Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

Bon Appetit! I agree. She was the Julia Child of romance.

What a beautiful tribute. You and all of her friends and family have my condolences. It is such a loss. She was well loved and respected.

Oh, Sarah…perfect. Thank you for this.

What a wonderful tribute. Condolences to her family and friends.

Amen.

I’d seen and talked to Kate throughout my years at RWA (even pitched to her), although I’m sure she had no clue who I was. I remember her most at the Smart Bitches get together in SF.  She sat in the corner “holding court”, as usual. :-)

She was definitely a woman who held a presence where ever she was.  She will be missed.

What a wonderful post.  She was romance and I am still very much in shock.  I honestly didn’t think she wouldn’t make it.  It never really entered my mind.

Thank you for sharing.

Aww, you just made me cry.  Kate will be sorely missed.

What a lovely, and totally fitting remembrance.

Fuckin’ A. She was a giant, and no one will ever completely fill her shoes.

Sarah. Beautiful. Thanks.

I loved Kate. Her sense of humor—hysterical remarks delivered with a dead-pan expression—always made me laugh.

I was on a “Books at Sea” Cruise with a group of writers. Kate brought her mother.  Heather Graham hosted a private Karaoke party on the ship.  I told her I wanted to sing and she said, “Fine, but I don’t want anyone to just sing—you have to have an act.”

When I told her I didn’t really have an act, Heather told me no problem, she’d get me one.

She corralled Kate (who she always called “Doo-FAY”) and browbeat her into being my “back up dancer.”

Kate put on her signature stone face and did Pips-style dance moves while I tried to sing Orange Colored Sky without laughing at her antics.

It was being video taped—I wonder if Heather has a copy. 

Kate’s loss is a seismic event in the Romance community.

Though I’ve heard her name banty around romance land for years, I’ve never had the joy and honor of meeting Kate in person. It saddens me that now I never will. A lovely tribute Sarah. Thanks.

I am so glad I had the opportunity to have drinks with Kate during RT Pittsburgh. A more honest, hilarious, straight-shooting, acerbically wise champion of the Romance genre, you could not hope to find.

She will be missed.

Sarah,

I was just thinking about the particular ‘dinner party’ pictured here. (big lump in throat) Just one of the many fantastic moments I shared with Kate. She was a unique and generous soul and I will miss her greatly. Thank you for sharing such a lovely tribute.

~Beth

A wonderful tribute, thank you for sharing this with us. *hugs*

This was lovely.

Sarah, thanks - lovely tribute to a marvelous editor and friend. God, we’re gonna miss her.

I don’t write romance, but you still made me said I will never meet Kate Duffy.

I’m so sorry to hear this news. We’ll miss Kate. I didn’t get to meet her, but she sounds like a wonderful person.

Lovely, simply lovely.

Kate will be missed.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Kate personally, though I’ve heard her speak and know some of her authors.  She seemed to be a truly wonderful person and I’m sorry I’ll never have the chance to meet her now.  This is a beautiful tribute!

Beautifully stated, Sarah. I can’t imagine the romance community without Kate Duffy in it. I’m so saddened by her passing.

Beautifully said. What a great loss for the industry and for her family and friends.

What a great tribute!  I only had the pleasure of speaking with her once, but it was a telephon call I’ll never forget. She made me feel so special about my writing, and I’m saddened by her loss. I was looking forward forward to working with her in the future. The publishing industry has truly lost a gem.

Thank you for sharing that, Sarah. It was touching & beautiful. I regret that I never had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Duffy.

Beautiful tribute, Sarah, though I’m incredibly sad to learn the news is true.  It seems like it was just yesterday I emailed her my condolences for her uncle, Peter Boyle.  She thanked me and was incredibly nice.  What a loss to the romance industry. :-(

Oh, very well done, Sarah. Very well done, indeed.

My first meet with Kate was during one of her Query Letter workshops at National where she read queries out loud and let you know her immediate thoughts. (You learn REAL quick to get a thick skin in this business when Kate read your queries out loud.) I had the (un)fortunate luck to follow a query that had had a cheating husband as the hero. Not Kate’s cup of tea AT ALL. “The hero is a jerk,” was her comment. So, enter my querly letter. She got two lines into mine, did The Kate (look) at me and said, “He’s not married is he?” Luckily (well, for me, notsomuch for my hero and his late wife) the hero was a widower. That, Kate could deal with. But I was forever the Writer with The Not Married Hero to her.

She told you like it was because she knew how it was. An icon in the business and she will be missed.

Oh, Sarah, you really got me with that tribute to her.  Thank you for writing that.  I have been a recipient of “The Kate” look many times, once when I was moderating a panel and she didn’t like the question.  Withering, indeed.  Followed by brilliant insight and a great joke.  You really captured a woman who will be missed by so many.

I remember wandering into the Kensington cocktail party at RWA Nationals in San Francisco.  The room was tiny, crowded, loud.  Everyone seemed to know each other.  Except me.  I stood in the doorway, blinking, reticent, wondering if I should just go sit in the lobby.  Then Kate saw me, saw my name tag, and swooped forward.  She ushered me into the party and said to her fellow editors, “This is the one I’ve been telling you about.  Her book as a golem in it.  It gives me goosebumps.”  She showed us her arm so we could see said goosebumps.

