https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/292/1896-07-01-The-Author-7-2.pdf 677cf872cb7d2bf6ba1dcafecddb54ae PDF Text Text ���������������������������� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource <em>The Author</em> Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, <em>The Author</em>, 1890<span>–</span>1914, made available together for the first time.<br /><br />Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&amp;collection=&amp;type=&amp;tags=&amp;exhibit=&amp;date_search_term=&amp;submit_search=Search+For+Items&amp;sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1896-07-01 Volume 7 Issue 2 Pages Page range in volume 25–48 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 18960701 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin TIbe Hutbot\ (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. VII.—No. 2.] JULY i, 1896. [Price Sixpence. CONTENTS. General Considerations, &c Literary Property— 1. A Modest Agreement 2. The Literary Agent 3. The Theatrical Agent 4. The Sir-Shilling Novel and the Trade . Matters for Consideration. By O. H. Thring. A Dialogue Note* and News. By the Editor PAGB ... 2<S ... 27 ... 27 ... 28 ... 28 ... 29 ... 36 ... 37 Australian Poetry. By H. G. K. A Leason from Nebraska ... Book Talk Literature in the Periodicals Correspondence— 1. Postage of ProofB ... 2. Literary Orab-Alls ... 3. Journalistic Poaching 4. Ignored 5. Editors and Contributors ■11 41 4.', 46 41; 47 47 47 PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 1. The Anrinal Beport. That for January 1896 can be had on application to the Secretary. 2. The Author. A Monthly Journal devoted especially to the protection and maintenance of Literary Property. Issued to all Members. Back numbers are offered at the following prices: Vol. I., io«. 6d. (Bound); Vols. II., ILL, and IV., 8s. 6d. each (Bound); Vol. V., 6s. 6d. (Unbound). 3. Literature and the Pension List. By W. Morris Colles, Barrister-at-Law. (Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C.) 3«. 4. The History Of the Societe des Gens de Lettres. By S. Squire Sprigoe, late Secretary to the Society. 1*. 5. The Cost of Production. In this work specimens are given of the most important forms of type, size of page, &c, with estimates showing what it costs to produce the more common kinds of books. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 2*. 6d. 6. The Various Methods Of Publication. By S. Squire Sprigoe. In this work, compiled from the papers in the Society's offices, the various forms of agreements proposed by Publishers to Authors are examined, and their meaning carefully explained, with an account of the various kinds of fraud which have been made possible by the different clauses in their agreements. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 3*. 7. Copyright Law Reform. An Exposition of Lord Monkswell's Copyright Bill now before Parlia- ment. With Extracts from the Report of the Commission of 1878, and an Appendix containing the Berne Convention and the American Copyright Bill. By J. M. Lelt. Eyre and Spottiswoode. it. 6d. - ~ 8. The Society Of Authors. A Becord of its Action from its Foundation. By Walter Besant (Chairman of Committee, 1888—1892). i*. f -' 9. The Contract of Publication in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. By Ernst Lunge, J.U.D. it. 6d. S  ## p. 24 (#44) ############################################## AD VER TISEMENTS. g>ocietg of Jlufljors (gncotporafeb). PRESIDENT. GEOEGE MEREDITH. 8ir Edwin Arnold, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. Alfred Austin. J. M. Barbie A. W. X Beckett. F. E. Beddard, F.R S. Robert Bateman. Sir Henrt Bergne, K.C.M.G. Sir Walter Besant. Augustine Birrell, M.P. Bev. Prof. Bonnet, F.R.S. Bioht Hon. James Brtce, M.P. Eight Hon. Lord Burghclere, P.C. Hall Caine. Egerton Castle, F.S.A. P. W. Clatden. Edward Clodd. W. Morris Colles. Hon. John Collier. Sir W. Mabtin Conway. Hon. COUNCIL. F. Marion Crawford. The Earl of Debart. Austin Dobson. A. Conan Dotle, M.D A. W. Dubouro. Sir J. Eric Erichsen, Bart., F.B.S. Prof. Michael Foster, F.B.S. Richard Garnett, C.B., LL.D. Edmund Gosse. H. Rider Haggard. Thomas Hardy. Anthony Hope Hawkins. Jerome K. Jerome. Rudyard Kipling. Prof. E. Ray Lankester, F.R.S. W. E. H. Lecky. J. M. Lely. Mrs. E. Lynn Linton. Rev. W. J. Loftie, F.S.A. . Counsel — E. M. Underdown, Sir A. C. Mackenzie, Mus.D. Prof. J. M. D. Meiklejohn. Herman C. Meritale. Rev. C. H. Middleton-Wake. Sir Lewis Morris. Henry Norman. J. C. Parkinson. Right Hon. Lord Pirbright. Sir Frederick Pollock, Bart., LL.D. Walter Herries Pollock. W. Baptists Scooneb. Miss Flora L. Shaw. G. R. Sims. S. Squire Sprigge. J. J. Stevenson. Prof. Jas. Sully. William Moy Thomas. H. D. Traill, D.C.L. Miss Charlotte M. Yonge. Q.C. A. W. X Beckett. Sir Walter Besant Egerton Castle. W. Morris Colles. SMcilort- COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT. Chairman—H. Rider Haggard. Hon. John Collier Sir W. Martin Conway. Anthony Hope Hawkins. J. M. Lely. ( Messrs. Field, Roscoe, and Co., Lincoln's Inn Fields. i[ G. Herbert Thring, B.A., 4, Portugal-street, W.C. Secretary—G. Herbert Thring, B.A. OFFICES: 4, Portugal Street, Lincoln's Inn Fields, W.C. Sir A. C. Mackenzie, Mus.D. Henry Norman. S. Squire Sprigge. .A.. IP. WATT &c SOIsT, LITERARY AGENTS, Formerly of 2, PATERNOSTER SOUARE, Have now removed to HASTINGS HOUSE, NORFOLK STREET, STRAND. LONDON", -W.C. WINDSOR HOUSE PRINTING WORKS, Offices of "The Field," "The Queen," "The Law Times," &c. Mr. HORACE COX, Printer to the Authors' Society, takes the opportunity of informing Authors that, having a very large Office, and an extensive Plant of Type of every description, he is in a position to EXECUTE any PRINTING they may entrust to his care. ESTIMATES FORWARDED, AND REASONABLE CHARGES WILL BE FOUND.  ## p. 25 (#45) ############################################## tTbe Hutbor* (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. VII.—No. 2.] JULY 1, 1896. [Price Sixpence. for the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. THE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. | ^ Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- jects whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. THESE are several methods of publishing by agree- ments. Thus (1) an author may sell his work for a sum of money down: (2) he may take a share of the profits: (3) he may accept a royalty. The first method is the readiest and, where a proper price is paid, perhaps the best. It involves a certain amount of risk or doubt as to the result on the part of the buyer, and a certain amount of hesitation on the part of the seller. The author would do well to sell through an agent. But let him beware as to his choice of agent. At a time when the production of new books involved great risks and where the possible circle of purchasers was very small, the publishers, joining together, took half the profits as a return for their risk and services. At the present time in many cases, where there are no risks, they often take two-thirds and even more of the profits, and that after setting apart a large sum for "office expenses," allowing the author nothing at all for his office expenses. In other words, it is as if a steward were to charge first for his office and desks and then to take half or two-thirds of the remainder for himself as steward's fee. Therefore the author must in every case ascertain carefully, before signiag the agreement, what proportion is appropriated under its clauses by the publisher for himself. If the author is in doubt, let him submit the agreement to the secretary, or to one of the VOL. VII. literary agents recommended by the secretary. Above all things he must remember that in any business transaction the one who accepts an agreement in ignorance will quite certainly get the worst of it. The folly of signing in ignorance is the main cause of half the quarrels between author and publisher. In the case of profit-sharing agreements, remember that very common form of getting the better of an author is the practice of advertising the book in the publisher's own organs, very likely magazines of small circulation. Sometimes, also, he " exchanges" advertisements with other magazines, and charges the author as if he had paid for them. In this way the publisher may put tbe whole profits of a book in his own pocket. One way to prevent this sharp practice is to insert a clause to tbe effect that advertisements shall only be oharged at the actual price paid for them. A better way, however, is to agree beforehand upon the papers in which advertisements may be inserted. As regards the right of inspecting the books, that need not be claimed, because it exists as the right of every partner, or joint venturer. You have only to demand the inspection of the books by your solicitor, your aocountant, or the secretary of the Society. If the book is a first book, or one that carries risk, it is fan- to make an arrangement for the first edition and another for the second, and following, if any. The publisher confers so signal a service upon the young author by producing his work at all—i.e., by giving him the chanoe he desires above all things—that it seems fair in such a case to yield him the larger share. In a profit-Bharing agreement do not let the cost of pro- duction form a part of the agreement, otherwise you will be unable to contest it afterwards. It will be wisest never to enter into relations with any publisher unless recommended by the Society. There are many other dangers to be avoided. Serial rights; stamping the agreement: American rights: future work: cession of copyright—these things cannot possibly be attended to by the young author. Therefore his agree- ment should always be shown te the secretary. It has been objected that these precautions presuppose a great Bucces for the book, and that very few books indeed attain to this great success. That is quite true : but there is always this uncertainty of literary property that, although the works of a great many authors carry with them no risk at all, and although of a great many it is known within a few copies what will be their minimum circulation, it is not known what will be their maximum. Therefore every author, for every book, should arrange on the chance of a success which will not, probably, come at all; but which may come. The four points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are:— (i.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. E 2  ## p. 26 (#46) ############################################## 26 THE AUTHOR. (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. (3.) That there shall be no secret profits. (4.) That nothing shall be charged which has not been actually paid—for instance, that there shall be no charge for advertisements in the publisher's own organs and none for exchanged advertisements: and that all discounts shall be duly entered. If these points are carefully looked after, the author may rest pretty well assured that he is in right hands. At the same time he will do well to send his agreement to the secretary before he signs it. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. 1. IjTVERY member has a right to ask for and to receive fij advice upon his agreements, his choioe of a pub- lisher, or any dispute arising in the oonduot of his business or the administration of his property. If the advice sought is such as can be given best by a solicitor, the member has a right to an opinion from the Society's solicitors. If the case is suoh that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Com- mittee will obtain for him Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. 2. Remember that questions connected with oopyright and publisher's agreements do not generally fall within the experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple to use the Society first—our solicitors are continually engaged upon such questions for us. 3. Send to the office copies of past agreements and past accounts with the loan of the books represented. This is in order to asoertain what has been the nature of your agree- ments, and the results to author and publisher respectively so far. The Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, new or old, for inspection and note. The infor- mation thuB obtained may prove invaluable. 4. If the examination of your previous business trans- actions by the Secretary proves unfavourable, you should take advice as to a change of publishers. 5. Before signing any agreement whatever, Bend the pro- posed document to the Society for examination. 6. The Society is acquainted with the methods, and—in the ease of fraudulent houses—the tricks of every publish- ing firm in the country. 7. Remember always that in belonging to the Society you are fighting the battles of other writers, even if you are reaping no benefit to yourself, and that you are advanoing the best interests of literature in promoting the indepen- dence of the writer. 8. Send to the Editor of the Author notes of everything important to literature that you may hear or meet with. 9. The committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers:—(1) To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. THE AUTHORS' SYNDICATE. MEMBERS are informed: 1. That the Authors' Syndicate takes charge of the business of members of the Society. That it submits MSS. to publishers and editors, concludes agree- ments, examines, passes, and collects accounts, and, gene- rally, relieves members of the trouble of managing business details. 2. That the terms upon which its services can be secured will be forwarded upon detailed application. 3. That the Authors' Syndicate works only for those members of the Society whose work possesses a market value. 4. That the Syndicate can only undertake any negotiations whatever on the distinct understanding that those negotia- tions are placed exclusively in its hands, and that all communications relating thereto are referred to it. 5. That clients can only be seen by the Director by appointment, and that, when possible, at least two days' notice should be given. 6. That every attempt is made to deal with all communi- cations promptly. That stamps should, in ail cases, be sent to defray postage. 7. That the Authors' Syndicate does not invite MSS. without previous correspondence; does not hold itself responsible for MSS. forwarded without notice; and that in all cases MSS. must be accompanied by stamps to defray postage. 8. That the Syndicate undertakes arrangements for lectures by some of the leading members of the Society; that it has a "Transfer Department" for the Bale and purchase of journals and periodicals; and that a " Register of Wants and Wanted" is open. Members are invited to communicate their requirements to the Manager. There is an Honorary Advisory Committee, whose services will be called upon in any case of dispute or difficulty. It is perhaps necessary to state that the members of the Advisory Committee have no pecuniary interest whatever in the Syndicate. NOTICES. THE Editor of the Author begs to remind members of the Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 6s. 6d. subscription for the year. The Editor is always glad to receive short papers and communications on all subjects connected with literature from members and others. Nothing can do more good to the Society than to make the Author complete, attractive, and interesting. Will those who are willing to aid in this work send their names and the special subjects on which they are willing to write? Communications for the Author should reach the Editor not later than the 21st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. Members and others who wish their MSS. read are requested not to send them to the Office without previously  ## p. 27 (#47) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 27 communicating with the Secretary. The utmost practicable despatch is aimed at, and MSS. are read in the order in which they are received. It must also be distinctly under- stood that the Society doeB not, under any circumstances, undertake the publication of MSS. The Authors' Club is now open in its new premises, at 3, Whitehall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, Ac. Will members take the trouble to ascertain whether they have paid their subscriptions for the year? If they will do this, and remit the amount, if Btill unpaid, or a banker's order, it will greatly assist the Secretary, and save him the trouble of sending out a reminder. Members are most earnestly entreated to attend to the following warning. It is a most foolish and may be a most disastrous thing to enter into an agreement binding for a term of years. Let them ask themselves if they would give a solicitor the collection of their rents for five years to come, whatever his conduct, whether he was honest or dishonest? Of course they would not. Why then hesitate for a moment when they are asked to Bign them- selves into literary bondage for three or five years P Those who possess the "Cost of Production" are requested to note that the cost of binding has advanced IS per cent. This means, for those who do not like the trouble of "doing sums," the addition of three shillings in the pound on this head. In other words, if the oost of binding is set down in our book at eight pounds, to this must now be added twenty-four shillings more, so that it now stands at £g 4». The figures in our book are as near the exact truth as can be procured; but a printer's, or a binder's, 'bill is so elastio a thing that nothing more exact can be arrived at. Some remarks have been made upon the amount charged in the " Cost of Production " for advertising. Of course, we have not included any sums which may be charged for inserting advertisements in the publisher's own magazines, or in other magazines by exchange. As agreements too often go, there is nothing to prevent the publisher from sweeping the whole profits of a book into his own pocket, by inserting any number of advertisements in his own magazines, and by exchanging with others. Some there are who call this a form of fraud; it is not known what those who practise this method of swelling their own profits call it. LITERARY PROPERTY. I.