Younger provides a fascinating glimpse into the seemingly exciting world of book publishing, presenting a world with high fashion, cut-throat deals and competition, and rising stars who quickly move up the ranks. The compelling and diverse selection of characters draws viewers in and helped make the show so popular.
It's a pretty glamorous depiction, which makes sense given the premise and the fact that it is, of course, a fictional television series. Naturally, certain things will be embellished, while others enhanced for dramatic and entertaining effect. Nonetheless, fans who have never seen the inner workings of publishing can't help but wonder: how much in the series is realistic about the publishing industry and how much is totally wrong?
Wrong: The Timelines
In the series, in some instances, a book went from concept to fully written and edited, cover art made, and copies published in what seemed like a matter of weeks. This is very unlikely in the publishing world.
One stand-out instance is with the book Marriage Vacation, which turns Charles' ex-wife into a published author in a matter of weeks. The editing process alone would take much longer, even with the most talented editors. But with Liza, an assistant who is seemingly new to editing doing the work? This kind of timeline is unheard of.
Right: The Pay Isn't Great
It's true that publishing jobs aren't exactly top money-makers compared to careers in other fields. In one scene, Liza tells Charles that she works in publishing "for love, not money." Most people who pursue a career in publishing indeed do so because of their love for the written word, and they don't expect to make top dollar.
There are exceptions to every rule, of course, such as world-famous authors who make a lot of money, along with publishing executives and magnates who have built empires. But most mid-level publishing jobs have decent but not extravagant salaries.
Wrong: Reading So Much, So Quickly
It's unrealistic that Liza, Kelsey, and Charles are able to read the amounts of books and book drafts they do in the span of an average workweek, or even night. Many episodes show them getting through a 300-page book in a single night.
Even for one who reads quickly or just scans pages, this seems like a massive undertaking, especially to do every day, no matter how much books are a passion. Reading through various synopses or even a few chapters to get a feel for a book makes sense. But cover to cover, one or more a night? It isn’t plausible nor would it be expected of editors other than in extreme circumstances.
Right: Events And Lunches
While Younger focuses a lot on the fun aspects of publishing versus the more boring aspects of meeting deadlines and snooze-worthy conferences or client meetings, it is true that the world of publishing has a lot of events.
Those who work in the media tend to be invited to a lot of soirees for the purposes of covering them in newspapers, magazines, or on websites, or simply just to schmooze. It's still work and everyone has to be "on," which makes Kelsey's excessive drinking at some of the events questionable. Admittedly, there are more boring events, like the one for P is for Pigeon, than flashy ones. But, depending on the type of publishing, the parties can be a perk of the job.
Wrong: Those Big Expense Accounts
The most real financial scenario on the series was when Kelsey put up her own savings to get the app and podcast done for Inkubator. The crazy budgets for parties, lunch expense accounts, and travel budgets aren't realistic in the publishing world today.
While it was clear that, oftentimes, Empirical was pinching pennies, such as when Charles did not want to pay for Liza and Kelsey to attend an out-of-state conference, some of the other expenses incurred, such as Liza constantly traveling by taxis for pick-ups and drop-offs, seems unlikely.
Right: Quirky Authors
Considering many of the fictional authors on the series are modeled after real-life people, it makes sense that there's some truth to it. Book authors do tend to be quirky and eccentric. Though it isn't always the case, there's a certain level of creativity required to be a talented author. And just like actors, authors often fit a different mold.
They are passionate, have their own processes, and like to do things their way. And, like Edward L.L. Moore, they are often late in submitting their work if they haven't found the inspiration they need or suffer from that all-too-known condition called writer's block. Or, like rock star Chrissie Hart, they might even be reluctant to hand over their work altogether.
Wrong: You Don't Need Much Experience
Even an entry-level job like a personal assistant in a publishing company requires some experience in the field, along with an education in journalism or a related degree. While Liza did indeed have publishing experience, she had to deliver a fake resume to secure a job at Empirical since she was pretending to be much younger.
The details of her contrived resume include a gap after schooling where she spent time in India. It was obvious she had little to no experience, yet she got hired pretty quickly. In the real world, she likely would not even have been able to get an unpaid internship without more schooling. Even having had experience decades prior, it's no surprise that fans believe Liza should end up going back to school to refresh her skills, despite her obvious natural talent.
Right: The Struggle To Stay Relevant
Anyone who worked in the publishing world in recent times, particularly print publishing, knows the struggles to stay relevant in a digital world all too well. Liza and Kelsey's attempts at getting Charles to embrace more digital strategies is something the publishing world has been facing for some time.
The constant push and pull between the "old guard" and their desire to stick with those proven financial anchors and the "new guard" wanting to shake things up and bring publishing into the 21st century is accurate for many companies. It's partly why fans love the character of Kelsey so much, who represents a strong, passionate, and smart young woman looking to excite a new generation about reading.
Wrong: The Fashion
In light of the average salaries, employees with expensive couture and general high-end, flashy fashion are not likely the case for people in positions like publisher, editor, or editorial assistant. While Lauren, who works in public relations, perfectly embodies a go-getting PR firm owner everyone wants to be friends with, the others are far too fashionable.
Even at higher-end book publishers, chances are the wardrobes are far more laid back, or at least more conservative than some of the flashy outfits Liza and Kelsey are seen wearing to the office or out to events. Not to mention, how could they afford all those clothes?
Right: The Friendships And Camaraderie
Publishing is one of those industries where coworkers have one another's backs, and departments work together, from editorial to creative and marketing. It might not always be sunshine and roses, but in most cases, there's value in having everyone succeed.
People are always willing to support one another and offer mentorship for new people coming in. Thus, Kelsey and Liza's friendship is very believable, as it makes sense that, as a rising star in her 20s, Kelsey would want to surround herself with other like-minded individuals who could help her, and Empirical, reach its full potential.