The next day, she took me to lunch.  I told her I saw her on a panel at the RWA Nationals in Reno and knew immediately I wanted to work with her because she was so goddamn cool.  She accepted this as her due.  That night I saw her again at the Smart Bitches cocktail party.  Angela James and I started riffing on Jesus Porn.  Kate was gleefully convinced we would be struck by lightning.

Kate took a chance on me and my writing when other editors were afraid.  She gave me a chance to seize my lifelong dream.  I have a candle lit for her today, but every day I write is illuminated by her spirit.

A wonderful tribute to Kate, Sarah. All of us who had the opportunity, fun and sheer honor of working with her will surely appreciate it.

I am so sad today. I agree with what Toni said, the loss of Kate Duffy is “a seismic event in the Romance community.”
RIP Kate

This is so beautiful and touching, Sarah. Thank you for sharing such lovely memories of Kate. I’m sorry that you lost a mentor and friend. My sympathies are with everyone who was lucky to have known Kate Duffy. She will be greatly missed.

Kate was my editor. I believe I was her first young adult author, and she took a big chance signing me (an unknown author) on for three books. We went through the process of a launching a YA series together, and I learned a lot from her.

I have to say, I never thought she wouldn’t beat this. It didn’t even cross my mind. So I’m more stunned now than anything. I can’t believe she’s gone.

-Diana

Beautiful tribute, Sarah.  I’ve been crying off and on all morning since hearing the news.  Thought I had it under control and then I came here and saw the picture.  That was such a typical Kate gathering.  Beth and I had just had lunch with her earlier that day and a tour of Kensington.  Beth and I were just about to get in a cab to return to the NINC Conference.  Kate asked what we were doing for dinner and we answered that we were just going to hang out at the hotel.  “No you aren’t,” she decided in her crisp, Kate style.  “You’re coming to dinner with me and my friends.  I’ll just change the reservation.”  What a fun time we had!

Thank you for putting up the picture.

Kate was a legend.

Having never had the good fortune to meet Kate Duffy, I now know what I have missed.  Your words bring her to life.  Good journey, Kate Duffy and I am sorry I never had the opportunity to bask in your light.

Sarah, thank you for your touching tribute of Kate Duffy. I had only met her twice in my career and had hoped one day to have her as my editor.  She was so in tune, in touch and just plain amazing.  She will be sorely missed.

What a lovely tribute to an amazing woman.  I didn’t know her very well—just enough to say hi when our paths would cross at conferences. But I knew her reputation and the high esteem in which she was held by those lucky enough to work with her or call her friend.

A true loss to the romance industry.

How sad to lose and iconic talent like Kate Duffy. Wonderful tribute Sarah.

Kate was the first editor I ever spoke to. She spent an hour on the phone explaining to me what the issues were that she saw in my book. She was spot on, though I couldn’t see it at the time. The fact that I’d just gotten off the phone with a real life editor was motivation enough for me to keep going. Kate touched my life as a writer in a way that can only be described as incredible. She did not buy my book but she still took the time to tell me how to make it stronger. Because of that, I am still writing.
I am, as many of us are, deeply saddened by her loss. She was a tremendous influence in so many ways.
Thank you for this touching tribute.

Kate Duffy was the most intimidating editor I ever met—and the most encouraging. She’s a legend whose legacy will live forever. She will be sorely missed.

Kate was a tough old broad in a tough business. Her honesty and integrity will be missed.

A lovely tribute Sarah.

Monica Spence
President
Long Island Romance Writers
lirw.org

A beautiful tribute to an incredible lady.  Thank you, Sarah. I’ve had a lump in my throat since the moment I heard about Kate’s passing.  The first conference workshop I ever attended (years ago) was Kate’s.  I never missed anytime she spoke at any conference since.  Condolences to all her family and friends.  She’s touched more lives than she will ever know.

I never had the chance to work with her—don’t think I even got a rejection from her—but her name was one I picked up from my first RWA conference. Over the years, I’d sit in on her workshops and, oh yeah, I learned a lot.  Thank you, Kate.

And thank you, Sarah, for a wonderful tribute.

Hugs to her family.  She will be missed by many.

After meeting Kate at tons of conferences (and sharing some mutual friends and a mutual love/lust for Gerard Butler!) and years of wanting to work with Kate, I finally got the chance last year when she called me with an offer to write a trilogy for her and Brava. With just one comment, she gave me incredible insight into the dynamics of my characters and their conflict and it helped me write the story.

I am stunned and saddened by the news and teary over the tribute to her here. I kept nodding and saying, ‘yep, that’s Kate’....

Terri B

I had no idea until I read your post! I’m glad I got the news from you—someone who knew her and obviously cared.

Ash

What a lovely tribute.

That was a wonderful tribute.  Thank you!

My condolences in the loss of your friend and colleague. But how wonderful to be remembered for one’s strength, intelligence, and kindness. She clearly left large ripples on the pond.

Beautifully put Sarah.

The last time I had the pleasure of seeing her was last February. Where during lunch we had the best time trying to out talk each other (I lost to her of course) while my editor, agent and daughter sat in almost stunned silence. I have the best picture of all of us from end that day. I will treasure it always.