—A Modest Agreement. APEOPOSAL for the production of a book at the author's expense has been sent to the Society. It is dated a few years back, but not so far back as to make it belong to a past generation. The proposal is given below, with our estimate of the actual cost. The book contained 34 sheets, and was printed in long primer; 34 lines to a page, and 346 words to the page. The binding was simple. An edition of 1000 was struck off :— Estimate of Proposal. actual cost. Composing, paper, £ s. d. £ s. d. and printing ... 192 o o 122 o o Binding, 2 50 at %\d. 8 17 1 650 Advertising (say) 25 o o (say) 15 00 Publisher's fee ... 5 5 o 231 21 143 5 o The author was to pay the money in advance.' The publisher would take three months' credit with the printing, and would produce the book about five months after receiving the money. He was to have 10 per cent, on all moneys received. Let us compare his returns with those of the author, supposing a sale of 500 copies at the trade price of 5*. 2d.:— I. The Publisher: £ s. d. Profit on alleged cost 82 12 1 Five months' interest at 5 per cent. on .£231 + 16 o Ten per cent, on sale of 500 copies.. 12 19 2 Publisher's fee 5 5 o EDITORIAL NOTE. The New York Letter has arrived this month too late for insertion. The Notes from Paris have not yet been received. The case of Bourget v. Lemerre has been heard and decided. An account of the case and its bearing upon English interests will appear in the next number of the Author. At the Conference of the Booksellers' Union on Tuesday, June 29th, held in Belfast, the subject of possible relations between the book- seller and the author was considered. Notes on this conference will appear in the next number. Total profit ,£105 12 3 IL The Author: Paid to publisher 231 2 1 On additional binding 8 17 1 £ s. d. 239 19 2 Received from sales ... 129 12 8 Less 10 per cent 12 19 2 116 13 6 Total loss £123 5 8 II.—The Literary Agent. It is reported that certain publishers, after accepting a work placed in their hands by an agent, go l>ehuid the agent's back and address the author personally. It may be urged on their behalf that they have made no contract with the agent, and are within their rights. This may be so: in that case, the agent has to find his own  ## p. 28 (#48) ############################################## 28 THE AUTHOR. remedy, and may be trusted to do so. But what is the position of the author? He says to the agent: "Place my book for me: I give it into your management." He is, for this book, under a contract, even though there is no written bond. He employs the agent because he cannot, or will not, under- take the trouble of managing his literary business himself. If he. after this, receives and signs an agreement behind his agent's back, he acts exactly like a man who places his affairs in a solicitor's hands, and then secretly negotiates mortgages, buys or sells land, and receives rents. Agents must explain to their clients that this must not be done: in their own interest it must not be done. Let authors only consider the probable reasons why such an attempt is made. Perhaps, however, some brief form of contract between agent and author might be agreed upon which would render this kind of action impossible. III.—The Theatrical Agent. The following letter concerns a theatrical agency :— "Some years ago I paid a 'booking fee ' to a well-known theatrical agency, and received an acknowledgment of the receipt of it and the MS. in due course; also a letter promising to ' do our best to introduce it to managers.' From that day until this, I have not heard a word from that firm, but long ago the little piece was successfully pro- duced in London, under the same title, and had a run; a fact apparently unnoticed by those who had promised to look after my interests. I have never done anything since with any agent, excepting on the ' No cure no pay ' principle." IV.—The Six-Shilling Novel and the Trade. "To quote the words of the astute advertiser of a well-known pen, the six-shilling novel has come as a 'boon and a blessing' to the bookselling trade. There can now be no doubt of its far- reaching effects. It commenced at a time when business was in a somewhat languishing state, and it has given an impetus which it would be vain to conceal, and it is to be hoped that it will con- tinue for many a long day. "We must award a good deal of the credit of the success of the movement to Mr. Hall Caine, whose 'Manxman ' attained to such a prodigious circulation. It was really a reply to the circular of Mr. Mudie and Messrs. W. H. Smith and Son, which they addressed to the publishers demand- ing a reduction of the price at which three volume novels were supplied to them. It is just possible that Mr. Hall Caine's publisher is also entitled to some of the credit for the able way in which he seconded the author's idea of sacrificing the three volume edition of 'The Manxman.' He, too, has reaped a reward as well as the author. The movement has advanced by leaps and bounds, and it is now quite an exception to see a 'three-decker ' issued by any of the publish- ing houses. There have been many successes since 'The Manxman,' but the most conspicuous has been Mr. Du Maurier's 'Trilby.' It is no rxaggeration to say that the proceeds of the sale of this volume has done more to fill the coifers of the booksellers than any other book published in 1895. When in conversation with Mr. Du Maurier the other day, we took the opportunity of thanking him, in the name of the booksellers of Great Britain, for placing such a book within their reach at so moderate a price, and we also supplemented that remark by saying that the profits on the sales of his book had materially helped the booksellers to pay their rent. He smiled graciously. "The 'shilling shocker' and the two shilling novels are rapidly dying out, and we fancy they will soon be numbered among the things that were, and we do not suppose that any bookseller will regret their absence if the six-shilling novel continues to hold its own. "But here let us say, within parenthesis, that it will be futile on the publishers' part to issue novels at 6*. which are not of the first rank. The second and third rate novel will never do at 6s.; and there should be no misunderstanding about this, as the booksellers will decline to take them. They must be placed at a cheaper rate, say, at 3«. 6d. or 2s. 6d. The publishers must also avoid giving too little for the money at 6s. It is almost as bad as giving too much. "The most singular thing is, that the six- shilling novel has caught on with the libraries, and their 'subscribed' members are somewhat astonishing. Although when they commenced the agitation for the publishers to reduce the terms at which they supplied the three-volume novel they never anticipated such a general recognition among the publishers of the one- volume novel, it has proved to be a great Godsend for thein. There is now no accumulation of unsaleable stock, as when a six-shilling novel is dying out of circulation there is no difficulty in. selling the used copies at 3*. and zs. 6d. To the country librarian it has also proved a great blessing, as he no longer requires to pay a heavy subucription to Mudie to have a supply of novels iu the old style. We imagine that on this account there has been a general rejoicing in the heart of every country librarian, as he has no  ## p. 29 (#49) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 29 longer to wait for the tardy supply from head- quarters, but is able to stock a book at once, and give general and immediate satisfaction to his subscribers. So, then, in conclusion, we say 'Long life to the six-shilling novel.' "—Newsagent and Booksellers' Review. MATTERS FOB CONSIDERATION. (Continued from 'page 19.) Another Form of Agreement, or Proposed Agreement. THE publishers advertise in a paper, the author answers the advertisement, and forwards his MS. A letter is then received from the publishers to the following effect: "Dear Sir, — " We have much pleasure in informing you that our reader having reported so far favourably on your work, and considering the promise in it, we are prepared to undertake its publication on the following favourable terms, viz.:"— The " viz." comprises payment by the author of varying sums, and for such payment the pub- lishers undertake to print an edition of, say, 750 copies. The author to have two-thirds (generally under- lined) of the profits. The publishers are also anxious to obtain the book on account of the near approach of the publishing season. There is a perennial publish- ing season, according to the varied dates on the letters "(all formulas) which they issue. The author repudiates the payment, and in return receives another letter from the publishers, who will take a less sum and take a moiety of the profits. An agreement is then forwarded to the author, and in this agreement (supposed to embody the terms of the previous contract) the greatest care is bestowed to preserve the publishers' legal position, while they accomplish their own ends. "The publishers agree to meet the demand for an edition of 750 copies, to be followed, should the demand warrant, by further editions." The author signs the agreement, and thinks that the money he has paid is going to produce an edition of 750 copies. (The sum asked in most cases will pay for an edition of 750 copies, and put a few pounds into the publisher's pocket.) The publishers however do not "give them- selves away" readily. They are not obliged to produce 750 copies, but to meet the demand they may, if they please, produce no more than 250 copies, bind 100, and distribute the type. They have done their duty, and pocketed a nice little sum, for they know very well that the demand will never reach the 250 copies. If the author was rich, he could always circum- vent this clause, by ordering, through agents, up to the 750 copies. He then would have a case against the publishers. But, alas! authors are nearly always poor. There is another clause of much interest in this agreement. It runs as follows:— "The publishers shall, within thirty days after the 31st day of December and the 30th day of June in every year, deliver to the author an account showing the number of copies of the work sold from the date of the publication thereof, or during the then preceding half year, as the case may be, and of the moneys received in respect of such sales, and shall, after deducting from the proceeds of the sale of the work any expenses which may have been incurred in advertising thereof, forthwith pay to the author two-thirds or one-half (as the case may be) of such moneys, and shall retain the remaining one-third or one- half for their own use and benefit." To the uninitiated this clause looks quite straightforward and honest. The usual account clause. But mark what follows: The first accounts are sent in showing a deficit, and a further sum payable to the publishers for author's corrections (a generally unverifiable item), and for advertising. The author demurs to the pay- ment, and is then anxious to know how his money has been expended: have the books agreed upon been really produced? &c, Ac. The publishers then reply, "We are bound to furnish you with accounts under the agreement. We have fulfilled the agreement. We are not bound to do more." On the author referring to his agreement, he generally finds that he is barred by the "consideration clause" from inquiring how his money has been spent. Clauses to be avoided. A clause in which a royalty is paid on the "selling price," or the "nominal selling price," should be altered, and the royalty should be made payable on "the published price." The former terms are ambiguous, the latter is indis- putable. Contract with a Limited Liability Company. If a private firm is turned into a limited lia- bility company it appears probable that a contract to publish can be determined even although the former partners are directors, and that, as the contract is a personal one, the firm cannot with- out the sanction of the author transfer to the company, but there is no doubt that where the  ## p. 30 (#50) ############################################## 3° THE AUTHOR. business is virtually in tbe same hands, very little evidence would be necessary to show acquiescence in the new order of things on the part of the author. If a limited company goes bankrupt, the con- tract to publish is terminated, but if the trustee in bankruptcy carries on the business the point is rather more difficult. It is probable that the receiver, or tbe trustee, may sell the stock in hand, but cannot reprint the work. No contract should ever be made with a pub- lisher, his executors, administrators, and assigns. A contract to publish is a personal contract, and should always be kept so. This is a question of great import to authors. Royalty Clause. "Messrs. . . . to render a royalty statement to the author half-yearly, viz., to June 30 and Dec. 31, and it is understood that in making up such royalties thirteen copies shall be reckoned as twelve." Royalties should be paid on every copy sold. This is the custom of the principal publishing houses. Thirteen copies should not therefore be reckoned as twelve. Account Clauses. "Accounts shall be made up annually as soon after June 30th as practicable, and payment will be due in the January following." If a book is published early in the autumn, the chief sales occur before Christmas, and the account is rendered in the following June, if the author is paid six months after date, the publisher may hold a large part of the author's share in his own hands for nearly twelve months. Bankruptcy may also occur in so long an interval, and then the author will at most obtain only a dividend on the amount of his demand. Account Clause (No. 2).—" Account of sales of the work to be made annually to June 30, rendered and payable before the end of the year." This is subject to almost the same remarks as the previous clause. An author should therefore always try and obtain semi-annual accounts if possible. Clause binding author to offer Juture work to a publisher.—" The author shall, during the ensuing five years from the completed serial publication of the present novel or story, give to the said publisher the offer or refusal of any further novel or story he may write for newspaper publication, at the lowest price the said author will accept for the same from any other person for newspaper publication." This clause hardly comes under a treatise that deals mainly with book rights, but it gives an opportunity of commenting on a danger formerly common in bookright agreements, which should be avoided, namely, the danger of an author binding himself to a publisher for future work under any circumstances. Sale of Copyright. 1. "In consideration of the sum of £ to be paid as hereinafter provided, the said author agrees to sell and the said publishers agree to purchase the absolute copyright in the said author's original novel called' .'" 