Copygirl

August 31, 2015
Here’s what happens when girl power storms Mad Men, according to former ad agency creative writers Mitchael and Sassa. Whether it’s accurate is unimportant, since they got it wickedly funny and smartly sweet. Aspiring writer Kay is on the new junior team of copywriters at an edgy up-and-coming ad agency in Manhattan’s Chinatown, where she’s hopelessly smitten with ad-school pal Ben, goaded by the alternately dismissive and demanding boss Elliott, subject to the whip-cracking of senior account planner Suit, and trying to win the approval of her mother, “Attila the Mum.” The magic that pulls Kay from self-pity and self-defeat comes in the form of a video series called Copygirl that Kay makes to depict that harsh side of her profession. Kay also gets help from BFF Kellie, who leads Kay’s cheering section from Paris; wise old Renee, who dispenses life advice and save-the-day sewing services; and the ladies at Schmidt Travino Drew & Partners, who have all the smarts needed to beat the ad boys at their own game. Mitchael’s and Sassa’s collaborative narrative is seamless, and their story is a high-octane, electric look at Madison Avenue craziness from a pair who’ve been there and done that. A very fun read. Agent: Susan Golomb, Writers House.

November 15, 2015

This debut novel by two former ad agency creatives is a rom-com romp through the cut-throat, male-dominated New York advertising world. Kay is a copywriter for a giant Manhattan advertising firm, and the lone woman in a sea of men. She works with her best friend Ben, with whom she is secretly in love. Ben, unfortunately, is clueless. Kay is trying to find her voice in a big city, among big personalities and even bigger egos, as her boss threatens to fill her seat with someone else if she can't deliver on their largest account. She decompresses by making and posting videos--starring homemade dolls--parodying the vapid personalities she encounters. Shenanigans ensue. VERDICT This is a cute debut, with a character readers will want to root for as she learns how to get her footing in a world that isn't necessarily interested in helping her out. Fans of quirky chick lit will doubtless want to pick up this one.--Mara Dabrishus, Ursuline Coll. Lib., Pepper Pike, OH

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