Ann Godoff, a pioneer in the world of publishing, passed away at the age of 76 on January 5th, 2020. She was a visionary leader who helped shape modern American book culture and launched numerous bestselling titles. Her passing is a great loss to the literary community, as she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.
Godoff was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1943 and grew up with a love for books and storytelling. She graduated from Brown University and began her career in publishing at Viking Press in 1965. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the first female editor-in-chief at Random House in 1991. During her time at Random House, she oversaw the publication of several iconic titles such as ”The Bridges of Madison County” by Robert James Waller and ”The Reader” by Bernhard Schlink, both of which became international bestsellers.
In 1998, Godoff made the bold decision to leave Random House and start her own imprint, The Penguin Press, which was later renamed to the Penguin Press imprint. This move marked a significant turning point in her career as she became known for her keen eye for talent and her ability to identify and nurture bestselling authors. Some of her notable titles include Barack Obama’s ”The Audacity of Hope” and ”Dreams from My Father”, Elizabeth Gilbert’s ”Eat, Pray, Love”, and Tom Brokaw’s ”The Greatest Generation”. These titles not only became commercial successes but also shaped the literary landscape and sparked important conversations around the world.
Godoff’s impact on the publishing industry was not limited to just bestsellers. She was also a champion for diverse voices and was passionate about publishing works that represented a wide range of perspectives. She was a strong advocate for women in publishing and mentored and supported many female editors, helping them to advance in their careers.
Throughout her career, Godoff received numerous accolades for her contributions to the literary world. She was the recipient of the Maxwell E. Perkins Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Field of Fiction Editing and was also inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She served on the board of directors for the National Book Foundation and the Authors Guild, and was a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Godoff’s impact on the publishing industry extended far beyond the books she published. She was a visionary leader who recognized the changing landscape of the industry and was always ahead of the curve in adapting to new trends and technologies. She embraced the digital era and was a strong advocate for e-books and audiobooks, believing that they would help make literature more accessible to a wider audience.
Despite her numerous accomplishments, Godoff was known for her humility and kindness. She was deeply respected and loved by her colleagues and authors, who remember her as a warm, compassionate, and fiercely intelligent woman. She was a mentor to many and will be greatly missed by the publishing community.
Godoff’s passing is a great loss to the literary world, but her legacy will live on through the books she published and the lives she touched. She will be remembered as a trailblazer, a visionary, and a true champion of literature. Her contributions to modern American book culture will continue to inspire and shape the industry for years to come. Rest in peace, Ann Godoff.