2. "The said author agrees to sell and the said publishers agree to purchase the copyright of his novel, entitled' 'for the sum of £ payable on publication." 3. "It is agreed that if and when any edition of the said work is issued at any lower price than 6s. the publishers shall have the right and option of buying the copyright free from all royalty for the sum of .£50, to be paid to the author within a month from the date of publication of such edition, failing which payment this option shall be no longer in force." 4. "This agreement to be binding for a period of years from the date of publication after which time, subject to any interest the publishers may then have in the work in respect of unsold copies, the said author shall be at liberty to transfer the book to some other publisher, or to renew the agreement with the said publisher as may be arranged." 5. "It is agreed that the copyright of the said work is to remain the property of the said author, and that at the expiration of years from the day of , or at the expiration of any subsequent period of years thereafter, this agreement may be termi- nated by either party on giving three months notice of the intention to do so. In the event of its being terminated by the said author, he shall purchase the plates and stock in hand at the debt that may be against the said book, if such debt is greater than the cost of paper and print of the stock in hand, or if less at the cost of the paper and print of the stock in hand. But if this agreement be terminated by the said publishers the said author shall have the option of purchasing the stock on tbe before-mentioned terms, but shall not be bound to do so" 6. "Copyright to remain the property of the publishers for the term of years. Accounts to be made up half yearly to 30th June and 31st December, and settled by the 31st August and 28th February following." 7. "That the copyright and all rights shall remain the property of the said publishers." •  ## p. 31 (#51) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 3* The seven clauses printed above refer mainly to the purchase of copyright. This system has already been criticised, and reference has been made to the "Methods of Publishing." It can but be repeated that it is contrary to all the author's interests to sell the copyright, or any portion of the copyright, not only when he is effecting a sale outright, but more especially when he reserves any future interest in the sales. In clause No. 2 the sum is to be paid on the date of publication. It is most important there- fore that this date should be approximately fixed, as it might be possible that the publishers either refused to publish or delayed publication. Some reasons that might prompt this action are stated in my former article. There is no clause more likely than clause 3 to set the publishers, and author's interest at variance. The greater part of the agreement from which it is drawn is an elaborate statement of the royalty to be paid under certain conditions, Jrom which one would naturally infer that the MS. would be as a matter of course published at 6*. or over. But, although the author has assigned the right to publish there is no recip- rocity on the part of the publisher, he does not undertake to publish the book at all, and there is nothing to prevent him from publishing at 5s. 6d., paying the ^650, and securing the whole copyright for that small sum. Clause 4. The question of the limitation of bookrights, much more therefore copyright, for a number of years has been referred to in the article that appeared in last month's Author. It should for legal reasons be avoided, except under the precautions already indicated in that article. For the same reason clause 5 is objectionable. If the publishers or author terminate the agree- ment there is the very difficult question of what is to be done with the stock in hand. Such stock is often absolutely useless to the author. The remarks that have already been made about the sale of copyright apply with equal force to the remaining clauses, which are inserted only because they have been taken from actual agreements. Sale of Outside Eights. 1. "Except as in clause hereof, the copy- right, whether English or foreign, in the said work, including the rights of translation and publication of any dramatic version thereof, shall not be sold, assigned, or transferred by the author, either as a whole, or for a limited time, or over a limited space, without the consent of the publisher. That the proceeds of the sale or transfer of copyright, as defined in the above VOL. VII. clause, shall be divided in the proportion of one- half to the author and one-half to the publisher." 2. "All amounts received for rights of transla- tion or reproduction abroad shall be divided equally between the two parties to this agree- ment." 3. "Should the work be issued in America, or any other foreign country, that the profits arising from such transactions shall be divided equally between the said author and said publishers." 4. "It is further understood that the said pub- lishers shall endeavour to secure copyright on the said work in the United States of America, and in the event of his succeeding shall pay to the said author two-thirds of all moneys received from the American publisher of the said work. All profits arising from minor rights, such as translations and Continental editions, to be equally divided between author and publishers." 5. "If, in the discretion of the said publishers, it becomes expedient to dispose of an edition of the book at a reduced price for sale in the Australian Colonies, these copies shall not be subject to the payment of any royalty to the said author, but the profit on the transaction shall be divided into two equal portions, one of whbh shall be the property of the said author, and the other of the said publishers." 6. "And the said publisher shall be entitled to dispose of any other rights (rights of translation, American rights, or such like) in the said work, the said publishers to have 50 per cent, of all profits arising out of the sale, lease conveyance of such rights, and the said author to receive the remaining 50 per cent, thereof." 7. "The publishers may effect the sale of Continental rights only with the author's consent. The proceeds of such sale, if effected by the publishers, shall be divided in the proportion of three-quarters to the author and one-quarter to the publishers." Agency work may be understood to mean such work as the publisher tries to accomplish by- acting not directly with the public (for the publisher is in many cases only an agent), but indirectly with the public through another middle man. A perusal of the above clauses will show that this work covers the placing of American rights, serial rights, Colonial rights, <fcc. The sale of " outside rights " is generally placed in the hands of literary agents, as in many cases the author is ignorant of what "outside rights" go to constitute his literary property, and in any case they are difficult to handle, and require the care of a practical business man. There are literary agents in London who under-  ## p. 32 (#52) ############################################## 3* THE AUTHOR. take this business on behalf of authors, for a charge of from 5 to 15 per cent. The question of these agents' charges has been very bitterly discussed by certain publishers, yet these same publishers, when undertaking agency work, take as their recompense anything from 25 to 50 per cent. Take, for example, clause 1, supple- mentary to which in the same agreement is a clause for the sale of American rights on the same terms. Here the publishers ask 50 per cent., and get as many of the rights as they can from the author. This clause, with the exception of the one quoted at length in an agreement in last month's article, is, perhaps, as strongly in favour of the publishers and to the detriment of the author as it is possible to conceive. Even if the author acted as his own agent with regard to translation or foreign reproduction, making arrangements without the assistance of the publisher, he still must pay 50 per cent. Further, should he dramatise his work he must pay one half of the proceeds. Clauses 2, 3, and 4 all show a 50 per cent, payment to the publisher. They are more favour- able to the author, however, as they do not include so many rights, and in clause 4 the author is to get two-thirds of the proceeds arising from the sale of the American rights, if the publisher obtains American copyright. Clause 5 still claims 50 per cent., but only refers to Australian rights. Clause 6 is peculiar in some ways, more especially in its phraseology; "or such like " is indefinite. It is doubtful either whether the author could act at all as his own agent under this clause. The clause, as usual, stipulating for 50 per cent. Clause 7 only affects Continental rights, and the sale must be made only with the author's consent. The author can, if he likes, act as his own agent and make all the profit, but if the publisher does act as agent the charge is 25 per cent. The rights are more limited and the charge is less, but still enormous when compared with the agent's 10 per cent. It would be easy to quote clauses without end bearing on the same point. In none of the many agreements is the charge below 2 5 per cent. On these clauses it can only be added that where the author transfers the copyright the pub- lisher usually deals with all subsidiary rights without reference to the author. He sometimes shares the returns with the author and sometimes does not. A case has, however, been known in which a publisher bought the copyright from an author, and, on the book being published in England, the author neglected to secure the American rights. There were no rights therefore in America, and the book could have been pirated by anyone. An American publisher wishing to republish the work wrote to the English publisher, inferring that he was acting for the author, and stated that he was desirous of publishing the book and of paying an honorarium to do so. The pub- lisher this side, in virtue of his non-existent American rights, took the honorarium to himself. Here it may be as well to state is another and most important point that the author should be very careful about. He should not enter into a royalty agreement for the sale of the booh in England, and a profit- sharing arrangement with the same publishers for the Colonial or American edition. If he does so he must be sure that it is stated in the profit- sharing clause that the print and paper alone is to be charged against the Colonial edition. The composition was necessary for the English issue, and it is on this basis that the amount of royalty is fixed. If this item or any part of it is to be charged against the Colonial profit-sharing arrangement, then the author ought to obtain a larger royalty on the English sale, as the royalty on the English sale is based on the idea of the whole cost of com- position going against the English edition. Remainder Sales. To those who do not know it may be worth while to point out that bond fide remainder sales are the sales of a book after the general demand for the book has ceased, and when the book is virtually dead. The publishers then offer the whole of the stock in hand at cheap rates to a secondhand bookseller or sell it by public auction. Such sales realise very low prices. There are instances of remainder sales being arranged when the book is not dead. This course, under some agreements, benefits the pub- lisher but not the author. The clause referring to remainder sales are very often of an arbitrary character, for example :— "The publishers shall have the power to sell the residue of any edition at a reduced price or as a remainder." This clause occurs almost word for word in two separate agreements. It does not give the author any option of purchase, and it gives the pub- bsher the opportunity of clearing his shelves before the bond fide sales are at an end. Sometimes there is no clause relating to remainder sales, but this subject is governed by a clause leaving all rights as to the method of publication and sale of the work with the pub- lishers—then the same result occurs.  ## p. 33 (#53) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 33 A practical agreement regarding remainder sales is certainly necessary, and much to be desired. Correction Clauses, i . "The said author to correct proof sheets with all reasonable despatch, and if any altera- tions or additions to proofs are made beyond the usual corrections of printers' errors he is to pay for such extra work." 2. "The cost of correction of other than the printers' errors in the proofs of the said work exceeding ten shillings per sheet of thirty-two pages is to be borne by the said author, and the amount thereof shall be payable to the pub- lishers by the said author within one month after the publication of the said book." 3. "All details as to the time and manner of production, publication, and advertisement, and the number and destination of free copies, shall be left to the sole discretion of the publishers, who shall bear all expenses of production, publi- cation, and advertisement, except the amount (if any) by which the cost of corrections of proofs other than printers' errors at per printers' invoice, exceeds an average of five shilling per sheet of sixteen pages of printed matter, which amount shall be borne by the author." 4. "All alteration in proof sheets made by the author while the book is passing through the press, the cost of which thall exceed sixteen shillings per sheet of sixteen pages shall be at the expense of the author." 5. "That the author shall not be liable for the expenses of authors proof corrections (exclusive of the correction of printers' errors) up to the amount of .£5, equivalent to 100 hours of work, but that should such charges exceed this amount, the author shr.ll be debited with the excess." Nothing is more likely to lead to disputes between the parties than corrections. A few clauses; are printed above, drawn from different agreements. The first three are exceptionally disadvantageous to the author. The charge varies, but, in the agreements from the better houses, generally lies between icw. and ids. per sheet of sixteen pages for corrections other than printer s errors. If the author exceeds this amount he has to pay the excess. The safest way is for the author to keep dupli- cate proofs with the corrections carefully copied. This process, though tedious and laborious, is sure, for otherwise the author is absolutely in the hands of the printer. The next best plan is to insert the time equiva- lent for the money value into the clause as in clause 5, so that, if the charge appears excessive, it can at once be turned into hours, when it will most likely appear ridiculous. £20 for corrections would mean 400 hours, or the work of 01 e man for forty days at the rate of ten hours a ("ay. It is useful to remember the rapidity absolutely necessary for proof corrections of daily papers, and then compare the time tak with the £20 charge. It is almost impossible to really check correc- tions, as sometimes the insertion of a word will throw the type out for i.ages. An author ought to try if possible to insert a phrase or word of similar length to the phrase or word deleted, and ought to try and make full corrections, if any are necessary, when the type is in " slip form," before it is made up into pages. Other Clauses. The following clauses are not classified under r.ny particular heading, but as they have been been culled from agreements, it is as well for the author to be aware of their existence. "The publisher is, so far as his charge for com- posing, stereotyping, printing, binding, supplying paper, and furnishing copies, whether retail or to the trade, are concerned, to be regarded as princi- pal and not as agent either of the author or of any other person, and as principal he will render an account in writing made up to the usual quarter days on the first day of May, August, November, and February in each year." This clause has been taken out of a commission agreement, and suggests that the publisher is not anxious to have the accounts between himself and his printer investigated. It should not be allowed to stand. Every pub- lisher who is desirous of dealing well with authors is only too anxious to give every facility for the investigation of accounts. Is this clause intended to give the publisher an opportunity of making a large secret profit? This must not be assumed. Any