Kate was often right. It was really annoying sometimes. And if we disagreed, which we did a lot, I’d often get The Look, which I nicknamed The Kate. Many people are familiar with this look. The chin goes down. One eyebrow may go up. And clear as air, you get the message that she thinks you are out of your mind. The word “withering” comes to mind. I was the recipient of The Kate many a time. Sometimes I totally deserved it.

This made me simultaneously laugh, snort, and cry at the same time because it was so utterly, unbelievably true and I could just see it.

I am going to miss her so terribly.  She was my very first pitch, the first
publishing professional I ever met, and even though I never formally
worked with her, she was my first mentor in many ways. I learned a
tremendous amount about how to be a professional in this industry and
how to consider the balance of power between editors and authors. I
also respected the hell out of her because even if she was flat wrong,
she was always honest and that’s such a rare commodity in this industry.  She also wasn’t afraid, as the quote above so aptly illustrates, to tell you when you were flat wrong yourself.

She was an original.  Thank God.

I too met Kate at a conference, where she was on a panel for GH winners and gave us hard, sound, but still encouraging advice. I knew her best through those who spoke of her fondly or with awe, or sometimes with exasperation. I hoped one day to work with her, but to have met her was its own reward. Thanks for such a lovely tribute.

Great post. I never met Kate properly, only in passing at RT, but you didn’t have to know her to be aware of the huge influence she had in the romance community and her enthusiasm for the genre.
We won’t see her like again, as someone said once. The romance world is a bit greyer now she’s gone.

Amen, Sarah.  Kate was an amazing woman and editor… it was an absolute privilege to work with her, and I’ll be forever grateful to her for buying my first book, and for having her in my life.

It’s a sad day for romance fiction.

Last lunched with Kate about a year ago.  My mom was in town and Kate called me, insisting that Mom and I come into the city so she could take us out to lunch at a swanky restaurant.  I said that I couldn’t let her buy our lunch, that we should go dutch. 
Kate’s response.  “Of course, you can.  Walter will pay.”
Me.  “But, Kate, I’m not even your author!”
A reluctant pause.  A Sigh of disgust.  And, though we were on the phone, a pointed delivery of The Kate, I’m sure.  “Oh, fine then.  I guess your editor can come too.”

Wow. That’s one of the most beautiful tributes I’ve ever read.

Thanks so much, Sarah, for that. I’m smiling with a lump in my throat. Kate was the first editor to buy me in romance. And yes, she was tough (there were some very tough moments) but always honest, smart, and deeply committed.

I’m still finding this hard to believe. What a loss. What a shame.

I also met Kate Duffy at a query letter workshop at Nationals when I was pre-published. Her tough love and her insight were both razor sharp, and I remember being immensely impressed and not a little terrified of her. However, when I managed to get my courage up enough to talk with her after the workshop, she was nothing but encouraging and let me know if I sent her something, she’d be happy to read it even if it wasn’t finished yet—so I’d know if it was worth my time and hers. I remember thinking, “Wow. Just, wow.”

I felt the seismic shock when I got up this morning and read she was gone. I can’t imagine how those of you who knew her well must be feeling now.

TJB

Kate was the first ‘New York’ editor I ever pitched to. She didn’t buy my book, but she took the time to tell me what was wrong with it. And, of course, she was right. I wanted to work with her so badly and am deeply saddened that our industry has lost such an icon.

Amen.

Thanks for sharing your memories of her…well done.

Damn, been working all day so only got the news about Kate. I’m so very sad to hear this—last spring when she went missing it sounded like it was short-term and now I’m REALLY kicking myself I never dropped her that ‘get’well’ card I’d meant to, dammit.

Kate was one of the first industry professionals with which I had contact—at a VRW meeting in the dead of winter with crap weather. She came despite the forecast and fear of being stuck in Richmond, she was honest and candid and funny and put everyone at ease. And she cackled at the title of my first novel (Sleeping with Ward Cleaver).
She had a good heart and will be so missed.

I’m heartbroken at the lose of Kate.  She’s been my editor for my whole career.  She bought my first book and was still working me, 13 books later.  I feel like I’ve lost a friend, a mentor and my biggest champion.

I wish her family and friends my sincerest condolences.  The romance industry has lost a legend and the world has lost one hell of a smart, sassy, wonderful woman.

See, I needed her even to edit my comment.  :(

I cannot begin to convey how mind-altering the Brava line was for me when it first launched.  The sub genre of erotic romance as we know it today owes Kate Duffy a huge debt of gratitude.  Says me.

Thank you for writing one of the best tributes to Kate Duffy I’ve read. I met Kate on many many occasions. She scared the shit of out me…and I would have given my eye teeth to be one of her authors. She KNEW what worked and what didn’t.

She is a true loss to the romance community.

“The Kate” look nailed it.  A loving, well - done tribute.  Kate will be missed.

I met Kate Duffy for the first time at a Long Island RWA lunch. I pitched my book to her and when she asked for the partial, I almost passed out. She didn’t buy the book but I was struck by how nice she was to all the writers at the lunch, taking the time to hear our pitches.

