Graydon Carter's memoir highlights Vanity Fair's impactful stories

Graydon Carter, the former Vanity Fair editor, has written a memoir titled "When the Going Was Good". It will be available on March 25, 2025. In this book, Carter shares stories from his time in magazine publishing, particularly his work with Vanity Fair for over 25 years. One of the key stories he discusses is the exclusive scoop of Caitlyn Jenner's transition in 2015. Carter recalls how they kept the project a secret while preparing for the magazine cover. He describes Jenner's past as an Olympic athlete and a reality TV star, and how she had faced challenges leading up to her announcement. Carter reveals that the team went into "deep-secrecy mode" to protect the story. Only a few people in the office were aware of the project. Annie Leibovitz was chosen to take the photos, and Buzz Bissinger, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, was selected to write the article. They faced several challenges, including avoiding paparazzi when taking pictures and finding the right clothing for Jenner. On the day the issue was released, the team watched as online traffic began to surge. The cover featured the phrase "Call Me Caitlyn," which they believed would resonate with readers. The release was a significant moment in both magazine history and cultural discussions around gender identity.