After nearly nine years at Esquire, I’ve been laid off from my role as Books and Fiction Editor. I’m looking for a new full-time role where I can use my storytelling skills, in the book world or beyond it. If you know of anything, I’m at adriennewestenfeld@gmail.com. (🧵1/10) - ThreadSky | a Reddit-style client for Bluesky

awestenfeld.bsky.social • 90 days ago

After nearly nine years at Esquire, I’ve been laid off from my role as Books and Fiction Editor. I’m looking for a new full-time role where I can use my storytelling skills, in the book world or beyond it. If you know of anything, I’m at [email protected]. (🧵1/10)

Comments

terpsichorecmlos.bsky.social•90 days ago

🙏🏼🙏🏽🙏🏾🙏🏻🙏🏿🙏

cjdit.bsky.social•90 days ago

Adrienne - I'm so sorry you were laid off from your job. I'm hoping that you find something fulfilling, and higher paying. :)

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much! I hope for the same 💗

phunter-24.bsky.social•89 days ago

Here is a job for you. Why not write a book about your time as book editor at Esquire. I am sure there are a lot of good stories you tell about working for them.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Definitely a tempting idea! 👀

phunter-24.bsky.social•87 days ago

Let me know what happens.

ambersparks.bsky.social•90 days ago

Oh no, Adrienne, I am so sorry! I can’t believe it - you do such incredible work over, I hate this so much

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Amber! I really appreciate that 💗

michaelcolbert.bsky.social•90 days ago

I’m so sorry to hear, Adrienne. You’re such a fabulous editor and a champion of books

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Michael! Really appreciate that.

zoewiseman.bsky.social•89 days ago

Maybe you should start your own publishing house? Seems like you’d be successful.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Your lips to God’s ears! Thank you Zoe!

warhorse1.bsky.social•89 days ago

Good luck! I hope you find a wonderful place

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you!

freeblackgirl.bsky.social•89 days ago

Adrienne, you did incredible work at Esquire and you are an incredible editor. I hope you land somewhere really amazing soon.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much, Evette! I really appreciate that 💗

revdrshay.bsky.social•90 days ago

Good. We need Black, Brown, Indigenous and Transgender editors of all magazines

cambone.bsky.social•89 days ago

Getting laid off is a jolt. I wish you well in your search.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you David!

wn7ant.bsky.social•89 days ago

I hear the Republican party is looking for storytellers, not that you'd get paid ;)

diego71724.bsky.social•90 days ago

katekilla.bsky.social•90 days ago

I am so sorry. This is awful for you and for everyone who writes and reads about books and literature.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Kate! Really appreciate that 💗

mdbell79.bsky.social•90 days ago

I’m so sorry, Adrienne. I loved working with you and am grateful for all the work you did there. Looking forward to all the good things that are next for you.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Matt! Thank you so much 💗

shall-not.bsky.social•90 days ago

Man, I remember when I used to subscribe. It was such an interesting, relevant, well written magazine for gentlemen.

glenside.bsky.social•87 days ago

Good luck Adrienne.
Your CV is fabulous.
I’m sure you will move forward happily. 💐💐

directly2the4head.bsky.social•90 days ago

always enjoyed esquire - sorry to hear.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Clint!

hammys-howl.bsky.social•90 days ago

Damn! Good luck. Hope you find something even better!

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you! I hope so too!

clieb.bsky.social•90 days ago

I never understand laying off people who are actually doing great work. Person at very top: "Well, I could take a big pay cut, or I could lay off this woman who has been amazing things for us. Layoff it is!" 🙄

plinkdot.bsky.social•90 days ago

Best of all the universe's luck to you. Been laid off for almost 5 months now myself.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much! Fingers crossed that the perfect role comes your way soon! 🤞🏻

kissmyrea.bsky.social•89 days ago

Wishing you the very best.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Rea!

maudnewton.bsky.social•90 days ago

I'm so sorry—you are a magnificent editor, and your work was the reason I read Esquire regularly.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Maud 💗 Really appreciate this!

victorinini.bsky.social•89 days ago

Aren’t books becoming illegal under the forthcoming dumbaucracy?

jasondiamond.bsky.social•90 days ago

That’s awful news, Adrienne. You’ve been a force over there and made me look forward to the book coverage.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much—really appreciate this 💗

rossfindlay.bsky.social•89 days ago

Good luck!

katharinemyers.bsky.social•90 days ago

So so sorry, Adrienne

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you! 💗

lisa-catara.bsky.social•90 days ago

So sorry to hear this, entirely their loss. So many creatives are in the same boat, myself included.