Thanks Sarah for giving me a glimpse of the woman and legend I never had the opportunity to meet.  I’m truly saddened over her passing and envy all those who knew her for even half a minute.

Sarah, this is such an awesome tribute to Kate.  I know you’ll miss her.  Just know that all you learned from your time together is still inside you to draw from for years to come.

The Julia Child of romance is the perfect description for Kate Duffy. I didn’t know her, but I definitely knew of her (how could anyone in this business not?), and am saddened by her death.

Wonderful tribute to Kate. She was a force and a doll all in one.  Kate was also a pioneer in so many aspects of publishing.  She will be truly missed.

I met Kate four years ago when I pitched my first WIP. She wasn’t intimidating at all and tried to help me relax. Later she gave the best advice I’ve ever received from an editor: “Stay in the present. No matter what you write, stay in the present.”  She had a wonderful sense of humor. Thank you Sarah, for this tribute to a lovely lady and an unforgettable editor.

What a lovely tribute, Sarah.  I never had the pleasure of meeting Kate, but I know what a huge impact she had on the romance community.  She will most definitely be missed.

Goodness, what sad news. I got my first ever rejection from Kate, and as far as rejections go, it was an awesome one since she took the time to tell me what the problems were.

Condolences to her family, friends and authors. Such sad, sad news.

I always wanted Kate as an agent for many reasons, but the primary one was because I knew I’d never have to utter the words, “When you said such-and-such, what did you really mean?”

Heaven is a little brighter for our loss.

I met Kate only a couple of times, but I doubt that I will soon forget her. She was kind and welcoming to me as a beginning editor who was still finding his way in romance. She bought me endless Pimms cups, we laughed about the great and crazy romance business, and she doled out great advice every time I watched her speak. I’m just stunned I won’t get to see her again.

I’m not functioning so well today because I already can’t imagine this writing world without her in it with me ...

Kate discovered many wonderful authors—thank you Kate and may you rest in peace.

My heart goes out to her family at this time.

Sarah -

What a lovely tribute to Kate.  So well said.  I was fortunate to hear her speak several times (beginning with my first RWA), and was fortunate to get to know her a bit when she attended the Washington Romance Writers Retreat several times.  Yes, she was certaily an icon - I thing “the Julia Child of the romance industry” as a brilliant way to describe her.  I also think she was a mensch.  Yes, today is Yom Kippur.  We say prayers for the dear departed.  I think Kate Duffy fits very well into that category.  May her memory be blessed and be a blessing.  And my condolences to her family and friends/.

Binnie Syril Braunstein

Kate was Silhouette Romance’s Editor in Chief when I sold my first two books back in ‘79.

After that, I loved to tease her that it was her fault I was in this crazy business. She said I belonged here.

Kate was an icon and will be sorely missed.

Linda

Thank you for the lovely tribute. 

I had the privilege to interact with Kate often in the 2.5 years I’ve been at Writers House.  She always had something snarky and hilarious to say when she’d call.  Last September, she took me to lunch, but before that, she gave me a tour of Kensington Publishing.  She made it a point to introduce me to everyone that was around, from Walter Zacharius himself on down.  She gave me a rundown of how things worked over there.  It was a wonderful and educational experience.  When she learned that not only had I never seen the BBC Production North & South (Richard Armitage-yum!), but had never even heard of it,  she loaned me the DVD—on pain of death if anything were to happen to it.  :)

When I returned to work after my grandmother’s death this past April, she kindly expressed her condolences—something I will never forget.

Kate, I’m sorry I won’t hear your voice again on the phone, asking to talk to “Herself.”  I’m sorry you were so ill for so long, and I’m sorry for the loss all of us who love romance will now feel.

I hope that wherever you are now, there’s a never-ending supply of fantastic, steamy romances, and a couple of hunky guys to turn the pages for you as you read them. 

Zichron ha’bracha—May your memory be for a blessing.

There are rejections ... and then there’s the Kate Duffy rejection. I had wanted to sell to her so badly. It wasn’t to be. But the personal note she wrote to me was so inspiring and meant the world to an unpublished author. This was a wonderful tribute. The romance community has lost one of the truly wonderful ones.

It’s nice to see everyone’s story about meeting Kate, etc. She wouldn’t want everyone feeling bad.  She would give us “The Kate” face for sure.

The first time I met her was in New Orleans at Heather Graham’s conference. She was the first editor I’d ever met. The first editor to send me a rejection, and the first editor to encourage me to keep on writing.  She will be missed.

Sending prayers to her family, friends, authors, and co-workers.

Dawn Chartier

What a perfect tribute to a wonderful woman.  Kate Duffy was my very first pitch at my first conference in 2002.  I was a babbling idiot, yet she managed to put me at ease.

I didn’t know her well, but she nevertheless always had a smile and a “hi” in passing when I saw her at other conferences.  She’s going to be sorely missed.

Thanks for that tribute, Sarah. Kate was my first editor. She bought my first book for the Zebra Regency line and helped put me on this wonderful publishing road. I will always be grateful to her for that—like many other writers, I have no doubt!

Years ago, I met Kate Duffy at a conference and she was just so inspiring and compassionate. What a lovely tribute! Thank you for sharing this.

