Will Cockrell: Details Are What Drove Me

Will Cockrell has spent more than 20 years as a senior editor, writer, and consultant for national magazines including Men’s Journal, Outside, Men’s Fitness, and GQ. His work has been awarded by the American Society of Magazine Editors and Professional Publishers Association U.K. A former outdoor guide, Cockrell has covered Everest throughout his career, and has visited Everest base camp in Nepal. He lives with his family in Los Angeles, California. Find more at his website, WillCockrell.com, and follow him on Instagram.

Will Cockrell

Photo by Dave Mullin

In this interview, Will discusses what surprised him in the process of writing his debut nonfiction book, Everest, Inc., his hope for readers, and more!

Name: Will Cockrell
Literary agent: Danielle Svetcov, LEVINE GREENBERG ROSTAN LITERARY AGENCY
Book title: Everest, Inc.
Publisher: Gallery Books
Release date: April 16, 2024
Genre/category: Nonfiction
Elevator pitch: Featuring original interviews with mountain guides and climbers—including Jimmy Chin and Conrad Anker—this vivid and authoritative adventure history chronicles one of the least likely industries on Earth: guided climbing on Mount Everest.

Bookshop | Amazon
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What prompted you to write this book?

This is my first book, so I really wanted to come up with an idea that I was passionate about, that I knew a lot about already, and that would resonate with a wider audience. It was a lot harder than I thought, and I had nearly given up on finding the “perfect” idea. Then, I met my amazing agent, Danielle, who helped me see I actually did have all the essential components in Everest Inc., an idea I’d initially put aside.

How long did it take to go from idea to publication? And did the idea change during the process?

It took roughly three and half years to go from idea to print—longer than expected—but I was surprised by how closely the planned narrative (outlined in my first draft Table of Contents) lined up with the final version. Some of this is down to my prior knowledge of the subject, but some of it was luck. With nonfiction, we’re beholden to the facts, and if they had taken me somewhere totally unexpected, the narrative plan would certainly have changed.

Were there any surprises or learning moments in the publishing process for this title?

As a former editor myself, I thought I understood what the editing process might look like. I anticipated arduous rounds of cutting, tightening, line-editing, rewriting, and chronological reshuffles. What I didn’t anticipate was that I would get a masterclass from my editor, Max, on the art of “braiding.” His ability to help me completely dismantle a section or chapter into what felt like a million pieces and then reweave it together into something more powerful and compelling was a gift.

Were there any surprises in the writing process for this book?

As soon as I started mapping out the book in earnest, I realized that while I knew the general gist of the stories I wanted to tell, there was tons I didn’t know, especially regarding the origins of guiding on Everest. Each new conversation with a source led me to unexpected places. This felt like a very good sign that others would have the same curiosity and that the book would be full of previously untold stories.

What do you hope readers will get out of your book?

My mantra throughout the process was to just tell vivid and emotionally true stories without trying to “sell” a particular perspective. I think I pulled it off. No matter how sure readers are of who is right or wrong, good- or ill-intentioned, heroic or selfish in these pages, there are layers and layers of story that complicate black-and-white thinking.

If you could share one piece of advice with other writers, what would it be?

I’m still pretty new to this, so I will be taking much more advice than I will be giving for a while. But I can say this for sure: Details are what drove me. If you over-report, ask unimportant questions alongside the important ones, jot down seemingly useless observations as often as possible, the story has a way of writing itself.

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