honourable publisher would repudiate the suggestion and withdraw the clause. "The author undertakes to refrain from writing or publishing, or causing or assisting or licensing the publication of any other work likely to injure, compete with, or impair the sale of the work during the continuance of this license, or until the whole of the copies lawfully produced under this license shall have been disposed of." No author should allow this clause to remain in his agreement unless the publisher equally binds himself to refrain from publishing. It is a most dangerous clause without reciprocity. To meet the case it might be possible to arrange a time limit, say, of three years to either party. In the first place it would be a foolish action on  ## p. 34 (#54) ############################################## 34 THE AUTHOR. the part of an author to destroy his own property, but it might be a very profitable thing on the part of a publisher to obtain the control over a similar work, and thus stop the competition of other publishers and hold the command of the market on a given subject. This refers to the publishing of educational, scientific, technical, <fcc, books, and it is in agree- ments for the production of these books that the above clause is generally inserted. "The author shall guarantee that there is copy- right in the said work in the United Kingdom, and that he is the proprietor thereof, and that should the publication of the said book subject the publishers to any legal proceedings, civil or criminal, in the United Kingdom, he shall in- demnify the publishers from all cost and liability whatsoever which the publisher may incur in connection with such legal proceedings." It is sometimes necessary and often reasonable to give the publisher an indemnity clause against actions for infringement of copyright or libel. But it is hardly fair to ask the author to in- demnify the publisher from "any legal pro- ceedings connected with the publication of the book." He might have a dispute with the printer, with the binder, Ac, for which the author could hardly be responsible. "That in thp event of the sale exceeding the said copies the publisher shall bear the cost of any subsequent editions or edition, and shall allow the said author a royalty of pence per shilling on the published price." This is a case of deferred royalty. If any author is compelled to accept such an agreement he should endeavour to ascertain whether the work is likely to reach the amount named, and to protect himself from the publisher refusing to let it reach the amount by binding the publisher to produce a specified number of copies. In a profit-sharing agreement a clause to the effect that "advertisements appearing in the publishers' own organs shall be charged for at half the usual tariff "—must be struck out. It costs the publishers nothing beyond the setting up of the type and an infinitesimal amount for paper, and it is unfair in a case of quasi- partnership that the one partner should benefit at the expense of the other, for in such an agree- ment, if the author has not in addition a tight hand over the advertisements, a considerable amount of profits may be sunk. Monthly periodicals are not good advertising mediums. The above clause is no doubt put forward as a sop to the author, but it must not be allowed to stand. It is unfair for one partner to make this profit and not the other. In addition it should be pointed out this clause does not cover exchange advertisements in other periodicals — another method by which the publisher obtains an advan- tage and the author does not. In other words, such a clause gives the publisher the absolute rights of swamping the whole profits of a book by advertising in his own organs. Serial Publication. It may be as well to add a few words on serial publication, by which is meant not publication in a series of books, but publication in the form of periodical issue. Serial rights are a very important part of literary property, especially as the short story is so much in vogue. Serial rights may be divided as follows: These are the common forms. 1. Rights in some important London magazine or paper. 2. Rights in some important American maga- zine or paper. 3. Secondary rights in England. 4. Secondary rights in America.- 5. Rights in the Colonies and Dependencies of Great Britain. In selling any of these rights, the author should be very careful of what he is selling and of the date of publication. It is best when writing to an editor to state clearly what is offered, e.g., "Dear Sir,—" I beg to offer you the inclosed for serial publication in '. . . .'" (naming the periodical). If the tale is accepted without any further special stipulations, then it is accepted on the terms of the letter. N.B.—Keep a copy of the letter. If the author is particular as to price, he should also state the amount per thousand words that he will require. If the author is careless, he may find that he has sold all serial rights, that his story is being syndicated in the provinces and in America, and is bringing in moneys that he could have put into his own pocket. He may find, again, that he has brought him- self within the toils of the 18th section of the Copyright Act. The 18th section runs as follows :— "XVIII. And be it enacted, that when any pub- lisher or other person shall, before or at the time of the passing of this Act, have projected, con- ducted, and carried on, or shall hereafter project, conduct, and carry on, or be the proprietor of any encyclopaedia, review, magazine, periodical work, or work published in a series of books or  ## p. 35 (#55) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 35 parts, or any book whatsoever, and shall have employed or shall employ any persons to compose the same, or any volume, parts, essays, articles, or portions thereof for publication in or as part of the same, and such work, volumes, parts, essays, articles, or portions shall have been or shall hereafter be composed under such employ- ment, on the terms that the copyright therein shall belong to such proprietor, projector, pub- lisher, or conductor, and paid for by such pro- prietor, publisher, projector, or conductor, the copyright in every such encyclopaedia, review, magazine, periodical work, and work published in a series of books or parts, and in every volume, part, essay, article, and portion so composed and paid for, shall be the property of such proprietor, projector, publisher, or other conductor, who shall enjoy the same rights as if he were the actual author thereof, and shall have such term of copyright therein as is given to the authors of books by this Act; except only that in the case of essays, articles, or portions forming part of and first published in reviews, magazines, or other periodical works of a like nature after the term of twenty-eight years from the first pub- lication thereof respectively,the right of publishing the same in a separate form shall revert to the author for the remainder of the term given by this Act: Provided always, that during the term of twenty-eight years the said proprietor, pro- jector, publisher, or conductor, shall not publish any such essay, article, or portion separately or singly, without the consent previously obtained of the author thereof, or his assigns: Provided also, that nothing herein contained shall alter or affect the right of any person who shall have been or who shall be so employed as aforesaid to publish any such his composition in a separate form who by any contract, express or implied, may have received or may hereafter reserve to himself such right; but every author reserving, retaining, or having such right shall be entitled to the copyright in such composition when pub- lished in a separate form, according to this Act, without prejudice to the right of such proprietor, projector, publisher, or conductor, as aforesaid." It will be seen from this that when the pro- prietor employs and pays (a most important feature) a writer on the terms that the copyright in the work done shall belong to such proprietor, then the proprietor can for twenty-eight years republish the work, but only with the consent of the author, but that the author may on the other hand expressly or impliedly retain his copy- right. The question what would happen if nothing was said about copyright is left open. Does the author impliedly reserve it? VOL. VII. One case decided in the courts seems to point to this view, but the question is still by good authorities considered doubtful. If the author can sell both the American and English serial rights he must arrange for simul- taneous publication so as not to lose the American copyright. There are certain periodicals that publish long stories in single numbers. This is often the case with annuals. The author when selling to such periodicals should keep this point before him, as it is possible that such circulation may damage the book rights, and if this is likely he should secure an enhanced price. The author should never sign a receipt for moneys in payment for serial use which is so expressed as to convey the copyright to the proprietor. If an author does not understand what he is signing he had better take the advice of some one who does. He should be careful of the date of publication, for the very simple reason that the tale will be published in book form, and it cannot appear in this form until it has run at any rate for some months as a serial. It is important for an author to arrange that the publication of one story does not conflict with the publication of another. There is the further question that many periodicals do not pay until publication takes place. This, of course, could not be delayed in- definitely, but the expense and difficulty of bringing the machinery of the law to work ought, if possible, to be avoided. Let the contract be quite clear by taking a little care in the beginning. Authors should be careful also that their MS. is sent type-written, If type-writing is too expensive, then the writing should be very distinct. There is no doubt however that a type-written MS. increases an author's chance of being read, and he should not neglect this chance. The author should always retain a copy in case of accidents, and should be very careful of the position and repute of the periodical he intends to deal with. G. H. Thring, Secretary.  ## p. 36 (#56) ############################################## 36 THE AUTHOR. A DIALOGUE. OURNALIST. — " When you say that the publisher never takes any risk I can listen no longer." Author.—" Where and when have we said that the publisher never takes any risk?" J. —" Why . . . everybody knows that you say it." A.—" Where did you read it or hear it said by anybody connected with the Society?" J.—" Well . . . everybody . . . ." A.—" I don't want everybody—I want you— Where did you hear it said or read it?" Silence. "You never did read it: you heard a rumour: somebody talked as if that silly statement had been made. What has been said is this—that the risks taken by publishers, with certain excep- tions, are few, and for the most part inconsider- able. A book that carries risk is generally pub- lished at the author's expense." J.—" Inconsiderable! How can you say so? The publisher has to advance hundreds for every book. Perhaps he never gets back anything." A.—" Tou speak, my dear friend, of what you know nothing. What, for instance, is risk? Define risk? J.—" The money paid for printing and pro- ducing a book. What else can it be?" A.—" It is, in fact, nothing of the kind. The publisher has longer credit with the printer than he gives to the bookseller. The risk, therefore, is the difference between the first lively sale of a book and its cost. In other words, if a book costs £100, and during the first six months its sale amounts to .£98, the publishers' risk is£2. Now do you see how risk is generally inconsiderable?" J.—"Then you issue a so-called ' Cost of Pro- duction.' They tell me that no book could be got out at the figures you give. Look at the adver- tisements. You put down £20. Why, they've got to spend hundreds on every book." A.—"Really! Hundreds! Well, but about the 'Cost of Production.' There was a little howling when it first came out. One man wrote to the papers protesting that it couldn't possibly be clone at the price. I offered to take over the whole of his printing at that price. When I did that I had a letter in my hand from a certain firm of printers—as good a house as there is in the country—offering to do work on these terms if the work was steady, that is, the whole, or a good part, of a publisher's work. And now they've left off protesting. The book is accepted to be what it is, a very fair approximation—as fair as can be got for such a varying and un- certain thing as a printer's bill." J. (grunts).—" And the advertisements?" A.—"If you count the advertisements in their own organs and their exchanges—which co»t them nothing—perhaps, hundreds. If you count the sums actually paid—a very small amount indeed—on nine-tenths of the books published, I doubt if so much as £10 can be expended in ad vertisements." j.—" Well, but there are all the fraudulent publishers whose cases you publish. Where are they? Why are they not in prison? Why are they not named?" A.—" You suggest that the cases are invented. I have seen the suggestion made in print. It was made by an author, naturally. We have not all of us as yet risen above the joy of putting a knife into as many other authors as we can. However, if you were only to read the things about which you speak, you would recognise from internal evidence that the agreements could not be invented. You would also consider that the committee of the society have actually seen all these cases and all these agreements: you would therefore ask yourself whether it is within the bounds of possibility that the committee would consent to such falsification. Why, then, are not the names published? Why are not the men prosecuted? For various reasons. First, in by far the greater number of cases the author has been simply "bested" by clauses in the agree- ment which he did not understand. You cannot prosecute a man for putting into an agreement a clause which gives him 50 per cent., while an agent would take 10 per cent. Yet the thing looks ugly on paper when it is exposed; we have exposed scores of cases such as this. Next, it is often old business—three or four years old, or more, when it comes to us: cases which it would be inconvenient or impossible to reopen. Thirdly, when a prosecution or an action might lie, the case is quickly settled by the publisher; or, which happens very often, the author will not go into court. Nothing would please the society more than to have such a case to take into court; but it grows every day more difficult: the formerly common tricks—as the overcharge of cost and the charging for advertisements not paid—are much less practised since the society was esta- blished; while, as I said just now, clauses which the author does not understand answer the purpose quite as well as the ancient dodges." J.—" And you talk everywhere about publish- ing being such a splendid business—" A.—" Look around you. Wherever publishers get on at all, they get on splendidly. There are at least a dozen big businesses all made in the last ten years." J.—" Then, since you know all the tricks, why don't you go in yourself?"  ## p. 37 (#57) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 37 A.—"A dubious compliment to ask a man why he does not become a trickster because he bus learned the tricks of others. I think you will not press that proposition." J.—" Well—then, why not go in, with your experience, and become, if you will allow that there is such a thing, an honest publisher':'" A.—"I certainly allow that there is such a thing. I know several such 'things.' But you might just as well ask me why I do not read law and become a lawyer, which is a very fine line of business. Because then, first of all, I am already in my own line, such as it is. Secondly, because every kind of business requires the possession of habits and powers and a certain training, which I have not. If you ask me, how- ever, why more young fellows with business training and habits do not turn their attention to this very lucrative line of business, I have only to reply, 'why not ?'" J.—"Well—all lean say is that I don't see why you shouldn't let publishers make their profit just the same as other people." A.