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I suspect most people reading this blog are familiar with Ira Silverberg already, either from his days at Serpent’s Tail, his role at CLMP, his stylish dressing and giving of great quote, or his time as an agent at Sterling Lord Literalistic. And I’m sure most everyone knows that he was recently named as the new literature director at the NEA. Regardless (or irregardless), the NEA posted an interview with Ira that’s

NEA: What do you hope to accomplish while youÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™re at the NEA?

SILVERBERG: My goal is make sure our grantees in literary publishingÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½”the non-profit presses and journalsÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½”are set up for the new digital age. There is a great deal of technical assistance needed to be a good publisher these days. Many of our grantees have grown up more as curators of great artÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½”but getting it out in a difficult and changing publishing environment is a new part of the challenge. I hope thatÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™s where the literature department can make a difference in the next few years.

NEA: What are you most proud of accomplishing in your career to date?

SILVERBERG: Seeing the first copy of a book IÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™ve edited or represented as an agent always provokes a feeling of great pride. Working with great writers for so many years still provides a great thrill. What could be better than helping get their words out into the world? Having three clientsÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½”Adam Haslett, Christopher Sorrentino, and René SteinkeÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½”nominated for the National Book Award in fiction has been a thrill; seeing former child soldier Ishmael Beah hit number one on The New York Times bestseller list was one of the most emotionally satisfying moments in my life; and helping to secure publication in The New Yorker for clients like Gabe Hudson, David Bezmozgis, and Sam Lipsyte always makes me feel triumphant.