THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Betty Prashker

April 6, 1925 – July 30, 2024

“A true trailblazer, she shaped the literary landscape and gave voice to feminist classics that continue to inspire. Her work reminds us that persistence and passion can dismantle barriers and create space for powerful stories that need to be told.” – Ashe Hawk

Pioneering literary editor. One of the first women with the power to acquire books.  Published such classics as Kate Millett’s Sexual Politics and Susan Faludi’s Backlash; and helped oversee the careers of Jean Auel, Dominick Dunne and Erik Larson, among others. Held executive positions at Crown and Doubleday, both now divisions of Penguin Random House.