I never submitted to her but I am so very glad I had a chance to meet her at a couple of the Washington Romance Writers retreats in Harpers Ferry.

She was funny, smart and very encouraging to all of us wanna be published.

Damn, I’ll miss her.

Kelly S. Bishop

Though our paths never crossed, her reputation was legendary and I can’t imagine a romance writer not knowing who she was. Your very heartfelt tribute makes me feel like I knew her a little bit, and I cried through most of it.

She will be so very missed.

She was wonderful, and my condolences to her family, friends, and the romance publishing industry. I have seen her speak at RWA a few times (usually a highlight of my RWA Conference experience:), and even had a chance to chat with her one-on-one at the RWA in Atlanta a few years back, and as a fledging writer, she was so generous, and funny. Truly, she will be missed.

In about 1991, Kate launched Kismet, an all-mail category publishing house. A lot of authors sold to her, including me, and I met her at the next RWA conference. Kismet took us, all of us, to a restaurant, bought us dinner, gave us gifts, and most important, Kate gave a speech about how important their authors were to them. It was not the usual publishing fare, and it was my first glimpse of how generous and nurturing she could be. Kate was the rare combination of visionary with an eye for talent with bulldog determination to get things done and a legendary way of expressing herself. As she once said to me, “I love you as much as I love my matched luggage.” I love you, too, Kate. God speed.

A lovely tribute for an incredible woman. Like Jill, I’m too sad to say anything coherent.  Maybe tomorrow…

Kate was determined in her generosity, and generous in her determination.

Truer words were never spoken.

Thank you, Sarah.

Sarah,

What a lovely tribute to a truly wonderful person.  Well done.

Great tribute blog!  Kate Duffy was a class act who helped transform the romance industry.  She will be missed.

I met Kate Duffy when we were both commuting to New York on the train. For just over a year we laughed and became good friends all the way to NYC and back. Though we saw very little of each other after I gave up the commute and she moved to NYC, we stayed in touch from time to time. I considered her to be one of the brightest, kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Not to mention her wonderful, dry sense of humor! The world is definitely a darker place without her. She will be missed by many, many people.

I was told this story about Kate Duffy at RWA a couple of years ago-it’s my favorite. Apparently some poor author was pitching to her and was so terrified that she burst into tears. Kate’s response was “I’ll give you $50 if you’ll stop crying.”
Having met her at a couple of Kensington do’s, that sounded quite probable :)

The last time I saw her was at RWA 08 at the literacy signing where she had ‘borrowed’ a member of the hotel staff to lug a box of bottled water around behind her. She plonked a water bottle on my table and said “This is from your grateful publisher’ and that was it LOL

thanks for a great tribute :)

You inspired me to compile my own memories of Kate. She changed my life when she bought my book. I owe her a lot. http://www.dianarodriguezwallach.com/blog/blog.html

How perfectly stated.  That was our Kate—the Julia Child of romance. 

As I tweeted earlier today, I’ve had one true personal friend I’ve trusted absolutely with all my secrets over my 26 years in publishing.  And that friend was Kate.  I even, a few years ago, talked her into letting her mother, Alice—and anyone who ever met Alice could see where Kate got her snap—“adopt” me.  Kate agreed, as long as she could be the favorite child.  No way was I going to argue those terms. 

She was my North Star and I’m feeling hugely rudderless today.

What a treasure to have called her friend. I first encountered Kate Duffy in the blogsphere of Squawk Radio where she came out of lurkdom to chat a bit. I still have that piece. What insight into an industry that was so new to me.

I later took a workshop with her about writoing strong heroines. It cemented for me the notion that I was on the right track with my writoing. I am ever grateful for that.

You’re right, once again Sarah, she was the Julia Child of Romance. May the angels rise up to greet her.

I did not know Kate Duffy, but knew of her. I had heard from many people what a good editor she was. 
I’d like to convey my condolences to her friends and family.
                          Sincerely,
                            Annabelle Ambrosio

Amen, Sarah.

What a wonderful tribute—thanks so much. 
I thought I couldn’t cry anymore but I can.  Kate was Kate.  A very special person.  The title queen as I called her since I always sucked at titles.  She was my editor and I loved her dearly.
Karen Kelley

The first time I met Kate, I was so new her name meant nothing to me.  She made short work of that with her no-nonsense, shoot-from-the-hip and clean up later style.  What a great lady.  Her passing leaves a gaping hole that may never be filled.

Thank you for this, Sarah.  Kate was a great editor and a funny, wicked individual, with a lot to say about a lot of things.  I will miss hearing those things.

Jessica Inclan

Thank you for sharing your very moving and heartfelt tribute to Kate.  It’s evident that she was a special person and will be dearly missed by those who knew her.

