How ‘We the Poisoned’ by Jordan Chariton Got Made

In this week’s edition of Endnotes, we take a look at Jordan Chariton’s exposé on the Flint water crisis, We the Poisoned (Rowman & Littlefield, Aug.). In its review, PW called the book “It’s a vital report on a horrific scandal.

Here’s how the book came together.

Jordan Chariton, Author and Journalist

“After personally pitching publishers for several months with no success, I began doubting I could find a home for what I believe is one of the most important news stories of the 21st century. Fortunately, I got good advice to search for an agent. I got very lucky to connect with Matt—who happened to be from Flint. In addition to his wealth of experience and connections in the industry, his passion for the injustice perpetrated onto his hometown appealed to me.”

Matt Latimer, Agent, Javelin

“I’m drawn to stories about those trying to hold the unaccountable accountable—and it’s shameful to me that 100,000 people, including members of my own family, were poisoned through incompetence and malfeasance and those responsible seemed largely to have gotten away with it.”

Deni Remsberg, Associate Managing Editor, Rowman & Littlefield

“I knew from the moment I read Matt’s pitch that
I wanted to sign We the Poisoned. We worked on an accelerated schedule so that its publication would coincide with the 10-year anniversary of the water crisis, which was a challenge, as court hearings and investigations were still unfolding as Jordan was finishing writing the book.”

Jen Huppert, Designer

“The author had suggested using an image of the
Flint River, as well as a black-and-red color scheme that would evoke the true crime aspect of the book. A majority of the landscape photographs of the Flint River had tranquil, pristine blue skies. I began by researching sinister red skies, as this would create a sense of crisis, further adding to the tension of the design.”