Penelope’s part-time career as a proofreader began when she wrote a letter to the editor of the local newspaper, The Weekly Gazette, pointing out what she felt were several egregious spelling and punctuation errors in their latest publication. Hoping to remain anonymous, Penelope simply signed her letter “Unmistakably yours, Miss P.” The newspaper printed the letter and fired back a response, referring to the anonymous Miss P as “Miss Persnickety.”

The nickname stuck, a series of spirited letters volleyed back and forth, and newspaper sales soared as the battle ensued. The editor, of course, knew a good thing when he saw it, and upon discovering her true identity, he quickly hired Penelope to continue her role as Miss Persnickety, anonymous contributor and proofreader for The Weekly Gazette.

The rest, as they say, is history . . .