Publisher of influential feminist books ‘Sexual Politics’ and ‘Backlash,’ Betty Prashker, passes away at 99

Betty Prashker, a prominent editor in the 20th century, passed away at the age of 99 on July 30 at a family home in Alford, Massachusetts. Her daughter, Lucy Prashker, confirmed her death, without specifying the cause. With a remarkable career, Prashker played a crucial role in acquiring books from notable authors such as Kate Millett and Susan Faludi, and overseeing the careers of writers like Jean Auel, Dominick Dunne, and Erik Larson. Prashker held executive positions at Crown and Doubleday, which are now divisions of Penguin Random House.

Prashker, born Betty Arnoff in New York City and a Vassar College graduate, began her journey in the publishing industry as a reader-receptionist at Doubleday in 1945. Despite facing initial setbacks, she later became an influential figure in the publishing world, being a driving force behind the advancement of women in the industry. She was known for championing higher pay and opportunities for women in publishing.

Throughout her career, Prashker made significant contributions by publishing numerous bestsellers, including “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson, “The Clan of the Cave Bear” series by Jean Auel, and “The Two Mrs. Grenvilles” by Dominick Dunne. One of her notable acquisitions was Susan Faludi’s “Backlash: The Undeclared War Against Women,” a book that several other publishers had rejected.

Prashker’s impact extended beyond the literary world. In the 1970s, she challenged the discriminatory practices of the Century Club in Manhattan, leading to a change in policy after it was found in violation of local anti-discriminatory laws. Her dedication to gender equality and inclusivity left a lasting legacy in both the publishing industry and society as a whole.

Despite stepping back from her executive role in the late 1990s, Prashker continued to work as an editor at large, collaborating with authors like Erik Larson. Her name even made its way into film history when a character in “The Last Days of Disco” was named Justine Prashker in her honor. Prashker’s remarkable career and advocacy for gender equality have left an indelible mark on the publishing world.