Moshe Feder is a prolific and influential science fiction editor known for his work at major publishing houses like Tor Books and Baen Books. As an editor, Feder has helped shape the careers of many notable sci-fi authors and has been instrumental in acquiring and publishing some of the genre’s most acclaimed novels over the past few decades.
Background and Early Career
Feder was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1947. From a young age, he was an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy. After graduating from Columbia University in 1968, Feder began working at the Scott Meredith Literary Agency while trying to establish himself as a writer. He sold a few short stories to low-budget magazines, but ultimately realized editing was his true calling.
In 1973, Feder got a job as an assistant editor at Signet Books under editor Susan Allison. This launched his decades-long editing career in science fiction and fantasy publishing.
Major Editorial Accomplishments
Work at Tor Books
In 1980, Tom Doherty recruited Feder to help launch Tor Books, a new SF/fantasy imprint. As one of Tor’s founding editors, Feder was instrumental in shaping the company into one of the most prominent genre publishers.
At Tor, Feder edited early works by major authors like Orson Scott Card, David Weber, and Sean Stewart. He discovered new talent like Michelle West and Tanya Huff, helping launch their careers. Feder also edited critically acclaimed novels like Card’s “Ender’s Game” sequels and Huff’s “Blood” vampire series.
Work at Baen Books
In the early 1990s, Feder left Tor for rival publisher Baen Books. As executive editor under publisher Jim Baen, Feder continued discovering new authors and acquiring bestselling novels.
Notable projects Feder edited at Baen include John Ringo’s “Legacy of the Aldenata” series, Eric Flint’s 1632 series, and Lois McMaster Bujold’s “A Civil Campaign.” He also worked on early Honor Harrington books with David Weber.
Feder was respected for his quality editing and commitment to new authors. Authors he edited praised him for improving their work while respecting their creative visions.
Editing Fantasy and Horror
While best known as a SF editor, Feder also edited major fantasy and horror. At Baen, he edited Anne McCaffrey’s “Dragonriders of Pern” novels and new Pern books by McCaffrey’s son Todd. He also launched new dark fantasy/horror imprint Baen Fantasy in 2006.
Work with the Science Fiction Writers of America
In addition to his editing work, Feder has been very active with the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), the leading writer’s organization for speculative fiction.
He served as SFWA’s executive director from 1996 to 2002. He was instrumental in overhauling the Nebula Award rules and upgrading SFWA’s internet presence and member services.
After stepping down as executive director, Feder continued serving on SFWA’s Board of Directors. He was named a SFWA Grand Master in 2009 in recognition of his editing career.
Retirement from Baen
After over 20 years at Baen, Feder retired from full-time editing in 2009. However, he continued freelance editing projects for Baen through 2013. He also focused more on his writing, including contributing essays to various magazines and anthologies.
Though retired from day-to-day editing, Feder remains an influential figure. He continues to participate in SFWA. Many authors and editors credit him with providing invaluable guidance early in their careers.
Feder helped shape science fiction for over 30 years at New York’s top publishing houses. Both through his editing and SFWA leadership, he has left an indelible mark on the genre.
Key Highlights
- Got his start at Scott Meredith Literary Agency and Signet Books in the 1970s
- Was a founding editor at Tor Books and helped establish it as leading SF publisher
- Discovered major authors like Orson Scott Card and Sean Stewart at Tor
- Edited many acclaimed novels including “Ender’s Game” sequels
- Worked at Baen Books throughout the 1990s and 2000s
- Edited books by top authors like David Weber, John Ringo, and Lois McMaster Bujold
- Also edited major fantasy series like Pern and new Pern novels
- Was executive director of SFWA from 1996 to 2002
- Named SFWA Grand Master in 2009 for editing career achievements
- Though retired, still influential through SFWA activities and mentoring new editors/authors
Summary
In summary, Moshe Feder has been one of the most prominent and accomplished science fiction editors since the 1970s. He helped launch the careers of many famous authors through his work acquiring and developing books at top publishing houses like Tor and Baen. He discovered and nurtured new talent, while also working with established authors to publish some of sci-fi’s most memorable novels. Feder has shaped the genre through both his editing and leadership in the SF writer community. Though retired from full-time editing, he remains an influential figure that new generations of authors and editors continue to learn from and admire.