Professional Overview
Boris Kachka served as the Books Editor at the Los Angeles Times from January 2020 until at least early 2024, after which he transitioned to a new role as Senior Editor for Books at The Atlantic (announced July 2024). Prior to his tenure at the Los Angeles Times, Kachka had an extensive two-decade career at New York magazine, where he worked as an editor, contributing editor, and writer, primarily focusing on books, theater, film, and cultural industries.
Roles and Responsibilities at Los Angeles Times
During his time at the Los Angeles Times, Kachka was responsible for assigning and editing coverage across a wide range of literary and cultural topics. He substantially expanded the magazine's book coverage across all verticals, overseeing excerpts, critical stories on new book releases, and diverse literary content. He cultivated a reputation as a veteran editor and writer with a deep understanding of the publishing landscape and literary culture.
Kachka personally described his role emphasizing a passion for fiction and cultural journalism, showcasing a commitment to curating a broad and rich literary docket. His colleagues at the Los Angeles Times were described as smart and tireless, indicating a collaborative work environment under his leadership.
Career Highlights and Contributions
- Prior to joining the Los Angeles Times, Kachka was credited with tripling the book coverage at New York magazine by 2018, reflecting his capacity to grow and enhance editorial domains.
- He is the author of several books, notably:
- Hothouse: The Art of Survival and the Survival of Art — a cultural history of the publishing house Farrar, Straus and Giroux, widely regarded as an authoritative insider’s view of the book industry.
- Becoming a Producer — a guide to a career in film production, demonstrating his cross-disciplinary expertise in cultural and entertainment sectors.
- His editorial work demonstrated an ability to combine deep literary knowledge with a reporter’s instinct for timely and engaging storytelling, underpinning his editorial decisions with both cultural insight and market awareness.
Recent Transition and Current Position
As of mid-2024, Boris Kachka has left the Los Angeles Times to join The Atlantic as Senior Editor for Books. This move signals a continuation of his work at a high editorial level within the book and culture journalism domain. His reputation for intellectual curiosity and a "reporter’s instinct" was specifically highlighted in announcements of his new role.
Industry Standing and Reputation
- Kachka is recognized as a culture journalist specializing in profiles, features, and literary history, with a reputation for depth and engagement in his chosen subjects.
- His contributions have not only shaped editorial direction at major publications but also contributed to broader literary discourse through his authorship and public commentary.
- Throughout his career, Kachka has maintained a focus on the interplay between literature, culture, and the evolving publishing environment, adding value to editorial teams by broadening book coverage and engaging diverse literary audiences.
Summary insights: Boris Kachka’s career arc demonstrates a strong editorial leadership profile grounded in literary expertise and cultural journalism, with proven success in expanding publication coverage and producing influential authored works. His recent move from the Los Angeles Times to The Atlantic indicates ongoing relevance and senior-level responsibility in book and culture journalism at prestigious media outlets. This background highlights his extensive network, editorial influence, and likely openness to innovative literary content and partnership opportunities within the publishing and cultural sectors.
