CONFESSIONS OF A GRAMMAR QUEEN
There are no female publishing CEOs in 1960’s New York. And that is exactly what savvy, ambitious Bernadette Swift plans to change.
Bernadette Swift, a young copyeditor at Lenox & Park Publishing, is determined to become the first female CEO in the publishing industry. But first she needs to take the next step up that ladder with a promotion that her boorish and sexist boss wants to thwart. Seeking a base of support, Bernadette joins a feminist women’s book club at the New York Public Library, and soon, she’s inspiring her fellow members to challenge the male gatekeepers and decades of ingrained sexism in their workplaces and pursue their personal and professional dreams.
There are no female publishing CEOs in 1960’s New York. And that is exactly what savvy, ambitious Bernadette Swift plans to change.
Bernadette Swift, a young copyeditor at Lenox & Park Publishing, is determined to become the first female CEO in the publishing industry. But first she needs to take the next step up that ladder with a promotion that her boorish and sexist boss wants to thwart. Seeking a base of support, Bernadette joins a feminist women’s book club at the New York Public Library, and soon, she’s inspiring her fellow members to challenge the male gatekeepers and decades of ingrained sexism in their workplaces and pursue their personal and professional dreams.
And that is precisely what Bernedette does on a daily basis: keeps her eye on the prize–equality for women in the workplace, and a promotion–while fending off the ire of her boss and the sabotaging efforts of a jealous coworker. With the support of her book club buddies and a certain charismatic editor at Lenox & Park who has completely fallen for her, maybe, just maybe, Bernadette will prove able to claim victory for herself and the young women coming after her.
- Sourcebooks Landmark
- Paperback
- June 2025
- 400 Pages
- 9781464238239
Buy the Book
$17.99
About Eliza Knight
Eliza Knight is an award-winning and USA Today and international bestselling author of historical women’s fiction. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles. As an avid history buff, she’s written dozens of novels including The Mayfair Bookshop, Starring Adele Astaire, Ribbons of Scarlet, A Day of Fire, and Can’t We Be Friends, which have been translated into multiple languages. She is the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed, and host of the History, Books and Wine podcast. Knight lives in Maryland and Florida with her husband, three daughters, two dogs, and a turtle.
Praise
A light and lovely tale of women supporting women, with snappy dialogue, a little romance, a little drama, and a whole lot of big words. Perfect for fans of the women of AMC’s Mad Men.” —Booklist
“Feminist, fun, and filled with the effervescent personality of a steadfast canine named Frank, Confessions of a Grammar Queen is a delight! Eliza Knight thoroughly immerses the reader in the publishing scene in 1960s New York with verve, wit, and stirring emotion, creating a heroine–and her devoted sidekick–readers will cheer for.” —Chanel Cleeton, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
“Confessions of a Grammar Queen is the ultimate women-supporting-other-women book. Bernadette Swift is a spirited heroine you want to root for and the point of view from her dog, Frank’s, perspective was adorable and fun. Knight is the ultimate Queen Bee Grammarian as she brings the struggles of women in the 60’s to life with her incredible research and perfect prose. If you’ve ever silently (or not silently) corrected someone’s grammar, this book is for you!” –Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Booklover’s Library
“A compelling story of breaking down walls, the power of words, strength in determination, the primacy of friendship, and, last but not least, the love and devotion of a Great Dane who will steal your heart–and perhaps your dinner. I highly recommend this absolute delight!” –Katherine Reay, bestselling author of The London House and The English Library
“Bernadette Swift is the friend and mentor we all wish we had. Quirky, heartwarming, and full of wit, Confessions of a Grammar Queen is a story of breaking glass ceilings, one book at a time. Sometimes, all it takes is one fearless woman to turn the page on an entire industry. Eliza Knight’s latest is utterly charming!” –Sarah Penner, New York Timesbestselling author of The Lost Apothecary and The London Séance Society