Thank you for a lovely, lovely tribute. I worked with Kate for several years at Kensington Books. I was a copywriter there, and it was my job to write cover copy for her books - copy that I quite often dreaded handing in to her, especially if I felt like I hadn’t quite hit the mark. And if I hadn’t, Kate would let me know about it, with a pithy assessment and a look that could strip paint off a wall.
Still, I grew to like her greatly, and to realize that if few people could be more cutting, even fewer could be as kind, or as insightful, or as wise. She was one of the funniest people I’ve ever met, and one of the smartest. Her contribution to romance…it’s impossible to put into words. She loved her authors and her friends and was fiercely loyal to them. Her enthusiasm when she’d just read a manuscript by a promising new author - it was a joy to see. Her love of books was utterly genuine and infectious. Kensington - and publishing - just won’t be the same without her. My heart goes out to her family and all those who love and miss her.

I didn’t know Kate well, but the little I knew of her left a very big impression on me.

She was a special woman, with a distinct way about her. For me, speaking with Kate was always a thrill. She welcomed me as a writer, and I learned so much from her—even if we simply stood on line for a few minutes together or shared a drink at the bar during a conference.

There is no doubt that she helped shaped the modern romance writing industry into what it is today. A wealth of information and absolute knowledge, she was admired, feared and respected simultaneously. Her passing is a loss to publishing, and a greater loss to those whose lives she touched personally.

She will be greatly missed. I wish I had more time to get to know her better.

May her journey be full of light and music, and for Kate…books.
Aleka

Thank you Sarah. It was a lovely tribute to an incredible woman. She has gone too soon and will be greatly missed.

This was lovely to read. Thank you.

“The Julia Child of Romance”—yep, that’s the perfect summary, and a lovely tribute to Kate.

I’d worked with Kate on an anthology or two, and hoped that eventually we could work together full time.  That day came—and after two years, has gone.  I feel cheated.  I figured we’d have at least ten years of working together. 

Kate was one of a kind—smart, funny, generous, hair-raisingly direct.  And damn, I miss her!  No editor has ever made me feel as good about my writing.

She was absolutely amazing.  Honest, blunt, generous beyond belief.  She told me once in a bar in Atlanta, “I’m thinking about cutting down on my travel.  Who the hell wants to keep listening to me talk?”

I said, “Believe me, Kate.  We ALL do.”

And today she’s running editorial meetings in heaven.  Set ‘em straight, Kate.  Our industry lost a lion today.

Her generosity of spirit shone even through ‘the look’.  Witty, insightful and a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) person.  I remember introducing myself at Nationals SFO.  I had sold to Hilary and she had never met me.  Hearing my name, her eyes brightened.  Taking me under her wing, she drew me, and gave me a great gift, her time.  I’m going to miss her.

That’s a lovely tribute.  I only met kate once, at RT, in Pittsburgh, I think.

She seemed like a wonderful lady and I know she’s done huge things for romance.

My condolences and prayers to her family and friends.

I was truly saddened to come home to this news.

I wasn’t one of Kate’s authors and I met her only once, but I knew so much about her and her huge contribution to the romance industry. She definitely left her mark. An irreplaceable loss.

Thank you for the lovely tribute to Kate Duffy, and giving us a place to grieve her passing.

Kate was a bad-ass babe with a very tender heart.  She was one of the first people I met in romance publishing, and she encouraged me to be myself and cheered me on every step of the way.  I only wrote one novella for her—part of a 2003 Brava anthology—and she sent it back to me three times, telling me it had too much sex in it.  “Moderation in all things, my pet,”  she told me. Kate was one of the funniest people I’ve ever known.

The last time I spoke to her, she chided me for staying in hotels when I came to NYC on business.  She told me I was always welcome at her place, even if I had my teenagers in tow. 

My prayers are with her family, friends, and coworkers. There area lot of very sad people in the world tonight.  I’m one of them.

A beautiful tribute. Thank you.

This is such a lovely tribute, Sarah. Thank you.
I met Kate in 2003 and just went through some old emails that I’m so glad I kept. Kate was a true original. One of the most encouraging emails I ever got was from Kate and her enthusiasm still makes me smile to think about.
I feel privileged to have known her. She will be missed by many.

So sad. I own several rejection letters from her (two for the same book) and when I finaled in the Brava contest one time, she called me up and bellowed down the phone: “It’s Kate Duffy. Are your hero and heroine always so horrible to each other?”
She was cool. Honest and in your face but with, I think, a big kind heart beneath the no-nonsense exterior.

What a wonderful post, a terrific tribute to Kate Duffy.  I didn’t know her, but after reading about your friendship with her, I know I definitely missed out.  My condolences to you and to all whose lives were touched by hers.

I first met Kate at a editor pitch appointment. I sat down, drew a deep breath and announced that I was terrified.
She replied, “Not nearly as terrified as I am. Look where I’m sitting.”
I glanced past her to the sheet of glass and sheer drop beyond.
“I’m terrified of heights,” said Kate.

In less than a minute she’d set me at ease, made me laugh and evoked an absolute sense of empathy.

Thinking of all her friends and family. Kate will be sorely missed!

*hugs in your grief*

I didn’t know Kate, but I can definitely feel her loss from the wonderful tribute you have written and everyone’s comments. My condolences to everyone whose lives have been touched by her.

Kate was an amazing woman.  I’m grateful for her.

I’ve known Kate for, I think, twenty years. Never got the chance to work with her. But I’ll miss her laugh, her common sense, her brutal honesty and her unerring eye on the industry. Mostly I’ll miss just sitting in the bar gabbing. Thanks for giving us someplace to talk about her. I’m afraid that the industry will never be the same without her. Wherever she is, may she have books.

