If I Ruled the World

A fun, scandal-filled romp set in the giddy era of New York’s magazine heyday … An exciting debut that covers one of the most dynamic moments of pop culture history * ELLE *
A fast paced debut * Sunday Times STYLE *
Brimming with scandal, romance and a generous helping of 90s New York glitz, this gripping debut is a must-read * Daily Express *
With scandal, romance and a healthy dose of 90s New York glamour, this propulsive debut is the read for any fan of The Devil Wears Prada or America’s Next Top Model * Daily Mirror *
‘With a keen eye and an accomplished voice, Amy DuBois Barnett takes us on a thrilling ride through the high-stakes world of magazine publishing in 1990s New York. At the intersection of fashion and hip-hop, If I Ruled the World captures the glamour, danger and magic of a defining moment in American culture. An utterly dazzling debut!’ Robinne Lee, bestselling author of The Idea of You
‘I’m always here for ‘90s nostalgia, especially of the NYC variety – and Amy DuBois Barnett’s If I Ruled the World scratches the itch. As a major player in the fashion and music scenes of the era, who better than Barnett to weave a world sizzling with such delicious romance, swagger and intrigue? A sexy, fast-paced ride!’ Tia Williams, New York Times bestselling author of A Love Song for Ricki Wilde


‘Amy DuBois Barnett’s debut sparkles with drama, scandal and ’90s New York energy. She powerfully captures a pressure-cooker moment of transition – the messy work of growing past bad choices, squaring ambition with integrity and holding on to your ride-or-dies. It’s a pitch-perfect depiction of a world I didn’t want to leave’ Essie Chambers, national bestselling author of Swift River

‘Funny, sexy, witty and full of grit, If I Ruled the World is for anyone who’s spent a lifetime climbing a ladder that keeps adding rungs. This fierce, unputdownable, guilty pleasure of a novel steps back into the uniquely fabulous and ruthless New York hustle at the turn of the century, through the eyes of a real Working Girl ad industry insider, when the biggest players moving the needle of culture were grinding for recognition in a society that would rather look away. An utterly intoxicating debut’ Xochitl Gonzalez, New York Times bestselling author of Olga Dies Dreaming
‘If I Ruled the World had me hooked from the very first page. This fascinating story from inside magazine publishing – and the music world – really hits all the right notes: it’s meaningful, nostalgic, heartfelt and resonant’ Kate Fagan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Three Lives of Cate Kay

Amy DuBois Barnett is an award-winning media executive and author who earned national acclaim as editor-in-chief of Honey, Ebony and Teen People – where she made history as the first Black woman to helm a major mainstream US magazine – and as deputy editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar. She has held senior leadership roles at Paramount, Hearst, Disney, Time Inc. and several independently owned media brands. Barnett has a BA from Brown University and an MFA in creative writing from Columbia University. She resides in Los Angeles. If I Ruled the World is her debut novel.

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