—" Let them. Nobody wants to prevent them. The only thing we want is to know where we stand witb regard to the administration of our own estates. We only say—' Pray, what is your own share in this business and on this agree- ment?' They never will tell us. When we do find out, the result is not satisfactory. In the well- known 6«. case—for instance—the publisher gets for the most part i*. 6d.; the author, is.; the London bookseller about 8rf.; the country bookseller about 4</. How does that strike you? Remember that the estate—the book—belongs to the author." J.—" Well; then look at the enormous office expenses." A.—" Do you mean the bookseller's office expenses? The office expenses of the country bookseller must be far greater in proportion than those of the publisher. However, we do not ask what are the office expenses of the solicitor or the medical practitioner, or the estate agent or the auctioneer—when you can show me that such is the custom in other lines I will agree to talk about the publisher's office expenses—and even then I must talk as well about the bookseller's office expenses and the author's office expenses. And now, my friend, you have retailed, without any reading or special inquiry of your own, a good deal of the loose talk which is encouraged by our friends and their allies. When you have taken the trouble to read what has actually been written and spoken, I shall be glad to hear what new objections you have to make. Meantime oblige me by asking those persons who do talk in this loose way if they will kindly read what has been said before making any comments upon it." NOTES AND NEWS. THERE exist in England to-day, an authors', a publishers', a booksellers', and a news- agents' society, and they all need but little strengthening to thoroughly represent the trade. As fighting forces, one against the other, they cari do much to protect their own particular interests, but combined, they would at once stand on a level with that vast society of Germany that has been a blessing to every interest it represents. Further, such a combination in Great Britain could at once be allied to that of Germany and France, and with very little further effort we should have a trade protection association whose workings would rapidly become world-wide, and which would govern the production and distribution of literature wherever a fount of type or a printed page existed." i The above paragraph is copied from the News- agents and Booksellers' Review. Four or five years ago an able article on the solidarity of the literary interests appeared in these columns. The writer of this paper — a well-known lady — advocated the consolidation of every interest concerned, viz., printer, binder, artist, author, middleman or distributor, and bookseller. We ought not to lose sight of the possibility of forming such a combination. It can only, how- ever, be formed on the basis of recognising the rights of each. And we seem far enough off such a recognition as yet. For instance, the authors, who must have the first say in the matter, have not yet put forward any scheme which embodies their own views. The publishers at their first meeting announced their intention of not interfering with agreements, a resolution which shuts them out of consideration in any practical proposals, because the relations of pub- lishers, both to authors and booksellers, rest entirely upon the agreements. And there are two associations of booksellers. Why two': Surely, the first step should be the amalgamation of the two societies in one. Mr. Thring's able and thoughtful paper, point- ing out some of the pitfalls and traps so carefully set in agreements ought to open the eyes of some who persistently refuse to admit that these pitfalls exist. They show, besides, that the business side of literature is extremely com- plicated: that it requires long experience before it can be mastered: that it is next to impossible for anyone to master it, except after long study and such experience as can only be got at by the Society and its secretary: that it is simple follv for anyone, with these plain facts and figures  ## p. 38 (#58) ############################################## 38 THE AUTHOR. before him, to suppose himself capable of examining an agreement. It is, however, fair to say that many respectable publishers who have year after year gone on with the same form of agreement, have done so in ignorance of what the clauses involved, especially from the legal point of view, mean. There has been a great change for the better of late years. The terms of praise and admiration with which the other kind of pub- lisher speaks of this Society sufficiently prove this. ^ic_ One or two of the clauses mentioned by Mr. Thring were not known to his predecessor, Mr. Sprigge, when he wrote the "Methods of Publishing." The mind of man is inventive. For instance, that one which kindly offers to charge only half the tariff price for advertise- ments in the firm's own organs. It looks so well! Only half! Is it not a generous—a kindly —a disinterested offer? Yet the clause places in the publisher's hands the power of taking for himself as much as he pleases of the profits of the book! He is too great and good to use that power? No doubt. Then let him give up the clause, and thereby show his greatness and his goodness. Then there is the thirteen as twelve clause. This is based upon the fact that booksellers ordering twelve copies of a book get thirteen as twelve. Sometimes they get the same.privilege by ordering twelve copies, including more works than one. But the country bookseller can seldom make so large an order on one publisher. Some allowance should certainly be made for books actually given thirteen as twelve. But does the atithor who signs such a clause realise that he actually gives up 8 per cent 'r And one very earnestly advises the author to consider very carefully as regards the American and other rights—that his agent will charge him 10 per cent., while his publisher will probably charge him 50 per cent. Are not these things worth considering 'f I hope that Mr. Thring's paper may be published separately with the agreements quoted, and perhaps others in full. A note on the miserable prices paid by certain magazines to contributors will be found in the "Correspondence." Poetry at 3*. a poem: a cheque fur 12*. 6c?. for a story of 1500 words: for an article, 5a.: for a novel of 70,000 words, £10! The papers concerned, of which a note has been taken, are not very high up in the literary ladder; but three of them, at least, are credited with a large circulation. In this payment of contributors there are several factors to be considered. The first and most important is, how much the writer will take: if there are found poets to take 3*. a poem, some people- will offer 3*.: there is the circulation of the paper to be considered; there is also the reputation of the writer and the value of his name to the paper. As regards prices paid for stories, there are, or were a year or two ago, persons who bought novels of 20,000 and 30,000 words for £2 15s. each! Our correspondent should take care to find out before he offers his contributions to the lower kind of magazine what is the scale of remuneration, or he should state his price. If authors would only become men of business in the business side of their work! It would perhaps serve a useful purpose if the prices paid per page or per thousand words by the different magazines were ascertained and published. The prices paid for serial fiction must be excepted, because they vary according to the position of the author. Here the editor is a despot: he can offer what he pleases. It is some satisfaction, however, to know that one magazine, at least, has sunk into insignificance through the starving of the fiction. Generally speaking, editors of high class magazines and journals are on such excellent terms with everybody that there is evidently complete satisfaction on the part of contributors. Nor, again, should a special offer made to get exceptional work from the only man who can furnish it, be printed and published. But it would surely be useful to have the customary tariff of every respectable magazine known and published. The following is the list of subscriptions re- ceived up to the 20th June in reply to an appeal recently made in these columns, and elsewhere, on behalf of the veteran authoress, Mrs. Warren:— £ 0. d. £ a. d. A Friend I A Poor Old Woman o Among Many o Aiton, Miss I Asher, S. G., Esq.... 3 Allen, Mrs o 10 Bemrose, Henry H.. Esq 10 o Besant, Sir Walter.. 2 2 Berkeley, Mrs o 3 Carter, Miss o 5 Clarke, Cecil, Esq... 1 11 Dean, A., Esq o 5 Doyle, Dr. Conan .. 2 2 Hamilton, Miss C.J. 1 1 Helmore, Miss o 10 Jndd, J. W.,Esq.... 2 2 Low, Miss o 5 Masters, Dr. Max- well T I i Miohell, Miss G. ... o io o Parker, Dr.and Mrs. 2 o Rothschild, Leopold 6 de, Esq. (per Mrs. o Allen) 2 Redden, MiBS o Smart, Mrs. F. G... o Toynbee. William, Esq I Three Ladies (per Miss Edwards) o Underdown, MisB... -o Welch, Miss O o o- 5 o 5 o 6 o 5 o 4 o o Wood, Miss o io o H. B. C I I o- K.M.G o 2 6 F. H o io o L. M i i o- A. V I o o E. H i i o £44  ## p. 39 (#59) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 39 Messrs. Bemrose and Sons, her late publishers, have kindly promised Mrs. Warren an annuity of £20. Further douations will be acknowledged in these columns by Ellen T. Masters, of 4, Mount Avenue-road, Ealing, W. The death of Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe carries the thoughts of those who are over fifty to the appearance of " Uncle Tom's Cabin." The time was what historians call a transition period. We were passing out of the eighteenth century —someone should invent a new name for that time which began with William the Third and lasted till William the Fourth. The black slavery of the Southern States was balanced by the white slavery of England. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" had its counter-part in Mrs. Trollope's "Michael Armstrong," which made compara- tively little impression, because, though the facts were as strong, the treatment was weak. It is difficult to recall the intensity and the extent of emotion which was aroused all over this country by "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Men cursed the Southern States; women wept for rage; everybody called aloud upon the North for very shame to put the accursed thing away from them. It is a curious time to remember. Yet, a few years later, when the South took up arms, in 1861, the English sympathies were with them from the first. And to think that the woman who created the indignation of the world in 1851 (?) has lived till 1896! Her second book, called "Dred," fell comparatively flat. No writer can make the •whole world indignant more than once, even if he tries more than one subject. I suppose there is an instinctive feeling that real passion in a writer can only be awakened by personal suffering and experience, and that one's personal experi- ences are limited. The satirist lashes his tail and roars, but no one heeds him because he satirises everything. For much the same reason even the same subject fails to move the world, when treated by the same writer more than once. The note under the head of "Literary Pro- perty," concerning theatrical agents, raises the question whether an agent's fee can be with fairness demanded at the outset. It may be argued that the agent, whether he succeeds or not, has to take a great deal of trouble in going round among managers and editors, for which he is paid by the fee: that, if he succeeds, the fee is deducted from the commission: and that if he fails it has been earned by his personal trouble. On the other hand, the author may fairly say "There is the work. If you can place it you shall have the commission as your share. If you fail there will be nothing to divide." There seems something to be said fur the autlior, who certainly has had his trouble and toil in the matter. Sup- pose that the agent refuses to work without a fee in advance: suppose that the author refuses to pay unless his work is placed. Then we come to a deadlock, in which I see no way out of it but for one side or the other to give way. Eventually one must, or the author would have to go round himself with his wares and probably fail, and the agent would be unable to pay his rent, and so both together would stand at the bar of that ccurt which holds its sittings unpleasan ly near the offices of this Society. Walter Besant. AUSTRALIAN POETRY. THERE is nothing^/r'/t de siecle about colonial life; nothing indeed of any sort of " end," all seems beginning there. Especially does the contrast with the withered cultivation of Europe strike a student of the colonists' metrical compositions; an unconventional energy, almost defiant yet free from affectation that reminds the reader of Edgar Poe or Rudyard Kipling. With a difference, no doubt; for neither Marcus Clarke nor Lindsay Gordon has anything like the inevit- ableness, or the sure artistic touch of the American or the Anglo-Indian. Yet, in a way, they are alike. But one cannot avoid a feeling of admiring surprise at the conditions revealed as well by those writers as by the public for whom they wrote; and the wonder is fed by observing that those conditions were by no means accidental or temporary, but still exist. Especially in the department of lyrical and short-narrative verse is the output of the current time remarkable; and from all that can be learned the encouragement given to it by a very small public is equally worthy of remark. Last year came Mr. A. B. Paterson, with a volume at 5*. and a large paper edition at a guinea. He is now in his fifth thousand.* This year we have Mr. Henry Lawsoti appearing in the same manner, already arrived at his second thousand, f Both volumes—in their 58. form— are fine samples of publication, unerringly printed in clear long primer on hand-nia !e paper, with gilt tops and good cloth boards. * '■ The Man from the Snowy River," and other verBes. Sydney, 1895. t "In the Days when the World was Wide," and other verses. Sydney, 1836.  ## p. 40 (#60) ############################################## 4° THE AUTHOR. As for the authors and their works, Mr. Pater- son appears to be a native of the New South Wales "up-country," locally known by the sobriquet of "Banjo ;" he comes before us intro- duced by " Rolf Boldrewood," the famous author of "Robbery under Arms" and other fictitious presentations of Australian life, from whose preface a few extracts may be profitably offered here. "It is not easy to write ballads descriptive of the bushland of Australia . . . the maker of folk-songs for our newborn nation requires a somewhat rare combination of gifts and ex- periences . . . bright gleams of humour, pathos, and romance which, like undiscovered gold, await the fortunate adventurer. That our author has touched this treasure-trove no true Australian will deuy. In my opinion this collec- tion comprises the best bush ballads written since the death of Lindsay Gordon." Mr. Lawson, a Sydney journalist, is, perhaps, not quite so strong as " Banjo," but with a rather more workmanly technique. On one occasion at least the two have written in conscious com- petition; and a comparison of the resulting poenis is not without interest, as illustrating the contrast between opposite kinds of New South Wales life. Mr. Paterson, writing from his native point of view, calls his piece " In defence of the Bush"; it is short, nervous, and—as the author might say—without an ounce of superfluous fat. The following are some of the best lines:— So you're back from up the country, Mr. Townsman, where you went, And you're curding all the business in a bitter dis- content . . . And the road* were hot and dusty, and the plains were burnt and brown, And no doubt you're better suited, drinking lemon-squash in town But the Bush bu'h moods and changes, as the seasons rise and fall. And the men that know the bushland, they are loyal through it all. . . . Did you chance to hear a chorus in the shearers' buts at night? Did they rise np " William Riley " by the camp-fire's cheery blaze, Did they rise him as we rose him in the good old droving days? . . . And the " shy selector-children "—were they better, now, or worse Than the little city-urchins who would greet you with a curse f Is not such a life much better than the squalid street or square Where the fallen women flaunt it in the fierce electric glare, Where the sempstress plies her sewing till her eyes are sore and red, In a filthy, dirty attic, toiling on for daily bread "t . . . Did the magpies rouse your slumbers with a carol sweet and strange, Did you hear the Bilver chiming of the bell-birds on the range? . . . You had