Quite Literally Books Finds Women’s Lost Stories

🎧 In this special Chatting with Betsy episode, Betsy welcomes back the founders of Quite Literally Books to share how they’re bringing lost women’s stories back to today’s readers — and why listening to their journey matters.  🎤 Click Here

In this episode of Chatting with Betsy, Betsy Wurzel welcomes back Lisa Endo Cooper and Bremond Berry MacDougall, co-founders of the women-owned heritage press Quite Literally Books. Their last appearance in April 2025 sparked meaningful conversation, and this visit continues that vibrant exchange.

Lisa and Bremond’s journey began in seventh grade when their shared love of libraries, literature, and research laid the foundation for their future publishing venture. Today, they are the force behind Quite Literally Books, a unique press that reintroduces forgotten works by women authors to today’s readers.

During their conversation with Betsy, the duo discussed three recent re-releases:

• The Little Dinner by Christine Terhune Herrick

• Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

• Who Would Have Thought It? by María Amparo Ruiz de Burton

Each title opens a window into history, culture, and the literary brilliance of women whose stories deserve renewed attention. Notably, María Amparo Ruiz de Burton is recognized as the first known Mexican-American author to write for English-speaking audiences.

Betsy and her guests also explored the intricacies of book cover design (which Betsy found especially eye-catching!), the thoughtful process of selecting titles to reprint, and the challenges and revelations that come with running a small publishing house today.

They also discussed:

• Why so many women’s voices have been erased from literary history

• The significance behind their company’s name, Quite Literally Books

• How their publishing model prioritizes beauty, quality, and accessibility for today’s readers

Betsy praised the physical beauty of the books — from the elegant fonts and smooth paper texture to the included bookmarks and stylish wrapping. She also recommended their branded tote bags, which she personally uses and loves for their size and charm.

Reading books that were written a century ago, Lisa and Bremond explain, helps modern readers understand the social norms, personal struggles, and timeless themes that shaped generations. It’s not just literature — it’s legacy.

To explore their titles, connect with Lisa and Bremond, or purchase your next great read, visit:

🌐 QuiteLiterallyBooks.com

📸 Instagram: @quiteliterallybooks
📘 Facebook: Quite Literally Books Page

Betsy encourages readers to reach out to Lisa and Bremond and share your thoughts — whether you’ve read one of their releases or just want to support women preserving literary history. These books make wonderful gifts for yourself or others, any time of the year.

📚Quite Literally Books is more than a publishing house — it’s a labor of love rooted in friendship, history, and purpose. Betsy’s conversation with Lisa and Bremond reminds us how many powerful voices have been lost to time — and how important it is to bring them forward again. These aren’t just books — they’re connections to the past, beautifully restored for the readers of today.

📘Have you read one of their titles or discovered a forgotten author of your own? We’d love to hear from you.

 

---