Biographers International Organization (BIO) announces Bill Thomas, Doubleday’s publisher and editor-in-chief, will receive its 2026 Editorial Excellence Award.

“Bill and the authors with whom he has worked have excited the literary world with innovative subject matter, creative storytelling, and deep research for nonfiction titles,” says Kathleen Stone, chair of the award committee.

“During his time leading Doubleday, he has overseen the publication of nine Pulitzer Prize winners, three National Book Award winners, and five National Book Critics Circle Award winners. As one of those authors described Bill, he is a great editor and also the world’s coolest editor.”   

Since joining Doubleday in 1993, Thomas has overseen the publication of hundreds of lauded books and has worked one-on-one with numerous bestselling authors, from Patrick Radden Keefe and David Grann to Aimee Bender and Colson Whitehead.

BIO will host a reception to honor Thomas on Tuesday, Oct. 6th, from 6-7:30 p.m., at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City. Scheduled speakers include Keefe, Grann, Scott Anderson, and Hampton Sides. The event is free, but registration is required. Learn more here.