better stick to Sydney and make merry with " the push," For the bush will never suit you, and you'll never suit the bush. Thus the up-country man, in simple strain, to whom Mr. Townsman replies in a long poem of far higher literary ambition, entitled "The City Bushman," of which the subjoined sample may suffice:— It was pleasant up the country, City Bushman, where you went, For you Bought the greener patohes, and you travelled like a" gent." . . . But we lately heard yon singing of the plains where shade is not, And you mentioned it was dusty —" all was dry and all waa hot." True, the bush "hath moods and changes," and the buah- man hath 'em, too; For he's not a poet's dummy, he's a man, the same as you j . . . And, in short, we think the bushman's being driven to the wall, And it's doubtful if his Bpirit will be "loyal through it all." . . . And the " rise and fall of seasons " suits the rise and fall of rhyme, But we know the western seasons do not run on schedule time. . . . It is up in Northern Queensland that the seasons do their best, But it's doubtful if yon ever saw a Beason in the West. ... In the bush my ears were open to the singing of the bird, But the "carol of the magpie" was a thing I never heard. . . . And the bell-bird in tbe ranges—but his " silver chime" is harsh, When it is heard beside the solo of the curlew in the marsh. Yes, I heard the shearers singing " William Riley" out of tune, Saw them fighting round a Bhanty on a Sunday after- noon. . . And we couldn't raise a chorus for the toothache and the cramp, While we spent the hours of darkness draining puddleB round the camp. . . Yon are down on trams and busses, or the roar of them, you said, And the "filthy, dirty attic," where you never toiled for bread. . . . But you'll find it very jolly with the cuff-and-collar push, And the city seems to suit you, while you rave about the bush. This is better literature, perhaps, than that of "Banjo"; yet one cannot but agree with colonial opinion, which held that " Lawson was out of it." The attempt to represent himself as familiar with the bush might pass; but the absurdity of holding up the squatter as a Cockney was too palpable,  ## p. 41 (#61) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 4i Some of Mr. Lawson's work is even better than what we have just seen; a short tale in rhyme, called "The Fire at Ross's Farm," is a favourable sample, but is too long to reproduce here, and must be judged as a whole. It will be found almost as good as the battle at the end of Scott's "Marmion " for movement and sympathy. The pattern and standard of these writers, however, is one nearer to themselves in place and time than Sir Walter. The unhappy Adam Lindsay Gordon—who shot himself at Melbourne in 1870—was originally a British officer and sporting man who again had close relations, as an author, with Whyte Melville. Like Gordon, the men whose work we have been discussing are British in character, not highly cultured nor above using local slang, or almost any language that comes handy: their two peaks of Parnassus are the racecourse and the stock farm; and the whisky is a collateral Hippocrene, never far off. It is a strange byepath of Parnassus, bearing little blossom and bordered by crude and acrid berries. But in all we breathe a rough air of earnestness, and seem to hear Rugby boys kicking and swearing in a football "scrummage," rather than dainty disciples of a decorated muse. By far the most wonderful part of the affair, however, to London authors, at least, must be that the population of the colonies—altogether less than that of London—can absorb thousands of volumes of verse in a few months. H. G. K. A LESSON PBOM NEBRASKA. THE following reminders are from a paper read before the Chicago Trade Press Association. They are found in the Authors' Journal (New Fork) for April. They may possibly be of some use on this side of the water: Abortive means untimely in its birth and so brought out before it is well matured. A plan may be abortive, but an act cannot. Accord is a stilted substitute for give. Ability and capacity are not exact synonyms. The former is the power of applying, the latter of acquiring, knowledge. Aggravate means to add to the weight of, and is not equivalent to irritate. You can administer governments, oaths, medi- cine, but not blows nor punishments; they are dealt or given. Adopt is a poor substitute for take in such phrases as " What course will you adopt?" We write of an aggressive salesman, an aggres- sive firm. The word doesn't mean enterprising or even pushing, but hitting first, making the first attack. Do not confound amateur with novice. An amateur may be an artist of great experience and skill, but he is not a professional artist. A novice is a beginner. An audience is an assembly of hearers. There can be no audience at a gymnastic performance, a pantomime, a boat-race, a sparring match, and the like. Where only the eye is appealed to, use the word spectators. Avocation is not synonymous with vocation. A man's vocation is his calling, his business; his avocations are the things that occupy him incideu tally. Do not use balance in the sense of rest, remainder, residuum, or remnant. The word is only permissible where the simile of the scales will apply as in a book-keeper's balance. Do not confound bountiful with plentiful. Bountiful means liberal, beneficent. Distinguish character from reputation. Slander may harm reputation, but not character. Commence is called vulgar by many authorities. Begin is far preferable, because it is shorter and is Anglo-Saxon. Consider means to contemplate, to ponder. Do not use for think, suppose, or regard. Constantly is not synonymous with frequently. Constantly means uninterruptedly. Deprecate is wrongly used for disapprove, censure, condemn. The word really means to beg or pray against. Description should not be used for kind or sort. Say "his clothes were of the meanest sort," and not " of the meanest description." Dirt means filth. A thing that is dirty is foul. Do not use for earth, loam, gravel, or saud. Do not use expect for suppose, think or guess. Farther should be used exclusively with reference to distance. In other connections use further. BOOK TALK. MR. ALFRED HARMSWORTH intends to make a strong feature of book review- ing in the Daily Mail. His literary department is at present in the hands of Mr. Robert Leighton, who has written many popular boys' stories. In his work on the Daily Mail Mr. Leighton is assisted by his wife, who is the principal author of the successful Answers serials, "Convict 99," "Michael Dred," and "In the Shadow of Guilt." Mr. John Bickerdyke has published through Messrs. Hutchinson and Co. a one volume novel,  ## p. 42 (#62) ############################################## THE A UTHOR. entitled "Lady Val's Elopement." The book has been printed and copyrighted in America by Mr. Lippincot, and a special colonial edition has been issued. The scene of the story is laid mainly in a Thames-side village, and in Norway at the head of the Nord Fjord. In the English scenes the author has drawn on his somewhat startling experience as a progressive member of a very antediluvian board of guardians, and on his efforts to bring a little light and liberty into a somnolent agricultural village. Perhaps, how- ever, the Norwegian scenes will appeal most forcibly to the general reader. Under the title "A New Novelist," Mr. John Hogben, editor of editions of Keats and Pope, contributor to the Spectator, &c, recently de- livered an address before the Ec'ectic Society, Edinburgh, on "St. Margaret," "Dorrie," 'Sweetheart Gwen," "The Little Widow," and "Miss Grace of All Souls," by Mr. William E. Tirebuck. In the "Book Talk" of last month it was stated that Mr. Andrew Lang was revising "Lockhart's Life of Scott." He is not revising "Lockhart's Life of Scott," but has written a "Life of Lockhart," which is a very different thing. It was the third edition, and not the second, of Mackenzie Bell's work that should have been chronicled last month. Sir Herbert Maxwell is writing a monograph on Robert Bruce, which will appear as a volume in the now well-known series which Messrs. Putnam publish, namely, The Heroes of the Nations. Mr. George Moore's new story, " Evelyn Lines," has been secured for serial publication in the Savoy, which lowers its price and becomes a monthly instead of a quarterly with the July number. Mr. Rider Haggard's new story called "The Wizard," which is running in the African Review, and is concerned with the conversion of an African savage tribe, is to be published as Arrow- smith's (Bristol) "Christmas Annual" this year. Miss Fiona Macleod has written a new novel, called " Green Fire," which will be published by Messrs. A. Constable and Co., and siinultaneously in America, in September. Mrs. Gertrude Warden will write the next volume in Lane's Library, under the title, "The Sentimental Sex." Mr. George du Maurier's new novel is to be called "The Martian." It will be^in in Harper's in October, but about a year will elapse before it appears in volume form. Miss Annie S. Swan is publishing with Messrs. Hutchinson a little volume entitled "Kinsfolk," dealing with Scottish character. Among the autumn novels will be "The Daughter of Alouette," by Miss Mary Owen; "The Spirit of the Storm," by Mr. Ronald Ross; and " Tales of the Sea," by Mr. J. A. Barry, all to be published from the house of Methuen. Mr. Laurence Gomme is to edit for Messrs. A. Constable and C >. a series of the best historical novels and romances dealing with English history. The volumes will appear in chronological order, with an introduction to each pointing out the correspondence between the historical facts and the fiction in which they are woven. Mrs Gertrude Atherton has written a story called "Patience Sparhawk and Her Times," which will be published by Mr. John Lane. Mr. Percy White is writing a new novel, some- what on the lilies of his "Mr. Bailey Martin," which will be published by Mr. Heinemann in the autumn. A collected edition of Mr. George Meredith's works will begin to appear in the autumn. The author is touching them up here and there for this purpose, but no alteration of a drastic kind, it is understood, are being made. There will be a good deal of new work included iu the edition. Like the "Edinburgh" Stevenson, the issue will be to subscribers only. Mr. George Horton, the United States Consul at Athens, has written a historical story of Greece, entitled "Constantine," which Mr. Unwin is to publish. Mr. E. F. Benson has ready for publication his work called " The Babe, B.A." It is described as "the uneventful history of a young gentleman at Cambridge." Mr. Walter Hamilton is bringing out, in the Ex-Libris Series of Messrs. Bell and Sons, a new edition of his work on "French Book-Plates," which has been out of print for sometime. The work will be larger, and much re-written. Mr. Hamilton is chairman of council of the Ex-Libris Society, and vice-president of the French Society of Collectors. Mr. A. W. Mason, author of "The Courtship of Morrice Buckler," is writing another novel, which will appear first in serial form, and then be published bv Messrs. Innes iu the autumn of 1897. Mr. Gilbert Parker and Mr. Beerbohm Tree are collaborating in a dramatic version of the former's romance, " The Seats of the Mighty."  ## p. 43 (#63) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 43 Mr. Silas K. Hocking is writing a story under the title "Such is Life," for publication by Messrs. Warne in the autumn. This firm is about to issue very soon a second series of Mr. Edward Step's " Wayside and Woodland Blossoms." Mr. Gleeson White is editing for Messrs. Bell and Sons a series of popularly written books on the cathedrals of England. He himself will write the first, namely, on Salisbury Cathedral, and -each of the others likewise will be treated by a writer with special knowledge. Professor Joseph Wright is now anticipating that the first part of his stupendous Dialect Dictionary will be issued very shortly. The work has been going on for two years, and has been personally carried out largely by the Pro- fessor alone. Committees were formed at various centres, and these supplied the material to the Clarendon Press at Oxford. Professor Wright has also financed the work himself. He intends also to collect phonogram records of local speech from all parts of the British Isles, and these will find a home in the University museum. A revised edition of "Eos Rosarum," illus- trated by the author, E. V. B., will be published shortly by Mr. Elliot Stock, There will be many new contributions to this issue, besides verses by Lord Lytton, Lord Tennyson, Mr. Hamilton Aide, and Mr. J. A Symonds, which have not been published elswhere. Mrs. Katherine Hinkson has grouped together a. number of lyrics which will appear at an early date, entitled " A Lover's Breast Knot." Mr. Elkin Mathews is the publisher. A volume of posthumous poems by Sheridan Le Fanu, including a romantic play and an Irish saga, is about to be published by Mr. A. P. Graves. As a memorial of Christina Eossetti, Sir Edward Burne-Jones has undertaken to design a series of paintings for the reredos of Christ Church, Woburn-square, which the poetess fre- quented during many years. Those who wish to subscribe towards the memorial are invited to communicate with the Rev. J. J. G. Nash, incumbent of Christ Church, 92 Gower-street. A meeting of authors and journalists has inaugu- rated a memorial to the late Mr. James Ashcroft Noble. The treasurer of the fund is Mr. A. E. Fletcher, 7, De Crespigny Park, Denmark-hill, S.E. It is proposed to perpetuate the memory of the late Mrs. Rundle Charles by endowing a bed in the North London Hospital for Consumption, and subscriptions to this end are being received by Mr. Basil W. Smith, Branch Hill Lodge, Hampstead Heath. Lord Lovelace, grandson of the poet, is to edit the new edition of Byron which Mr. Murray will publish with hitherto unpublished matter. The element of chance in book-buying is exem- plified in an incident related in the illustrated London News. At Sotheby's sale-room, a few days ago, a copy of Goldsmith's "Deserted Village," the octavo edition, which it is wrong to describe as the "first," was sold by auction to an American for =£25. On the following day a well-known man of letters bought a copy of the same issue at the shop of Mr. Reeves, the book- seller, almost next door to Sotheby's rooms, for 3*. The actual value of the book is somewhere between these two prices. Capt. Carl A. Thinim is engaged upon "A Complete Bibliography of Fencing and Duelling, as practised by all European Nations from the Middle Ages to the Present Day," which Mr. Lane will publish shortly. No work of great importance appeared during June, which, indeed, had a small output of books altogether. Those of first-class interest were the Duke of Argyll's weighty reminder—in a small volume, however—of "Our Responsibilities for Turkey" (Murray); Mr. A. E. FitzGerald's "Climbs in the New Zealand Alps" (Unwin); the first volume of a work on *' Greek Folk-Poesy," edited by Mr. J. S. Stuart-Glennie (Nutt); and finally, the sporting memories of the famous hoise trainer, Mr. John Porter, in a volume appropriately entitled " Kingsclere" (Chatto and Windus). The popular exercise of cycling is having a damaging effect upon the sale of fiction. Whereas formerly people would pass their time of relaxa- tion in reading a novel, they now do so by cycling. So, at least, the booksellers say. Mr. W. Roberts, the well-known writer on book sales and kindred topics, and author of "The Book-Hunter in London" is engaged on a new work, entitled "Memories of Christie's "— that is, the famous auction mart for books. He will detail the principal sales held during the century and quarter of the firm's establishment. The work, in two volumes, will be published by Messrs. Geo. Bell and Sons during the autumn. The " Memorials" of the late Lord Selborne, practically an autobiography, is a work which will appear before long. Many legal and political personages are introduced in the pages, which are being edited by the daughter of the late peer. A work by the late M*- E. F. Benecke on "The Position of Women. in Greek Poetry" is being  ## p. 44 (#64) ############################################## 44 THE AUTHOR. published by Messrs. Swan, Sonnenschein, and Co. The author, a promising youun Oxford man, lost his life in the Alps last summer. Two-thirds of the book had been completed, and it is now being published according to advice from com- petent authorities that it may be useful