her visibility on a popular literary podcast amplifies her impact across the publishing ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
- •Emily Nemens authored novel "Clutch" via Tin House
- •Debut "The Cactus League" earned NYT Editors’ Choice
- •Former Paris Review editor, Southern Review co‑editor
- •Holds 2022‑23 Picador Professorship, teaches MFA at Bennington
- •Featured on Brad Listi’s "Otherppl" podcast, sponsored by Ulysses
Pulse Analysis
Emily Nemens has emerged as a distinctive voice in contemporary fiction, with her novel Clutch adding to a résumé that already includes the critically lauded debut The Cactus League. The latter’s selection as a New York Times Editors’ Choice and its placement on NPR and Lit Hub’s year‑end lists underscore her narrative craft and market relevance, positioning her as a writer whose work resonates with both literary critics and a broader readership.
Beyond her own writing, Nemens has left an indelible mark on the literary publishing landscape. A decade‑long editorial career saw her helm The Paris Review, one of the most influential literary magazines, and co‑edit The Southern Review, where she championed emerging voices. Her stewardship helped shape editorial standards, fostered diverse storytelling, and reinforced the role of literary journals as incubators for high‑quality prose. These experiences now inform her teaching in Bennington College’s MFA program, where she mentors aspiring authors.
Nemens’s appearance on Brad Listi’s Otherppl podcast extends her influence into the audio‑media sphere, offering listeners insight into her creative process and editorial philosophy. Sponsored by the writing software Ulysses, the episode highlights the convergence of traditional publishing and digital tools, illustrating how contemporary writers navigate both realms. For industry professionals and readers alike, Nemens’s multifaceted career exemplifies the synergy between authorial talent, editorial expertise, and modern platforms that shape today’s literary ecosystem.
Episode Description
Emily Nemens is the author of the novel Clutch, available from Tin House. Nemens's debut novel, The Cactus League, was a New York Times Book ReviewEditors' Choice and named one of NPR's and Lit Hub's favorite books of 2020. Her stories have appeared in BOMB, The Gettysburg Review, n+1, and elsewhere; her illustrations have appeared in The New Yorker and in collaboration with Harvey Pekar. Emily spent over a decade editing literary quarterlies, including leading The Paris Review and serving as co-editor and prose editor of The Southern Review. She held the 2022-23 Picador Professorship (University of Leipzig) and teaches in the MFA program at Bennington College. She lives in central New Jersey with her husband and dog. *** Otherppl with Brad Listi is a weekly podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading writers. This episode is sponsored by Ulysses. Go to ulys.app/writeabook to download Ulysses, and use the code OTHERPPL at checkout to get 25% off the first year of your yearly subscription. Available where podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Get How to Write a Novel, the debut audio course from DeepDive. 50+ hours of never-before-heard insight, inspiration, and instruction from dozens of today's most celebrated contemporary authors. Subscribe to Brad's email newsletter. Support the show on Patreon Merch Instagram TikTok Bluesky Email the show: letters [at] otherppl [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
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