Career Timeline of Zadie Smith: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Zadie Smith, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Zadie Smith is a celebrated English novelist, essayist, and short-story writer. Her debut novel, *White Teeth*, achieved immediate success upon its release in 2000, earning her numerous accolades. In 2010, Smith became a tenured professor in the Creative Writing program at New York University, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in contemporary literature and academia.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1997: Introduction of White Teeth to Publishing World

In 1997, Zadie Smith's debut novel, White Teeth, was introduced to the publishing world before completion, leading to an auction won by Hamish Hamilton based on a partial manuscript.

2000: Publication and Acclaim of White Teeth

In 2000, White Teeth, Zadie Smith's debut novel, was published and immediately became a best-seller, receiving international acclaim and several awards, including the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the Betty Trask Award.

2001: Guest-Editing The Mays Anthology

In 2001, Zadie Smith returned to guest-edit The Mays Anthology, a collection of new student writing where she had previously published short stories.

2002: Adaptation of White Teeth for Television

In 2002, Zadie Smith's novel, White Teeth, was adapted for television.

2002: Publication of The Autograph Man

In 2002, Zadie Smith's second novel, The Autograph Man, was published and achieved commercial success, although it received less critical acclaim than White Teeth.

September 2005: Publication of On Beauty

In September 2005, Zadie Smith's third novel, On Beauty, was published. It is set largely in and around Greater Boston.

December 2008: Guest-Editing BBC Radio 4

In December 2008, Zadie Smith guest-edited the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

November 2009: Publication of Changing My Mind

In November 2009, some portions of Zadie Smith's still-unreleased book of essays, The Morality of the Novel (a.k.a. Fail Better), presumably appeared in the essay collection Changing My Mind.

September 2010: Tenured Professor at NYU

In September 2010, Zadie Smith became a tenured professor in the Creative Writing faculty of New York University.

2010: Smith's 10 Rules for Writing

In 2010, The Guardian newspaper asked Zadie Smith for her "10 rules for writing fiction."

2010: Joined NYU as a Professor

In 2010, Zadie Smith joined New York University as a tenured professor of fiction.

October 2011: New Books Reviewer

Between March and October 2011, Zadie Smith served as the monthly New Books reviewer for Harper's Magazine.

2012: Publication of NW

In 2012, Zadie Smith's novel NW was published, set in the Kilburn area of north-west London. It was shortlisted for literary prizes.

2015: Involvement in High Life Film

In 2015, it was announced that Zadie Smith was co-writing the screenplay for the science fiction movie High Life, though her involvement was later clarified as polishing English dialogue.

November 2016: Publication of Swing Time

In November 2016, Zadie Smith's fifth novel, Swing Time, was published. It drew inspiration from her childhood love of tap dancing.

November 2016: Broadcast of NW Television Film

On 14 November 2016, the TV adaptation of Zadie Smith's novel NW was broadcast on BBC Two, directed by Saul Dibb and starring Nikki Amuka-Bird and Phoebe Fox.