Graydon Carter’s Memoir: Reflections on a Golden Era of Magazines
Graydon Carter, former editor of Vanity Fair, shares an insightful narrative in his new memoir titled “When the Going Was Good: An Editor’s Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines”, set to be published by Penguin Press on March 25, 2025. This book captures the essence of a remarkable period in magazine history and Carter’s role in shaping the influential publication.
A Journey Through Magazine Publishing
Carter’s memoir invites readers into the world of magazine publishing during a transformative era. Throughout his tenure of over 25 years at Vanity Fair, he oversaw a multitude of landmark stories and groundbreaking covers. Among these was the pivotal announcement of Caitlyn Jenner’s transition—a project that showcases both the intrigue and challenges faced in the media realm.
The Caitlyn Jenner Scoop
In a significant chapter of his career, Carter recalls his response to emerging rumors about Jenner’s transition. He proposed to his team, particularly Jane Sarkin, the idea of featuring Jenner in Vanity Fair when the time came for her to publicly share her story. After initial attempts were declined, the team persisted and ultimately secured Jenner’s commitment.
To maintain confidentiality around the sensitive project, Vanity Fair adopted stringent security measures. Carter explains, “To get the cover and the inside pictures and the story, we went into deep-secrecy mode.” A dedicated workspace was established, equipped with restricted access to mitigate leaks and maintain the integrity of the article.
The Creative Process
For the photo shoot, Carter recruited renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Buzz Bissinger, who documented Jenner’s journey. Bissinger met Jenner during her transition, exclusively managing her interactions with the media during a specified period of recovery. They faced various logistical hurdles, including sourcing attire suitable for Jenner’s new identity and ensuring privacy amidst increased public attention.
As Carter recalls, “The plan was that Bruce would have surgery and then recuperate in isolation at his home in Malibu,” allowing only the essential team members to visit, further highlighting the atmosphere of secrecy.”
Unveiling the Cover
After finalizing the story and images, it came time to design the cover. With a simple yet powerful phrase, “Call Me Caitlyn,” Carter aimed to encapsulate Jenner’s identity shift as the issue prepared for its launch. In a groundbreaking move for the magazine, they decided to release the cover online before its physical print debut, anticipating the substantial public reaction.
On the release day, the excitement in the office was palpable. Carter describes the anticipation: “A dozen or so of us sat at a long borrowed conference table, watching the traffic on a big TV monitor.” The initial slow trickle of views quickly escalated, leading to an explosion of interest that demonstrated the landmark significance of the story in cultural discourse.
Conclusion
Graydon Carter’s memoir serves as a vivid chronicle of an era characterized by journalistic integrity and the evolving landscape of media. Through the lens of his experiences, readers are invited to reflect on the monumental shifts within society as evidenced through landmark publications.
For those interested in a deeper dive into this fascinating period of magazine journalism, “When the Going Was Good” by Graydon Carter is available for purchase, providing an engaging exploration of the intricacies of magazine publishing.
