As a writer and an editor, she put humanity plainly on the page, where it would outlast her and her critics alike.

At night, she worked on her novels. By day, as an editor at Random House, she championed a new generation of writers.

In her new book, “Toni at Random,” Dana A. Williams highlights the groundbreaking writer’s time working in publishing.

Toni at Random,” “How Things Are Made,” “The House on Buzzards Bay,” and “Endling.” ...