Sending you all the good Juju to attract perfect, new employment 🦋

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much Lisa! Sending you lots of good juju too! 💫

lisa-catara.bsky.social•89 days ago

Gratitude!!!

paaneahpannell.bsky.social•90 days ago

I’m so sorry. It might be time for growth! Sending good vibes and an even better position!

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Really appreciate that! 💗

angelabaggetta.bsky.social•90 days ago

i'm so sorry to hear this--they are mad to lose someone like you. i look forward to seeing where you land next.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Angela! 💗

celtadri.bsky.social•90 days ago

Oh shit, I'm so sorry. That's bad news for everyone. Good luck in what comes next—you deserve to land someplace great.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Adrienne! I really appreciate that 💗

spherenotfear.bsky.social•90 days ago

Our sympathies. My wife understands too, having been a teacher for 22 years and a school librarian.

“The toad beneath the harrow knows.”

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you! 💗

booksongif.com•89 days ago

Oh no! This is terrible news. I'm so sorry, Adrienne,

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you 💗

ellederaan.bsky.social•90 days ago

As an unemployed content writer, it's disheartening to see people with this kind of exp getting laid off.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Dark times in the biz, aren’t they? Fingers crossed that you land the right role soon! 🤞🏻

ilanaslightly.bsky.social•89 days ago

I am so so sorry to hear this, Adrienne. It was such a pleasure working with you. I hope you land somewhere wonderful!!!

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much Ilana! I loved working together!

motley5280.bsky.social•90 days ago

I hope you are doing well as you figure out a new path.

Good luck.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you!

ericvb.bsky.social•90 days ago

speaking as a fellow former Esky, you did great work over the years! sorry to see this and wishing you and your colleagues luck ✌🏽

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much Eric!

mom-of-gus.bsky.social•90 days ago

Truly sorry to hear this news. Wishing you all the best as you move forward into the next leg of your journey.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Linda!

suzikatzauthor.bsky.social•90 days ago

I’m so sorry. I never thought to do this as I am looking for a job as well. However, I am an author and would love to connect.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much Suzi! Great to connect—fingers crossed that you find the right role soon! 🤞🏻

bluegary74075.bsky.social•90 days ago

Esquire seems to be catering to the stupid and lazy. End Subscriptions.

altkeypro.bsky.social•90 days ago

Sorry to hear that.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you!

altkeypro.bsky.social•89 days ago

You're welcome!

paintedhandfarm.bsky.social•89 days ago

I guess the publication will be targeting men who don’t read anymore. Sorry to hear about the job loss. Consider farming instead of editorial work—much less stressful and you will eat better.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Sandra! I’m growing things in my community garden—that’s a start! 🌾🌷

coletteshade.bsky.social•90 days ago

Ugh, Adrienne, that’s terrible! I’ll keep you in my thoughts, and pass this around.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much, Colette! 💗

sarahmccrawcrow.bsky.social•90 days ago

I’m sorry! I was a books and fiction editor at Ladies’ Home Journal a million years ago, and it makes me so sad to think about the decline of all the books sections. And of magazines and media more generally. Sigh.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Sarah! 💗 The decline of book media makes me terribly sad, too.

ngobody.bsky.social•90 days ago

Do you have a teaching certificate? There is a school somewhere that needs you desperately.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

I do not! Definitely something to think about.

ngobody.bsky.social•89 days ago

My daughter's school is known for graduating great writers. Almost all of her teachers in the middle and upper school are PhDs, including one from the University of Chicago, and many are published writers. Grade schools with programs like that exist and need people like you. Good luck.

lauravandenberg.bsky.social•90 days ago

Loved what you brought to Esquire & wishing you all the luck in the next chapter!

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much, Laura 💗

kwistent.bsky.social•90 days ago

Oh, this fucking sucks. I'm so sorry, Adrienne! A loss for readers.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Kristen 💗

theozenou.bsky.social•90 days ago

All the best!

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you!

briangresko.bsky.social•90 days ago

So sad to hear it, Adrienne! Keeping my fingers crossed for you

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Brian!

stumperoftrumpers.bsky.social•89 days ago

Fucking Esquire gets rid of one of their best. What the actual fuck are they thinking?

erickmuia.bsky.social•90 days ago

Ur post already a story and we love it

sarahweinman.bsky.social•90 days ago

Oh this SUCKS, it was the greatest pleasure working with you!

