Ann Regan, editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Historical Society Press (MNHS Press), is retiring on September 3 after 46 years in the Minnesota Historical Society’s book publishing division. After earning her bachelor’s degree in history and Russian from the University of Montana, Regan moved to the Twin Cities, where she took a temporary position as a research assistant at MNHS Press and worked her way up the career ladder. To mark her retirement, we spoke with Regan about her long career, why she stayed with the publisher all this time, and how publishing has and hasn’t changed since 1978.
You have worked at MNHS Press for 46 years. As a native Montanan, why do you want to work for an organization dedicated to Minnesota history, and how did you become editor-in-chief?
I was lucky. I moved to St. Paul right after college in 1977 because I wanted to live outside of Montana and my big sister was here. I qualified for a state job creation program and applied just when they were hiring researchers. I had a few opportunities for advancement when others left the press, and that helped keep the work interesting.
The Twin Cities region has a large and vibrant publishing community, and many people move around. You are a rarity because you have stayed with the same publisher your entire career. Why?
I have the best job in town. Working in regional publishing is deeply fulfilling. I go home every day knowing more about the place where I live. I believe the work is important – that people become better citizens when they know the history of their communities. And I have great coworkers.
In your opinion, how has the publishing industry changed over the last 46 years?
In some ways, everything has changed. Computers and email have made me a much faster (and more readable) editor. E-books and digital printing make so many more books possible. But relationships and intellectual engagement are still at the heart of publishing. Authors entrust editors with truly valuable projects, and we must do our best for them.
How has MNHS Press changed over the last 46 years?
When I started, we had just a small staff, producing some of the three or four books we published each year. Over the years, with smart new colleagues and hard work, we have become a driving force in regional publishing. We now publish 15 to 20 books a year, so we can continue to give each one our full attention.
How many books have you published with MNHS Press? Do you remember the first book you published? Do you have a favorite book and author you have worked with?
I have done development editing on about 280 of the 350 or so books I have acquired. My job has changed over the different eras, and for a few years I did not do much editing. My first book was a picture history of the Twin Cities, which is now out of print. But the book that made me an editor was The Days of RondoEvelyn Fairbanks’ memoir about growing up in the black community of St. Paul. It showed me that an editor and an author can tease and argue and really enjoy working together to improve a book.
When you look back on your career, what are you most proud of? Were there any disappointments?
I am most proud of the books that have done the most to build stronger citizens: our Native American list and titles like A good time for truth: racing in Minnesotaedited by Sun Yung Shin. They provide insightful history and stories that help people understand each other on a deeply human level. I have also Dear Jacob: A mother’s hopeful journey by Patty Wetterling and Joy Baker. It is simply wonderful that I have been entrusted with the publication of these books.
Disappointments? Some books I loved didn’t sell as well as they should have. I’m sad when beloved colleagues leave MNHS Press. But the setback that seemed disappointing at the time – my failure to be appointed director when I applied for the job over two decades ago – actually saved me from implementing the Peter Principle.
What will you do after September 3rd?
I’m not sure, but I know I’ll think of something.
Regan will be celebrated this afternoon, August 28, with a reception at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul. Cake, coffee and other light refreshments will be served, and the program will include lectures by MNHS Director of Public Information Kent Whitworth, MNHS Librarian Emeritus Patrick Coleman, and authors Anton Treuer and Diane Wilson.
