Quite Literally Books

Quite Literally Books Purchase our editions directly from us: quiteliterallybooks.com Who’s out? And, who gets to decide? We are obsessed with beautifully printed books.

We are Quite Literally Books, a woman-owned independent publisher and on-line bookseller devoted to rediscovering and reissuing forgotten 20th century fiction by American women authors. Quite Literally Books seeks out neglected books by once-popular-but-now-largely-forgotten American women authors and puts them back into print in such a way that the books themselves are a delight to behold and sme

ll. Now, more than ever, we feel it’s important to consider essential questions of belonging with respect to the American literary canon—who’s in? And we’d like the women from the past to have a voice in this conversation. In addition to being great reads, Quite Literally Books are designed to be luxurious, delightful objects. Each of our QLB paperbacks has French flaps to mark your page without dog-ears and a layflat binding allowing for easy reading. Our books are printed in Europe on premium archival paper! We print a small number of each book, and print six titles per year. You can purchase these limited-edition collectible paperbacks through our website shop and at local independent bookstores.

Happy National Paperback Book Day!Paperback books didn’t just change publishing. They changed who had access to literatu...
07/30/2025

Happy National Paperback Book Day!
Paperback books didn’t just change publishing. They changed who had access to literature, where we could read, and how stories traveled. Affordable, portable, and personal, they made room for quiet moments, big ideas, and stories in motion.

Swipe through to learn how the paperback came to be and shop our own beautifully bound editions that carry on the tradition. Link in bio!

Maya Angelou reminds us that literature isn’t just entertainment, it’s sustenance. It’s how we make sense of ourselves, ...
07/27/2025

Maya Angelou reminds us that literature isn’t just entertainment, it’s sustenance. It’s how we make sense of ourselves, especially in a world that often asks us to forget who we are. Books gave her that grounding when she was young, and they continue to do the same for readers today.

If you’ve ever turned to a book for clarity, comfort, or direction—you already know the life-giving power she’s talking about.

Looking for Quite Literally Books in the wild? We’re proud to be stocked at indie bookstores that believe in the power o...
07/20/2025

Looking for Quite Literally Books in the wild? We’re proud to be stocked at indie bookstores that believe in the power of great storytelling—just like we do. From Brooklyn to Seattle, here’s where you can find us on the shelves.

Our books aren’t just great reads—they’re made to last. From lay-flat spines to smooth Munken paper, illustrated covers,...
07/17/2025

Our books aren’t just great reads—they’re made to last. From lay-flat spines to smooth Munken paper, illustrated covers, and built-in bookmarks, every detail was chosen with care. Designed to be read, re-read, and loved for years to come.

Click the link in our bio to them to your shelf today!

We made it to The New Yorker!  Our ad is live in the latest issue, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. If you pick up a co...
07/15/2025

We made it to The New Yorker!

Our ad is live in the latest issue, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. If you pick up a copy, snap a pic and tag us! We’d love to see QLB out in the wild.

“That’s what it is to be a parent.”Dorothy Canfield Fisher’s The Home-Maker gives us a family at odds with the roles the...
06/30/2025

“That’s what it is to be a parent.”

Dorothy Canfield Fisher’s The Home-Maker gives us a family at odds with the roles they’ve been assigned—until illness, desperation, and a bit of luck reshuffle the deck. This 1920s novel flips expectations and asks: What if the best thing for your family is to break tradition?

An essential read for modern dads, caregivers, and anyone curious about what real partnership can look like.

🛍️ Available now at QuiteLiterallyBooks.com

We’ve always believed that the right book can enhance your season—or at least enhance a long train ride, a quiet morning...
06/28/2025

We’ve always believed that the right book can enhance your season—or at least enhance a long train ride, a quiet morning, or a few minutes in the sun. So tell us: what titles are keeping you company this summer?

Leave your picks in the comment!

What does it mean to love someone honestly in a world shaped by inequality?In Plum Bun, Jessie Redmon Fauset tells the s...
06/25/2025

What does it mean to love someone honestly in a world shaped by inequality?

In Plum Bun, Jessie Redmon Fauset tells the story of a young Black woman who decides to “pass” as white—laying bare how race, gender, and power collide. It’s a compelling read for anyone, but especially men who want to better understand the invisible forces shaping intimacy, ambition, and identity.

Available now, click the link in bio!

Summer’s better with a good book (or three). ☀️📚 For a limited time, when you buy all three of our current titles, you’l...
06/24/2025

Summer’s better with a good book (or three). ☀️📚 For a limited time, when you buy all three of our current titles, you’ll save $2 per book and get our signature Quite Literally Books tote at a discounted price.

That’s three wonderful reads + one sturdy tote = the perfect travel companion for wherever your summer takes you.

Hit the link in bio to grab yours while supplies last.

Coming out isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s deeply personal, sometimes messy, and always worthy of care. This Pride Month, w...
06/23/2025

Coming out isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s deeply personal, sometimes messy, and always worthy of care. This Pride Month, we’re spotlighting stories that speak to the complexity and beauty of the q***r experience.

These books—by q***r authors from across generations and identities—offer clarity, connection, and comfort. Whether you’re on the verge of coming out, reflecting on your path, or holding space for someone else, these reads remind us: your story is valid. Your truth is powerful. And you are not alone.

Swipe through for affirming titles to support your journey.

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