This Could Be Important

As the editorial director of the ETC Press, I guided Pamela McCorduck’s thought-provoking exploration of artificial intelligence from manuscript to published work. My role encompassed providing structural and developmental feedback while coordinating the full production lifecycle. I managed every aspect of the editorial process—from copyediting to design—while implementing strategic communication plans for the book’s release. By developing a comprehensive content strategy that included social media campaigns and video interviews, I ensured the project maintained editorial integrity and market visibility while adhering to established timelines and budgetary constraints.

This Could Be Important traces McCorduck’s fascinating journey through the evolution of artificial intelligence, beginning with her undergraduate encounters at Berkeley and deepening through her immersion in pioneering AI communities at Stanford and Carnegie Mellon. The narrative weaves personal journal entries with historical context, documenting her perseverance in championing AI’s significance despite facing substantial institutional resistance. McCorduck reflects candidly on professional challenges while offering valuable perspectives on AI’s current global significance as technological superpowers develop unprecedented capabilities. She acknowledges both the transformative potential and substantial risks of AI development with remarkable foresight, advocating for thoughtful approaches to this powerful technology that balance innovation with responsible implementation.