to those engaged in similar studies. Mr. H. SchUtz Wilson is about to bring out a collection of essays, historical and critical, dealing with such subjects as Goethe, Carlyle, the French Revolution, Calderon, the Conciergerie, &c. Messrs. T. and J. Manson, Lerwick, will publish next week a second edition of the translation of Ployen's "Reminiscences of Shetland, Orkney, and Scotland." This interesting book consists of a record of a voyage paid to this country in the summer of 1839, by a former amtmand and commandant in the Faroe Isles. The first edition was exhausted shortly after publication. Mr. James Baker, the author of "Mark Tillot- son," who was acting as special correspondent at the Czar's coronation for several English papers, for the Belgian Times, the Queen, and for a couple of monthlies, will contribute an illustrated article to the latest monthly publication Travel upon his journey to the Scandinavian capitals, the to Petersburg and Moscow, depicting some of the coronation scenes. "A Woman of To-morrow," by Corabe Glyn, deals in the form of fiction with the whole history of the advance movement of women during late years. The author, as a member of the Pioneer Club, and other societies advocating the recent development of women's work and position, is especially equipped for the production of such a history. The book is written by a woman and printed by women. Messrs. T. and T. Clark, of Edinburgh, have just published "A Dissertation on the Gospel Commentary of S. Ephraem the Syrian, with a Scriptural Index to his Works," by the Rev. J. Hamlyn Hill, D.D., translator of the Arabic version of the Diatessaron. This book is a critical essay on the work which Dr. Moesinger translated from Armenian into Latin, and which has an important bearing on the question of the date of the Gospels. Dr. Hill's book contains additional evidence that this Gospel Commentary emanated from S. Ephraem. "How to Dress on £15 a Tear" is not by Mrs. Warren; that book, and two others, "How to Economise like a Lady" and " Tables and Chairs" —an excellent little book on furnishing—were written by the late Mr. Whiteside Cooke. The Rev. Frederick Langbridge's new volume, "The Scales of Heaven: Poems, Narrative, Legendary and Meditative, with a few Sonnets," is being printed and bound by the Birmingham Guild of Handicraft, and will be ready imme- diately. Its price will be 5*. net, and the author (S. John's Rectory, Limerick) will be glad to receive the names of subscribers. The first edition is limited to 500 copies. In reference to the common assertion that poetry never sells, it may be mentioned that of Mr. Langbridge's "Sent Back by the Angels" the first edition of a thousand copies was sold in less than two years. Two subsequent editions of 500 have been printed, and of the last only some thirty copies remain. Two new volumes of verse are announced for early publication by Mr. Elliot Stock—" Iona, a Northern Legend," by Christabel Scott; and "Poems of Love and Nature," by C. W. Cayzer. A volume of stories entitled "The Clue of Ariadne," by Rev. W. B. Wallace, has recently been published by the Roxburghe Press. The title of the work is that of the first story. Another story, "Princess Asenath: a Meta- physical Romance," deals with some of the problems of life and death, from a Platonic standpoint. Mr. R. G. Hobbes' " Reminiscences of Seventy Years' Life, Travel, and Adventure" (Elliot Stock), is a companion volume to the work pre- viously issued by him called "Five Years in India." The book is extremely interesting to those interested in dockyards, shipbuilding, and the Royal Navy. It is probably the only book on the subject, and will remain a standard work of reference to all those who are interested in naval affairs. A remarkable price was given for a book at Messrs. Sotheby's sale-room the other day. It was a copy ot Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales," in Caxton's fiist edition, wanting only two leaves to be complete, and well preserved. Bidding began at .£500, and finally the book became the property of Mr. Quaritch for ,£1880. With the July number of the Cornhill Magazine begins a new series, under the editor- ship of Mr. Strachey, and reverts to its old price of 1*. Mr. W. E. Norris's serial story, " Clarissa Furiosa," is nearly finished in the magazine, and it will be followed by a new serial by Mr. Henry Seton Merriman. Then will come novels by Mr. Stanley Weyman and Mr. S. R. Crockett. Mr. Edwin L. Arnold's novel "Phra the Phoenician" is being translated into German by a popular Berlin writer. It is to appear with the original illustrations, and will be followed by others of Mr. Arnold's works.  ## p. 45 (#65) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 45 LITERATURE IN THE PERIODICALS. The Attempt to Revive Intellectual Piracy Century Magazine for July. Publishers in Congress. Interview with Mr. John Murray. Daily News for June 23. An American Pirate. Lionel Johnson in Academy for June 6. Geo. W. Russell in Academy for June 13. Lord Bosebert on Free Libraries. Report in the Timet for June 26. The Popularity of Matthew Arnold. Spectator for June 6. Letters of D. G. Rossetti. IIa.—1855. G. Birkbeck Hill. Sheridan. Mr. Gladstone. Nineteenth Century for June. Current French Literature. Edmund Gosse. Cosmopolis for June. A Central Book Market. Percy Lund. Publishers' Circular for June 13. The Dangers of Irony. Professor Dowden. Saturday Review for June 20. Life in Poetry. Spectator for June 20. A Plea for the Poets. Century Magazine for June. Some Episodes in a Long Life. Blackwood's Magazine for June. Editors. A Contributor. National Review for June. Shelley's Religious Position. Rev. A. L. Lilley, M.A. Commonwealth for July. Oliver Wendell Holmes. Leslie Stephen. Motional Reriew for July. Did Chaucer meet Petrarch? J. J. Jusserand. Nineteenth Century for June. On Ian Maolaren's "A Doctor of the Old School." Saturday Review for May 30. On C. E. Vaughan's "English Literary Criticism." Saturday Review for June 6. On Mrs. Wood's "Wild Justice: A Dramatic Poem." A. T. Q. C. Speaker for June 20. On Swinburne's "The Tale of Balen. Athenseum for June 20. Mr. Murray did not appear very hopeful, says the interviewer who saw him on his return from the Publishers' Congress at Paris, on the question of whether the United States would yet be induced to join the International Union, though eventually they would, he hoped. He spoke of the Canadian question as one of great importance, and regarded in that light by the French. "It is felt," he said, "that if the Canadians are allowed to do as they propose—which will come practically to the adoption of the same system as that prevailing in the United States—it will have the effect of keeping the Americans out of the Union indefinitely." Mr. Lionel Johnson tells the Academy that he, too, like Mr. Lang in the case of "Aucassin and Nicolete," has been victimised by Mr. Mosher, of Portland, Maine, U.S.A. He took Mr. Bridge's "Growth of Love" and printed with it an article-estimate of Mr. Bridge's poetry which Mr. Johnson had written in an American magazine. "The pecuniary interest excepted, and the literary alone regarded," says Mr. Johnson, "I think it a graver injustice to pirate a magazine article and put it into a volume than to pirate a book." He is aware nothing can check these practices, but he would have Mr. Mosher to cease paying sugared compliments to his victims. Mr. Geo. W. Russell has had a quite different experience of Mr. Mosher, who asked permission to reprint " Homeward: Songs by the Way," and accepted Mr. Russell's terms without demur.' An American voice is raised in the Century for July against what is called "the attempt to revive intellectual piracy"—in other words, the Copyright Bill of Mr.* Treloar. "The main proposition of this Bill," says the article, "is to re-write the law of 1891, so that the condition of manufacture in the United States, which, in order to obtain from Congress any copyright reform whatever, was made to apply to books, chromos, lithographs, and photographs, shall now, when no such emergency exists, be extended to music, engravings, cuts, prints, <fcc. This," says the writer, " is advocated ostensibly in the interest of the American workman, but really in toat of publishers of music and engravings. At who^e expense would this bounty be bestowed? First of all, foreign composers and artists ; secondly, of all American composers and artists; thirdly, of the American public; and fourthly, of the entire system of international copyright." "Is anybody so foolish as to suppose that the passage of the Treloar Bill would not cause prompt reprisals by foreign countries i " asks the writer. Mr. Percy Lund, of Bradford, makes some suggestions for improving the bookselling trade, which he thinks lags behind, the most interesting being that in most large towns, but especially in the metropolis, there should be a book market or bazaar. The opportunities for purchasing under the present system are not sufficient, he says, and more books would be bought it' more could be seen. Mr. Lund wants the bookseller to be something more than a mere agent. The Publishers' Circular says the idea of a book bazaar in London should not be impracticable. A warning is uttered in the June Century against the "tone of contempt" with which the poetry of the day is received. The writer magnifies the office of the poet, and tells critics and public that they know not what they do. The Spectator disputes Professor Courthope's statement (in his address at the Taylor Institu- tion on June 13) that the poetry of to-day tends to conform too closely to the old romantic moulds, which no longer correspond with the reality of things. "On the other hand," says the Spectator, "the tendency is to ignore the moral limits within which we can be free. No bondage is more  ## p. 46 (#66) ############################################## 4« THE AUTHOR. cruel than the bondage which comes of fighting against the very law of your own true nature. It is there, as it seems to us, that the pessimism of the newer poetry arises." The writer of the article on " Editors " remarks that he has had dealings with a couple of dozen, and there is only one whom he would like to kick. His experience is against the view that literary kissing goes by favour: he has only been personally recommended to one editor, the one he quarrelled with. He passes some criticisms on the treatment of matter already accepted for publication—as to alterations, &c. As regards payment, he savs, "the only honourable rule is that all contributions written to order or by arrangement should be paid for whether used or not, and that those which are not written to order, but are distinctly accepted, should be either paid for or returned in time to be used elsewhere." The weapon of irony, says Mr. Gosse, is now almost useless in England. He is envying the French when he says this, for their possession of it "is one reason, out of many, whv it is whole- some for us to study French critical composition of the more academic class." But a strange illustration of the seeming lack of irony in France as well as England has occurred in the case of which Professor Dowden writes. The latter is President of the Goethe Society here, and recently he gave an address before that body in which he played the role of " devil's advocate." A few days later it became necessary for him to write to the papers explaining that he had been merely looking at the subject from the opposition point of view. And now he writes an article in the Saturday Review on "The Dangers of Irony," in order to put himself right with M. Rod, who had in the Debats actually welcomed the Professor's address as an example of what was called " the reaction against Goethe." The Professor will have none of this, but assures us that " the position of Goethe in the history of the intellectual development of Europe is so firmly established that admiration can include all just qualifications and can accept a boon from unfriendly criticism." Lord Rosebery, in opening a new public library at Shepherd's Bush, referred to intellectual apathy as the great danger of our nation at the present time ; and in praising Free Libraries as a counter- irritant to that apathy, he spoke of the value of what he described as a "taster" in these institu- tions, who would know not merely the covers but the contents of books, and guide readers accordingly. In an estimate of the work of the late J. A. Symonds, Mr. Harrison points the finger at the same time at his besetting fault and the dis- advantage of an Oxford education. "The fault of my education as a preparation for literature," Symonds acknowledged, " was that it was exclu- sively literary." Herein, says Mr. Harrison, lies the cause of much of the shortcomings of the "Renaisssan.ee," the exaggeration of mere scanda- lous pedantry, of frigid conceits, and the entire omission of science. Yet he places Symonds on a very high pinnacle, and believes that his reputa- tion, which has grown in late years, will yet grow: Though Symonds had certainly not the literary charm of Buskin or Matthew Arnold, perhaps of one or two others among his contemporaries, he had no admitted superior as a critic in learning or in judgment. CORRESPONDENCE. I.—Postage of Proofs. WITH regard to the question raised by your correspondent "A Journalist," there is no room for doubt that his view is entirely correct. If he will consult the "Post Office Handbook," he will find under the heading Book Post, pages 3-4: "(f) The following docu- ments, whether containing matter in the nature of a letter or not, MS. for press and printed proofs, with corrections and instructions pro- vided" [<See other column]: "That any written or printed matter not forming part of the docu- ment itself refer solely to the arrangement or correction of the type or the execution of the work." Harriet E. Ketchlet. II.—Literary Grab-alls. I sent a poem to a prominent weekly. It pub- lished it immediately, and I received a post-card to call at the office for payment, which amounted to the magnificent sum of three shillings! I declined it with thanks, requesting my paymaster to give the amount in my name to a deserving charity. An illustrated ladies' weekly published a story of mine containing 1500 words. A cheque of 12*. 6d. was sent me! I called on the business manager. He was a well-groomed young man, smelling of musk, dignity, and importance. He rang a bell, and a small boy at his request brought him a copy of the journal containing my illustrated story. My important-looking pay- master then took some string and slowly and deliberately measured my story. I could have pitched the ball of string at his head. The painful process took up time, and at last his decision came in these words: "We have paid you  ## p. 47 (#67) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 47 according to our general rate "; but I returned his cheque, and politely asked him to measure that as well, but I don't know if he will. A well-kuown journal published an article of mine on the "Reading Room of the British Museum," with an illustration. 1 received 5«. for it! I have written a sensational novel containing 70,000 words. An editor of a popular paper offered me ,£10! for the serial rights, which, of course, I refused. And yet we are told that this is a golden age for literature, and that authors are more prosperous than ever. As far as my experience counts, I agree with Grant Allen in his remarks about his first book, that there is more money in sweeping a crossing, or in selling odd things at street corners. t Lunette. III.—Journalistic Poaching. I have read with interest a correspondence in one or two of the recent issues of the Author relative to the fairness, or unfairness, of women possessed of means "trespassing " on the journa- listic preserves of those who make their living by means of their pen. Will you allow me to say that I entirely endorse the views of your correspondent, who first pointed out this unfortunately largely increasing form of literary poaching. I do not wish to make any sweeping statement, or to say that no woman who is not an actual bread-winner should ever contribute to any magazine. I must myself plead guilty to having written occasionally and at rare intervals upon certain subjects (on which I had an opportunity for obtaining special information) for certain maga- zines. But the longer one lives, and the more one realises how terribly overcrowded is the journa- listic profession, the more, I think, does one regret that the actual bread-winners should find their "market" filled with those who write chiefly for amusement, and in an amateur way. The large " book market" is open to all, and in these days of small editions and small volumes, surely women of means may take advantage of publishers' offers if they wish to ventilate their ideas, rather than seek to thrust aside their less fortunate brothers and sisters in the hard race for editorial favour? Coralie Glyn. IV.