We talk with Stephanie Stein at HarperCollins about California and New York publishing, a typical day in the life of a Big Five editor, and what it takes to impress a publishing person (in books and TV, theater, and otherwise).

Stephanie is an absolute editorial rock star--literally every person who receives a critique from her is thrilled, so we talk about her process, and how it is similar and different from her day-to-day editing.

She also tells the story of the magical day she (almost literally) ran into Shaq on the way to her very first full time publishing interview.

We describe how hard it is to sneak into HarperCollins (though Jessica made it! Well--after Stephanie came down to let her in) and we recorded in Harper's adorable Amelia Bedelia room.

We also discuss very important things like The Bold Type--how close it (isn't) to real publishing life--and reading Harry Potter as an adult.

Plus lots more!