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

It was SUCH a blast working with you! 💗

dawniewalton.bsky.social•90 days ago

Thank you for all you did at Esquire for books and authors! Excited for your next journey.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Dawnie! 💗

bryndonovan.bsky.social•89 days ago

Oh no! I'm so sorry and I hope you find a great new gig soon. ✨

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Bryn!

nowings4me2b3.bsky.social•90 days ago

I could do with a hand writing my 2nd novel Adrienne, it’s called the Bible pt II, yet I’m unsure when it’s complete as to whether it will be in the Fact,Fiction or Autobiographical section ?

Thoughts 🤷‍♂️😂😂✌️🙏

ryanperez1982.bsky.social•89 days ago

You could work at any of the major news networks. They just make up stories…..

lg924.bsky.social•90 days ago

It sounds like you have a lot of great skills you can use to create your own business.

quizzlette.bsky.social•90 days ago

Geez. How do you feel?

marcellevt.bsky.social•90 days ago

Seriously? What is this about, Esquire? This part of the new world order? Wish I had a subscription to cancel. I am sorry for the grief and betrayal of this you must be feeling. Hope you can take some time to be a human—I am sure you worked like a dog for those 9 years.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much 💗

mdhoefsmit.bsky.social•90 days ago

https://olympics.com/en/work-with-us keep an eye on here. May be nothing now, but we do need editors/writers often

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

So great to know! Thank you for sharing this—I’ll definitely keep an eye peeled!

jblyle.bsky.social•90 days ago

Reader here, really sorry. (Also hated that they stopped running cartoons.) Wishing you the best possible.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much!

mbrown007.bsky.social•90 days ago

Sorry to hear. Best of luck.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you!

nicolecunningham.bsky.social•90 days ago

so sorry to hear this, adrienne. you published such extraordinary work with esquire. excited to see where you land next (and excited to keep my eyes on the novel, too!)

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much Nicole 💗

thelincoln.bsky.social•90 days ago

I'm so sorry to hear this. You really transformed the Esquire books section! Thank you for your years of work!

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Lincoln! 💗

awestenfeld.bsky.social•90 days ago

During my time at Esquire, I transformed the books section into a viral destination for longform storytelling about how we read now. As The Chicago Tribune wrote, “It is writing about books that is smart and goes beyond the listicle without being only for the literati.” (🧵2/10)

awestenfeld.bsky.social•90 days ago

I worked with Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning writers on their criticism, essays, and reported features. It was also my great pleasure to commission original fiction, including the revival of Esquire’s Napkin Project. (🧵3/10) https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a44466086/napkin-project-short-fiction/

awestenfeld.bsky.social•90 days ago

When I wasn’t editing stories about books, I was writing them myself, including reported features, author profiles, and more. I founded Esquire Book Club, through which I spent five years interviewing essential writers about essential reading. (🧵4/10)

awestenfeld.bsky.social•90 days ago

I became an experienced interlocutor by hosting literary events all over, from libraries to bookstores to campuses. I’m at ease speaking in virtual settings, too, from TikToks to podcasts to Twitter Spaces, where my conversations with authors drew thousands of listeners. (🧵5/10)

awestenfeld.bsky.social•90 days ago

Outside of the books space, I contributed across all print and digital verticals, writing extensively about entertainment, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. As a seasoned writer and reporter, I’m an editorial Swiss army knife. (🧵6/10)

awestenfeld.bsky.social•90 days ago

I’m excited about the new opportunities that lie ahead for me, but first, I want to thank all the writers who trusted me with their stories. I loved this job, but collaborating with you was always my very favorite thing about it. (🧵7/10)

rc007.bsky.social•90 days ago

Very sorry to hear that.
I guess there may be online job for script writing/editing.. Pls goggle it
I hope sooner your trouble will get away..

chrisandremy.bsky.social•90 days ago

Good luck.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you!

fleursdx.bsky.social•90 days ago

Their loss. I’m sure you’ll move on to something better.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you!

isabelkaplan.bsky.social•90 days ago

So sorry to hear this. What a loss for Esquire (and the rest of us who enjoyed the Books coverage)

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much Isabel!

kimmccavan.bsky.social•89 days ago

While it is hard when it is fresh, I hope this is the inciting incident to your best adventure yet.

sharon-kilzer.bsky.social•89 days ago

Crummy life moment, really great post. I hope amazing things come your way. All the best.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much Sharon!

joaoarroz.bsky.social•89 days ago

I'm sorry to hear this Adrienne. There is a general contraction in the book industry. The same thing happened to my daughter, who is a literary agent. I wish you nothing but the best in your job search.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•88 days ago

Thank you Joao! Wishing all the best to your daughter, too!

