By Any Other Name

This novel follows two women separated by centuries who both navigate the constraints placed on female authorship. In 1581, Emilia Bassano, a secret poet and daughter of Italian musicians, makes a pact with a young actor named William Shakespeare to stage her plays under his name, trading credit for an audience. In the present day, Melina Green faces similar barriers in the competitive New York theater world. After writing a play about her ancestor, Emilia, Melina submits the script using a male pseudonym to ensure it receives serious consideration from producers and critics.

Readers interested in the history of the Tudor court and the mechanics of modern playwriting will find this story significant. It appeals to those who question traditional literary canons and the cultural erasure of female creators. Readers gain a detailed look at the systemic gatekeeping in the arts and the specific historical theory that Shakespeare did not write his own plays. The narrative provides a concrete comparison of how the professional landscape for women has evolved and where it remains stagnant.