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REPORT OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE
ON THE PRICE OF NOVELS,
PASSED MARCH
APPROWED
BY
THE
11,
COMMITTEE
APRIL
4,
1910.
1910.
OF MANAGEMENT
�REPORT OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE
PRICE OF NOVELS.
THE
ON
in
we
of
an
to
to
us
a
be
it
;
of
of to
of
its
WE, the Sub-Committee
appointed
to consider the question of the price at which
new novels should be issued, beg to submit our conclusions to the Committee.
In an interim report made to the Committee on December 6th, 1909, and published in
The Author in January, 1910, we explained that the collecting of evidence from the booksellers
would take some time and that
result would require sifting and classification.
We also
alluded
the fact that we were promised the outcome
certain definite experiments
the
change
price
new novels, which experiments were then being conducted
and
said that
we would elicit further information from novelists.
For these reasons
was necessary that
there should
some delay before we could make
final report, but the serious nature
the
situation appeared
warrant the laying before the Committee
interim opinion.
We
to
6s.
of
of
it.
in
to
or
of
In
to
of
an
he
by
of
of
as
to
have now received the further information for which we were waiting, and are enabled
submit our conclusions.
We have collected since the issue
the interim report evidence from other novelists
Twenty
the advisability
initial reduction
their prices from the usual figure
reduction, two were indefinite, and one thought
authors replied.
Seventeen were opposed
price.
that
would benefit
the lowering
the interim report the figures were thirty
opposed
Forty-seven, therefore, are opposed
reduction and seven more
less
favour
of
of
.
to
he
in
H.
if
to
to
of
of
Through
we
in
to
and eight
favour.
possession
the courtesy
Mr.
W. Keay,
have been placed
the
replies
243 booksellers
the four questions which
submitted
them.
The questions
doubtful, expressions
opinion.
have served
elicit valuable,
The figures placed beside the
reduction
questions indicate the views taken
72
156
56
or
at
dº
a
prejudiced
.
2
be
to
be
(if
liable
149
a
Or
at
º
of
a
in
at
6s. subject
JW0.
o
of
at
an
If
at
a
in
any)
cheaper rate
Would the increase
the sales
compensate for the smaller figure received per copy.
(if
In
-
.2
.3
novel
Yes.
38,
a
In
1.
Questions.
your opinion would you obtain
larger sale for
new
copyright novel
the Ordinary length
2s.
net
e
tº
than for one
6s. subject
28,
author brings out
new copyright novel
your opinion weuld his sale
subsequent
3s. net,
is
&
111
84
84
93
tº
tº
of a
to
of 2
e
ge
cº
o
&
.
publications
2
if
4.
in
other words, would the larger circulation
that
so)
g
compensate for the reduction
price
Would you get sufficient return out
which
make
good living wage
the author reduced the prices
a
;
to
to
an
or of
at
as
us in
at
º
be
us
of
to
be
at
to
to
an
25
per cent,
important point
which further allusion will
made.
Mr. Heinemann has communicated
the result
his interesting experiment
give
the price
which new novels should
issued.
He was obviously unable
of
a no
at to
a
be
a
to
be
it
to
for
in
to
of as
in
of
no
by
is
68.
a
38.
or
2s.
at
at
; of of
a
6s.
we
at to
be
larger sale would
obtained for
new copyright
Subject
the ordinary length
net than for one
discount
that the
new novel
the lower rate would damage the chances
author desiring
return
and that the bookselling trade would make
much
more under original issues.
the lower prices.
But the opinion
means unanimous, the minority replies being
substantial
number.
The fourth question was answered from such various points
view
considering that the bookselling trade
opinion.
that
are justified
whole has
The
conclusion most generally expressed was that
the selling
fiction
remunerative
profit
business
the bookseller
was necessary for him
able
sell
least
The booksellers, therefore, believe that
novel
issue
changing
the exact.
�(,
)
3
figures in respect of each of the books without the permission of their authors, and it has not
to us either right or necessary to beg him to obtain the permission.
We are satisfied
that the want of success attending his interesting and enterprising plan of making the price of
length
general
a new novel depend roughly upon
most powerful argument against
novelty
change from the hitherto accepted price
6s.
There were circumstances apart from
regard the result
which certainly fought against the plan, but these
not lead
anything but
warning
authors not
lower their price
issue.