maris.bsky.social•90 days ago

Oh Adrienne, I’m so sorry. You did such amazing work. It was the best books section in the business.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Maris! That means the world to me, coming from such a brilliant and discerning reader as you 💗

mnealdoherty.bsky.social•89 days ago

Absolutely the best books section.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Maggie!

mldavies.bsky.social•90 days ago

So sorry to hear this. I always looked forward to reading coverage there, you published so much great work. This is such a foolish move.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Morgan! Means a lot 💗

rvoronacote.bsky.social•89 days ago

I’m so sorry to hear this, Adrienne. You helmed a terrific section and assigned so many excellent stories.This is entirely Esquire’s loss.

frecklywench.bsky.social•90 days ago

so sorry to see this, Adrienne—I have loved what you’ve done in the role and hope for something wonderful coming next!

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much Maggie!

bluewalleye.bsky.social•90 days ago

Best of luck to you!

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you!

jessieglenn.bsky.social•90 days ago

I’m so sorry to hear this! Would you be interested in some freelancing for us in the meantime? You are welcome to dm me. If it’s ok to dm you I can send more details.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much, Jessie! I’ll write to you.

kimberlyburns.bsky.social•90 days ago

No. No! Adrienne! You are such a force in the book world, you’ll be snapped up somewhere better in no time and we all (everyone!) will cheer you on. For now: I’m sorry (for Esquire. Their loss.) ♥️♥️♥️♥️

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much, Kimberly! I really appreciate this 💗

van6511.bsky.social•89 days ago

🙏♥️

algierslady.bsky.social•89 days ago

After nine years, you have learned a lot, made great connections, and now you are able to write your story or a book about the ins and outs of being an Editor. Time to fly. Good writing. Their loss will be your blessing. Fly.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you! That means a lot to me.

ae-winstead.bsky.social•90 days ago

Same. I go zero interaction over there. Just tapping to myself 😅

thedominoeffect.bsky.social•90 days ago

Have you looked into freelancing at Reedsy?

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Definitely setting up a profile there! Thank you for the suggestion!

jennyirish.bsky.social•90 days ago

I’m so sorry.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you! 💗

meghanor.bsky.social•90 days ago

Oh no! I'm such a fan of your editorial work. huge hugs - let's be in touch.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much Meghan! I’ll write to you! 💗

robinjp.bsky.social•90 days ago

Hate that this happened to you. It sucks. And it will take time. Been there. My best advice is to keep your network close. Timing is everything. 📚

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much Robin!

juwariah.bsky.social•90 days ago

Hi while not a professional in this industry it seems you have a stellar career. Would love to pick your 🧠

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Absolutely, anytime!

kathy-daneman.bsky.social•90 days ago

I’m so sorry to hear this. You know you’re always top of my list and you’ve published wonderful essays with so many of my authors over the years. Looking forward to see where you land.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Kathy! Thank you so much 💗

thefrankiedlc.news•90 days ago

Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear that

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Frankie!

dancingofpens.bsky.social•89 days ago

I really enjoyed your book coverage. I'm so sorry about this.

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Camryn! Really appreciate it.

readandbreathe.bsky.social•90 days ago

Noooo! 💔 This is awful news. I’m thinking of you and am so sorry to hear this. 😭

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much Michele 💗

carolineeisenmann.bsky.social•90 days ago

this truly sucks, I'm so sorry-- had really admired how you helped shape coverage there!

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you Caroline!

sarahrusso.bsky.social•90 days ago

Oh, Adrienne, this is the worst news. :( Will keep my ear to the grape vine for opportunities.

yuriandmalcolm.bsky.social•90 days ago

We need more good editors
Don’t give up

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

I sure won’t! Thank you! 💗

storyteller-roy.bsky.social•89 days ago

Sorry to hear that. It's a tough place to be (was laid off in June, myself).

awestenfeld.bsky.social•88 days ago

Thank you Roy! Appreciate your empathy.

susannealthoff.bsky.social•90 days ago

There is an opening at Emerson College, where I teach: https://emerson.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Emerson_College_ft_faculty/details/Editor-in-Chief-of-Ploughshares---Open-Rank-Faculty-Position-in-Writing--Literature-and-Publishing-Emerson-College_JR007151

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

If only I was based in Boston! Thank you so much for sharing, Susanne!

chelseadoingthings.bsky.social•89 days ago

Adrienne, I am sorry to hear about this. I hope this opens new doors for you and taps into new passions, and your creativity. You got this! 💯🫶🏼

awestenfeld.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thank you so much Chelsea!

pranavkale120.bsky.social•90 days ago

All the best!