—Ignored. I wonder how many writers ever take the trouble to follow up their publishers' list of "copies for review?" After my last effort I took this somewhat undignified course. It may not be uninstructive to chronicle the result of my investigations. The book was put down as having been sent out to, say, eighty-three newspapers. It was noticed, in some form or another, by fifty-three. Of the balance, which had ignored my production, I inquired of about twenty what had become of it. Ten responded, and some of the replies were edifying. One editor sent, by deputy, a pompous epistle to the effect that he could not enter into any correspondence respecting books for review. Two said they had never received the work; another had "mislaid" it. One, obviously of the fair sex, aired her views of criticism in general, anonymously. A kindly Scot—the man in possession, I presume—wrote that a certain journal had ceased to appear. One reply was unique in its sympathetic friendliness. Having lost my bantling, the proprietor actually pur- chased another copy and "noticed" me in a kindly, practical form which deserves distinct encouragement. It seems to me rather hard that so many unrecognised copies should have gone to enrich those newspapers' libraries for nothing in return, or—dare one whisper the accusation ?—found premature exposure in the troughs of the second- hand booksellers. Surely some moral obligation in fulfilment exists after the acceptance of volumes? Why not return, if it is proposed to treat them with a silence which, in their case, is certainly not golden? The practice which so often obtains nowadays seems scarcely honest or courteous to publisher and author. Cecil Clarke. Authors' Club, S.W., 20th June, 1896. V.—Editors and Contributors. The grievances complained of by " F. B. D." and Mr. Cecil Clarke in last issue are not so un- common as those gentlemen seem to imagine. I have suffered frequently in the same ways; but in Mr. Clarke's case, formal applications for pay- ment failing, I should simply enforce my legal rights by issuing a county court summons; in "F. B. D.'8" case I should assume that the editor had been badly brought up, and go on about my business. In the literary as in every other known world, the attempt to insist upon what is not a matter of right but of courtesy is worse than a waste of time, for besides being generally ineffectual, it is un- dignified. I have been writing ever since I was a youngster  ## p. 48 (#68) ############################################## 48 THE AUTHOR. of sixteen, and am now turned thirty, and from, the first I have made it a matter of policy never to lodge a complaint unless I had legal as well as moral grounds to lodge it on, and was prepared if need were, to do more than complain—never in short, to worry an editor, and perhaps make an enemy of him, unless I was going to get some substantial reward for my pains. And that the policy has to some extent justified itself is proved by the fact that some three years ago (though I am no bachelor) 1 found I could abandon my desk in the city and live wholly by my literary work. I am not personally acquainted with any editor, I have never seen but one and him but once; and he looked no dragon, but an ordinary kind of man who could easily be as wicked as most of us, and better than some, if he made up his mind to it. He had been disinterred from amongst piles of letters and MS. for my inspection, and seemed to have so little time to be courteous and to be so worried that I got through my business with him as quickly as possible, and wished him well buried again. So far as my experience goes, the wickedest men of this class are religious editors (or editors of religious papers—the terms may not be so synonymous as they seem). When I was young I sent a poem to an old-established, high-class religious monthly. Nine months passed, I had given it up for lost, when a friend came across my poem in a then three-months-old number of the magazine. It had a full page illustration. I received no acknowledgment—no proof, no copy of the publication, no money, and I am ashamed to say I never summoned that editor, never even wrote to reproach him. Still, when I was young, I sent three poems to a popular religious weekly. The editor (a clergyman) wrote promptly accept- ing the lot, and was kind enough to characterise one of them as a " noble poem," yet he worked them all off in the course of a year without send- ing me proofs, copies, or money. I did not summons him either; his courage and ability charmed me. When I had left off being young I sent him an article. He accepted it in highly flattering terms, and as I know now that when an editor gives plenty of praise he does not mean to give any pudding, I girded up my loins and saw that my digestion was in order. I waited over two years for that meal, then I wrote and inquired after my article, fearing something fatal had happened to it. No answer. At the end of another six months I wrote again, and mentioned that some secular papers I worked for when they could not use an article within a reasonable time, as a mere matter of principle, paid for it before it was used; and asked if he would kindly let me know what principle the religious press acted upon. He withheld the information (it is, I fancy, a trade secret), but he sent a cheque— only a small cheque, of course, for when religious publishing houses do pay their contributors they do so with a conscientious sort of abstemiousness as if they knew money was the root of all evil, and sooner than imperil an author's future by giving him much, they would, in a spirit of self-sacrifice, keep it and take the risk them- selves. In these days, when a story is used and not paid for within a reasonable time, after one or two personal applications, I fix the price of it and send in a detailed account. If this is ignored, I write giving the proprietor of the journal a final week's grace, and warning him that unless a cheque is to hand by the expiration of that time I shall summons him. Only twice has the warning failed of effect. In one case the pro- prietor responded with a notice in bankruptcy. I sued the other, and he paid the debt and costs into court the day before that fixed for the hearing. One more experience I should like to mention because I believe it to be rather unique. A very old-established and reputable provincial weekly journal advertised for Christmas stories for an annual. I wrote offering to submit one at ,£1 is. per iooo words. They replied that they wanted a 5000-word story, and could not afford more than 15s. per thousand. I sent a story on those terms. They wrote accepting it, but saying stories had been offered to them at such cheap rates they could only afford 10s. bd. per thousand. I agreed to that, sooner than have any more trouble about it. Some weeks later they wrote again to know what was the lowest J would take, adding that they had a large number of stories on hand at low prices. My story suited them, but it was "solely a question of price" whether it was retained. It was late in the year; it was really not a good story, so I replied that they might have it for a couple of guineas. A week after they returned the MS. "We are sorry to say," they wrote (though their previous letter belied the statement), "that we have already accepted a story with a very similar plot to yours." It looked ugly; but they concluded by saying that they hoped to give me work next Christinas. I thanked them for the glittering prospect, but asked them to favour me by giviog the work to somebody else. Luckily my story- was accepted and published in a London maga- zine before their annual made its appearance, so I did not even sate my curiosity as to that other story by purchasing a copy. I did not care to increase their circulation for them. A.  ## p. 48 (#69) ############################################## A D VER TISEMENTS. iii LIFE ASSURANCE WITH INVESTMENT- ARTHUR N. THOMPSON, of Grafton Lodge, Bedford Park, gives Expert's Advice as to LIFE ASSURANCE WITH INVESTMENT combined. The following methods of Assurance are recommended to Authors:— PENSION SCHEME. Provision for Family and Specimen for a Male Life aged 30 next Birthday Annuity of £100 per annum, com- mencing at age Annual Premium payable until that age. On attaining pension age the option is given of taking a cash payment of Provision for Self in later years. £ a. d. 34 B lO 22 lO lO £ BB 60 6B 18 4 & 1O08 948 813 In the event of death or surrender before the pension age, all premiums paid, except the first, would be returned together with 2£ per cent, simple interest. ENDOWMENT ASSURANCES. Snms assured under these Policies are payable during the lifetime of the Assured on his attaining a given age, or ■earlier in the event of death, thus combining a provision for a family in the event of the early death of the Assured, with a provision for himself in the event of his attaining the specified ago. The following is an example of an actual result shown by a selected Insurance Company :—An Author aged 40 pays jE70 8s. 4d. per annum to assure .£1000 payable on his attaining 55 or earlier in the event of death. At maturity the Polioy has been increased by profits to .£1,351 10s., which amount may be taken in cash, or may be used to purchase an annuity. The Assured thus receives a return of all the premiums he has paid with 2J per oent. compound interest thereon, his life having been assured in the meantime for a sum rising from .£1000 to .£1,351 10s. No Fee is required, provided proposal is forwarded through Mr. Thompson. All remittances may be made direct to the Insurance Company selected. RECENT VERSE. By Dr. J. A. GOODCHTLD. Cloth lettered, BALLADS. By HENBY TODD, By Dr. J. A. GOODCHILD. Cloth By EBL VIKING. LTBICS. price 6s. NOBTH COUNTBY Price 6a. TALES IN VERSE. lettered, price 6s. SONGS OP THE CASCADES. Fcap. 8vo., cloth boards, 3s. 6d. SONGS OF THE PINEWOODS. By ARTHUR CAMP- BELL. Price 3s. 6d. THE FAIREST OF THE ANGELS, and Other Verse. By MAKY COLBOBNE-VEEL. Fcap 8vo.. cloth boards, 3s. fid. "Some of the shorter lyrics are much above the average, being clear in thought and musical in expression. The merits of the collec- tion are considerable."—The Bookman. THE WANDERER IN THE LAND OF CYBI, and other Poems (1886-93). By CLIFFORD BBOOKS. Fcap. 8vo., cloth boards, 3s. fid. POEMS. By THOMAS BARLOW. Crown 8vo., bevelled boards, gilt edges, price 6a. POEMS. By LEWIS BROCKMAN. Crown 8vo., cloth boards, 6s. "The ballad* are full of the spirit and directness of style proper to the ballad."'—Saturday Reriem. Mr. Brockman is a writer of good poetic mettle, and no doubt the reading world will hear more of him yet."—Glasaotc Herald. "The graceful smoothness of Mr. Lewis Brockman's poems."— Daily Telegraph. •• He is decidedly inventive, and often highly imaginative . . The element of originality pervades the book. . . . His long poem, - Ronald's Cross,' is well sustained . . . it is like the plaint of the 'Mariner,' and it holds ub."—Queen. •• A reader who values cultured sentiments and flawless versifica- tion will And much to admire."— Seottman. London: H01a0» OOI, Windsor House, i't Buildings, E.c. Crown 8vo., cloth boards, price 6s. HATHERSAGE: A Tale of North Derbyshire. BY CHARLES EDMUND HALL, Author of " An Ancient Ancestor," Ac. London: Horace Cox, Windsor Bouse, Bream's-buildings, E.O. Crown 8vo., cloth boards, 3s. 6d. Crimean & other Short Stories. BY WILLIAM .A-IDZDISOHSr. CONTENTS.— An Adjutant's Adventure: an Episode of the Crimean Campaign—From an Uuseen World—Characteristic Stories of Royal Personages—The Tsar's Axe—An Indian Legend Modernised —A Love Test—Atta: or. The Circassian's Daughter—Father Con- fessor—His Word of honour (from the German)—Dearer than Life— A Polish PrinreBB—The Evil Eye: a Story of Superstition—The Parson's Daughter—Old Love Never Rusts. London: Horace Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.O.  ## p. 48 (#70) ############################################## IV AD VER TISEMENTS. THE TEMPLE TYPEWRITING OFFICE. TYPEWRITING EXCEPTIONALLY ACCURATE. Moderate prices. Duplicates of Circulars by the latest process. References to the Society of Authors. OPIITIOHS OP CLIENTS—Distinocishsd Author :—" The moat beautiful typing I ha*e ever seen." Ladt 01 Titlk :—"The work was very well and clearly done." Provincial Editor :—" Many thanks for the spotless neatness and beautiful accuracy 1 MISS GENTRY, ELDON CHAMBERS, 30, FLEET STREET, E.G. THE WEST KENSINGTON TYPEWRITING AGENCY. Established 1893. MISS E. M. SIKES, 13, Wolverton Gardens, Hammersmith, W. Authors' MSS. carefully and promptly copied. Is. per 1000 words. Duplicate copy half price. Legal and General Copying, l|d. per folio. Typewrit ten Circulars, Notices, Ac., by special copying process. Terms on application. Beferences kindly permitted to authors. LITERAEY PRODUCTIONS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION CAREFULLY REVISED, CORRECTED, or RE- WRITTEN by the Author of " The Queen's English up to Date." Facilities for publication. Typewriting Is. per 1000 words. Address Secretary, Literary Office, 342, Strand, W.C. WANTED, POSITION as SECRETARY to a Lady, by an English, woman, of 21. Special training. Qualifications: French (State certificate); Italian; some Latin; Type- writing; Shorthand. Highest personal recommendations from teachers. Address "K.," care of Mine. Veuve Speakman, 38, Rue du Luxembourg, Paris. Crown 8to.( limp cloth, price 2s. 6d. .A. HANDBOOK or PROCEDURE OP TH1 HOUSE of COMMONS, SUGGESTIONS AND PRECEDENTS FOR THE USK OF PARLIAMENTARY DEBATING SOCIETIES, BT GEO. G. GRAY, Esq., LL.D. (Lond.), J.P., Barrister-at-Law, Ac., Author of "A Manual of Bankruptcy," a Treatise on 11 The Right to Support from Land and Buildings, Ac., Speaker of the Hastings Local House of Commons. London: Homes Cox, Windsor Honse, Bream's-buildings, E.G. TTPE-WBITING OFFICE, 35, LUDGATE HILL, (ESTABLISHED 1883.) 2.C. Authors' MSS. carefully copied from Is. per 1000 words. Plays, Ac., Is. 3d. per 1000 words. Extra copies (carbon) supplied at the- rate of 4d. and 3d. per 1000 words. Type-writing from dictation 2s. 6<L per hour. Reference Kindly permitted to Sir Walter Besant; also to Messrs. A. P. Watt and Son, Literary Agents, Hastings House, Norfolk-street, Strand, W.C. THE AUTHOR'S HAIRLESS PAPER-PAD. (The Leadenhall Pbess Ltd., E.C.) Contains hairless paper, over which the pen slips with perfect freedom. Sixpence each; 5«. per dozen, ruled or plain. MESDAMES BRETT & BOWSER, TYPISTS, SELBORNE CHAMBERS, BELL YARD, TEMPLE BAR. Authors' MSS. carefully and expeditiously copied, from 18. per iooo words. Extra carbon copies half price. Refer- ences kindly permitted to Augustine Birrell, Esq., M.P., and "Anthony Hope" ECLAIR TYPEWRITING COMPANY, GRANVILLE HOUSE, ARUNDEL STREET, STRAND. Typewriting, Copying, and Translating carefully and expeditiously executed. References kindly permitted to Sir Frank Lockwood, Q.C., M.P., T. P. O'Connor, Esq., M.P., and E. A. Fardon, Esq., Middlesex Hospital. Super-royal 8vo., price 20s.. post free. CROCKFOBJD'S CLERICAL DIRECTORY 1896. STATISTICAL BOOK OF REFERENCE For facts relating to the Clergy in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and the Colonies; with a fuller Index relating to Parishes and Benefices than any ever yet given to the public. Crockford's Clkrical Direotort is more than a Directory; it con- tains concise Biographical details of all the ministers uuri dignitariee of the Church of England. Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and the Colonies; also a List of the Parishes of each Diocese in England and Wale* arranged in Hural Deaneries. T W ENTY-EIGKTM ISSUE. HonACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. Printed and Publiehed by Hobacx Cox, Windsor Uonse, '8-buildings, London, E.C. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 07 Issue 02 (July 1896) Subject The topic of the resource <em>The Author</em>, Vol. 07 Issue 02 (July 1896) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015049239455" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015049239455</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1896-07-01-The-Author-7-2 publications The Author