Though I’ve heard of her, I’ve not had the pleasure of knowing Kate or even speaking to her, and now I wish I had. She sounds like a wonderful person.

My condolences to her family and friends and all those who have been touched by her.

I’ve entered your site three times, just to go through the “tribute to Kate” opening page.

What a beautiful tribute, Sarah.

My experiences with Kate echo many of the other responses. She was a truly great woman—a friend and a mentor, at once accessible and iconic. She wonderfully encouraging, blisteringly blunt and utterly devoted to our genre.

I can’t imagine the world of romance without her.

Thank you, Kate, for your wisdom, your warmth and your unrepentant snark. We’ll miss you.

I was devastated when I read the news about Kate.

I met Kate many times at RWA conferences.  She was the first editor I ever pitched to (in the Kismet era) and the first editor to request my book. 

She was a warm and gracious lady (although she’d refer to herself as a crusty ole’ broad).  Her sense of humor was fantastic along with her tell it like it is honesty.  She definitely was and always will be the Julia Child of the Romance Industry. 

We used to tease each other about being “sluty sister’s of the American Tourister” since that’s the brand of luggage we received when we graduated from school - way back in the stone age.     

Hey Kate -  You touched the lives of many of us and we thank you for it.  We’re going to miss you lady - we love you…!

Kate was my editor for the Brava novella I did, but being a Kensington mystery author, I’d met her before. She attended a conference sponsored by Florida Romance Writers and I picked her up at the airport. We chatted at the con and I ran into her subsequently at RT and other conventions. She was an institution in the romance industry and will be sorely missed.

Thank you for a wonderful tribute for an amazing lady!

Like so many others, I met Kate at conferences and loved her dry sense of humour, her common sense advice, her generosity of spirit and the way she ploughed her own furrow, regardless of what others thought. In this crazy industry, she was always a breath of fresh air.

‘The Kate’ terrified me, but it was worth braving to hear what I needed to hear. I doubt she’d remember me, although she had an uncanny ability to remember people, but whenever we spoke, she gave me spot-on advice. I always wanted to work with her, but sadly, never got the chance.

My thoughts are with her family, friends, colleagues and authors. This is indeed a sad day, when a bright and bold light in our industry went out way, way before its time. But, I console myself by imagining she’s sorting them all out in heaven!

Well said!

Was Kate the Julia Child of romance?  Or the Anthony Bourdain?  Wickedly funny, unapologetic, and unafraid, she treated writers like grown-ups—and thought we were idiots when we didn’t act like one. 

So much heart went into everything she did.  This hurts.

That was a beautiful and heartwarming tribute to Kate. I only met her once during a conference pitch years ago, but still—like every other writer in our genre—am feeling this terrible loss. Your wonderful insight into Kate’s character and personality made me smile. What a strong, witty, wry and generous woman! Thanks very much for sharing your memories with all of us. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends.

Sarah, Kate was such a beautiful person and you’ve captured that beauty for others in your tribute. Thank you for sharing some of your memories, giving us a moment of smiles and tears.

She will be missed so very much.

Saying that Kate will be missed is something of an understatement. Kate was an institution. I’m not sure who will be able to fill those large (and from what I’ve seen, comfortable, LOL!) shoes. I know I’m sure going to miss getting “The Kate” at the bar during future conferences.

Wonderful tribute.  I enjoyed working with Kate and Hilary and wished I could have met them in person.  They were very supportive and I had hoped to work with them in the future.  Now I won’t get that chance and I sorely regret it.

Rest in peace, Kate.

She was a force in romance who we are the better for having known her, and the sadder for having lost her.

Unfortunately, I don’t know who Kate is, but after hearing the praises from all of you, I’ll be sure to check out her work.

My condolences to all those who love her.

Wonderful tribute, Sarah. I’ve always thought of Kate as a true heroine of the romance genre and am saddened by not only the loss of such an icon, but also the loss of a genuinely great person. My sympathy to her family and close friends.

May her light shine forever in heaven.

Sarah, thanks for the wonderful tribute to Kate.  As one of her authors, and a friend since I started in RWA in 2000, I will miss her so terribly much.  She was the first editor I pitched to at Washington Romance Writers.  I bombed and we laughed about it and she still gave me great feedback.  Years later, she cornered me and said, in her inimitable style, “You Golden Hearted.  Why haven’t you pitched to ME?  Come here.”  We went out on the pool deck - the only place she could smoke in that hotel - and she said, “SO, Pitch.”
I did.
She bought.
But even if she hadn’t, I would still be grieving her loss.  Wll of us at WRW will miss her as our “Simon-Kate” for American Author, and as a ready and willing, boa-clad participant in Romance Jeopardy.
Farewell, Kate.  Angels speed thee to thy rest.

What a wonderful tribute.  I never had the opportunity to meet Kate Duffy although I did try.  Once, I missed her at the WRW retreat because she had the flu and another I was out bid to have lunch with her at the liast minute on Brenda Novak’s Diabetes Auction.  It seems the publishing industry and writers everywhere have taken a collective gasp at her passing.

