Throughout my career in the book publishing industry, I’ve been privileged to wear a number of hats: editor, literary agent, author, and teacher. These days, I seem to switch hats on a regular basis.

I wear my Professor hat at Rosemont College in suburban Philadelphia where I am the Director of Graduate Publishing Programs. Students in our program obtain a Master of Arts degree in Publishing. I’ve been with the program since Fall ’09, and am enjoying helping to shape and build the program for the future to align with the changing nature of the publishing industry. I’ve also worn my professor hat at Temple University, where I taught in the First Year Writing Program, and Drexel University, where I taught publishing.

I also created and curate a thriving program of adult education book discussion classes, workshops, and events called Open Book. Open Book is where I teach my popular class “Hot Off the Press,” where we read new literary fiction upon publication. In Open Book, I lead classes on fiction, memoir, classics, local (Philadelphia) authors, and more, including the “Literally Speaking” series of Author House Parties. I also create readings, special events and workshops for a variety of corporate and institutional venues.

The Philly Writes! Author Reading Series is another Open Book production—a monthly reading series featuring published authors from the Philadelphia area and presenting a variety of fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, poetry and more. 

I proudly wear the Author hat when touting my book,  Elements of the Table: A Simple Guide for Hosts and Guests (Clarkson Potter/Random House). Journalist A.D. Amorosi of Philadelphia’s City Paper calls me  “The First Lady of the Fork” and Publishers Weekly magazine calls me “a more forgiving Miss Manners.” Elements of the Table looks at everything on the table—including silver, china, crystal and decorative items—and describes how to properly use it, along with some fun dining history. Did you know, for example, that napkin rings were invented so you could make sure you got the same napkin at each meal, since no one laundered them in between?

I don my Editor cap, which is the most worn-in and comfy one, well, pretty much whenever I read anything. I always have the proverbial red pencil in hand. After years of helping writers with their books, these days I still keep my hand in with classes and editorial consulting for writers and publishers.

And of course, there are a few small folks out there who call me Mommy. Hi boys! Hey, stop eating with your fingers!