I only met her once but it was enough to fall in love.  I will miss her.

Beautiful post Sarah.  Thanks to all here for sharing your memories of this incredible woman who graced the romance community.  My condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

Ah, Kate. I’ll miss you.

What a lovely tribute. I never had the privilege of meeting Kate Duffy, though I’d certainly heard of her, but my condolences to all her family and friends.

I am glad so many authors and readers and bloggers are talking about Kate Duffy. I am a reader and first remember hearing her name on Lori Foster’s site when she ran her first contest to give unpublished hopeful writers a chance to get a contract with Kate Duffy. I thought that was the neatest thing for so many would-be writers that might never have allowed their work to see the light of day. I remember Shannon McKenna participated and look what Kate did for her career. What a lovely person. She will be missed.

A wonderful tribute and lovely to read all of the stories of how this amazing woman touched so many lives.

A beautiful tribute. I was giggling at your story of the April fools virtual bitch slap she gave you. 
My thoughts, are of course with Kate’s family and friends and our community that has suffered a great loss as well.

If there were not already books in heaven, there are now.  Because the forever fabulous Kate will make it so.

Thank you for this, Sarah.  Thank you.

Wow, based on all the great tributes here, I really wish I’d had the opportunity to meet this woman. My prayers go out to her friends and family.

Kate you will be missed.

Three memories stand out for me about this amazing woman. The first was when we were speakers together at a WRW conference. She grabbed me by the hand and said. “I know you. Come sit next to me. You did the publicity for one of my authors. You know you are one hell of a publicist.” I was stunned. Flat out. I’d never had anyone from a publishing house be so blunt and up front before about the work I did. We spent the rest of the evening talking about the industry and became fast friends. She was always insightful, chronically quick witted and should have her picture in the dictionary under sharp for her razor tongue lashing methods. And I loved every bit of her for it.

Years later at the Levy Author’s At Sea I sat with Kate and her mother (who indeed did pass down the sassy gene) having drinks late at night with these two incredible women and my rather stunned husband. He adored her. Kate was the kind of person who could kill with a look, and lift up with a single comment and always outstretched a hand to others. That night she leaned over to me after insisting on ordering another drink for me and said, “There are no hard feelings about me rejecting your last book, are there?”
I just about choked on my drink. “No, of course not. I respect you to much for that. That’s business. This is friendship.”
She gave me a hug. “Good, I’m glad we understand each other.” Which was promptly followed by an invitation to come and stay with her so she could introduce me around New York and find me another agent.

The last time I saw Kate was at RWA in San Franciso where she was grabbing everyone in sight and inviting them to partake of the “Kindle Koolaide”. We got to talk for too brief a time, sharing a coffee and conversation about the industry. Had I know it’d be the last I’d see of her I would have grabbed her and held on tight.

No one can take your place, Kate. No one.

I can only imagine the hole she’s left in the lives of her family, considering the gigantic gulf she’s left for the rest of us. God speed, Kate. Make the angels tremble.

Thanks for the opportunity, Sarah, to sit shiva for Kate in cyberspace.

Thank you for the lovely words about Kate.  As her employer for the past 16 years we are all still in deep shock.  We were counting at her being back at work in the next few weeks.  To see the comments that you wrote about her are truly overwhelming.  It was very difficult to read all of these wonderful memories about her, only to realize that tomorrow I will be attending her wake.

I think that Kate’s greatest contribution to publishing was her enthusiasm for a book she loved.  Whether she was pitching a bestselling author or a first time writer to me….her enthusiasm could not be matched.  She wouldn’t stop pitching until we’d finally give in and give her the green light to buy the book.  From that moment forward, she was a champion for the author; whether it be in a marketing, art or sales meeting.  Her wit in her presentations to the salespeople could not be matched. 

She was truly blessed because she loved what she did.

To Kate . . . and all the memories.  I don’t anyone in this business who didn’t either know her or know of her.  She’s left her mark and will be missed.  Thoughts and prayers to her family and all those hearts she touched.

Wonderful Tribute Sarah.

Thanks for a lovely tribute to our beloved Kate. She was my editor for years (writing as Jennifer Apodaca) and I just always assumed I’d work with her again.

Romance lost a true heroine this week. I just haven’t had the words to express who she was to me. She held my dream in her hand, always respected it, and never let me give less than 100%. I admired her fierce intelligence, laughed myself sick at her wicked humor, and learned a tremendous amount from her wisdom. Whenever I was stuck on a book, Kate was only an email or phone away.

My thoughts and prayers are with her family, her Kensington colleagues and her friends.

Be at peace, Kate Duffy.

A terrific tribute to a terrific lady who touched more lives than she probably ever knew.

Thanks for this lovely tribute to Kate.  I knew she had been sick, but was shocked and saddened to hear she had passed away.

I had the great honor of meeting Kate many times over the last ten or twelve years.  She was one of a kind—a tough old broad in the best sense of the words.  I valued her honesty in an industry where it’s often hard to know where you stand.  Kate was never afraid to say exactly what she thought and I had held out hope that perhaps, one day, we’d get to work together.

I like to think she’s still holding court somewhere, still casting The Kate on unsuspecting angels.