One author,
the other
higher price than 6s., but
hand, whose book was published
two volumes, met with con
siderable success. The raised price was based
the length
the work, and the success was
spite
supply
obtained
the refusal
the libraries
We wish
record our sense
giving
could, while
respected the
Mr. Heinemann's courtesy
the assistance that
confidential nature of the relations with his clients.
seen, are
Our conclusions,
will
close
confirmation
the interim report that we
publish the two reports together.
have thought
advisable
on
as
to
us
of
in
to
of
he
of
a
so
he
us
all
to
it.
of
to on
a
of
it
to
it
be
in
in
of
at
a
to
do
of
itsa
is
a
its
seemed
Conclusions.
their agents for them,
the new novel should
be
of or
to
is
it
be
unwise
allow themselves,
agreed that the initial price
no
to
We find that novelists would
enter into any contract whereby
lower than 6s.
is
in of
or
of
of
an
by
to
is
is
on
;
in
be
of
of
as
a
of
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is
S.
to
be
it
it in
If
6s.
its
is
a
in
of
of
of
to
of
In
of
by
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no
of be
in
to
6s.
as
of
be
at
as
to
a
if
to
to
of
of
to
in
is
publishers that the lowering
There
evidence from authors
the initial price leads
any substantial increase
circulation while there
evidence that
certain circumstances
the opposite has occurred.
The opinion
the booksellers
the question
too inconclusive
alter our view.
The majority
the booksellers believe that the lowering
the original
price would lead
larger sale, but
improvement
their profit
come
their terms
appears
with the publishers,
their suggestion, the author will have difficulty
main
taining his royalties
their proper figure. The booksellers' evidence confirms our previous
view that where authors lower the original prices
their novels they will not
offered the
they have hitherto received.
same proportionate royalties
We strongly advise authors
maintain
the standard price
issue
new fiction
special cases.
save
way modified
any
We feel that these conclusions need
the temporary success
publishing scheme where far lower prices
issue are employed.
one prominent venture
this sort the large prices which are understood
have been obtained, are what might have
many
been expected from the status
the authors.
novels, the cheaper paper
We suggest that
certain deterioration
the outward aspect
partly responsible for the cry for cheaper
and the catch-penny cover, often insecurely sewn,
novel, quite apart from
novel, looked better value for 68, and
books.
the
merits
opinion
possible
were
fact better turned out
than
turn out
2s. novel, we are
distinctly easier
that
would
maintain
the higher price.
.
M. A. BELLOC-LOWNDES.
CHARLES GARVICE.
E. W. HORNUNG.
W. W. JACOBS.
INTERIM
SQUIRE
SPRIGGE.
REPORT.
be
at
of
of
as
no
to
of
to
of
of
of
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in
in
of
of
to
us
to
of
to
of
as
to
of
of
to
of
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to
be
in
of
of
in
be
a
be
of
to
to
of
to
WE, the sub-committee appointed
consider the question
the price
which new novels should
issued, think that we ought
make an interim report, having regard
the serious nature
the present
feel,
also,
comprehensive
report
upon
expected
situation.
We
that conclusive and
the matter can hardly
sought, and the distinct understand
from us, remembering the variety
directions
which evidence must
ing that we have received that the results
price
certain experiments
the change
new novels which
experiments are now being conducted will
given
us.
step
opinion
seventy-eight
novelists,
being
Our first
was
invite the
almost all
members
our society,
possible because they seemed
represent varying degrees
position
who were selected
far
men
Further, we gave preference
popularity.
and women
letters and greatly different conditions
our first
inquiry
letter
those authors whose works we knew had been made the subject
some experiments
the
lowering
the original price
issue. The result
that inquiry was that thirty authors declared themselves
uncompromisingly
opposed
any systematic reduction
the usual publishing price
the new novel, viz., 6s.,
believing that the reduction would bring
them, having regard
the reduced royalties offered,
return
which would compensate them for the loss which they would sustain by not receiving the larger royalty upon
�(
4
)
the larger prices; seven authors believe the reverse of this, but their convictions were not expressed with any
great force in all instances.
Of the remaining authors to whom we wrote, fourteen were non-committal in their statements, certain of
them giving information in answer to our questions, but without expressing opinions and leaving us to make
deductions from the facts; nine stated that they were unable to give useful information, and from the
remainder we have not yet heard.
Much of this unclassified evidence was informatory to ourselves, and the
deduction we have drawn from it is that it contains no definite arguments in favour of the lowering
of the
original
of the new novel from 6s. either for the benefit of the author, the publisher, the bookseller, or
public.
the
We propose to collect further evidence from novelists during the time that must elapse before we can
report finally.
Our interim conclusion, that novelists would be unwise to allow themselves, or their agents for them,
to enter into any contracts whereby it is agreed that the initial price of the new novel should be lower than 6s,
is much strengthened by the replies which we have received from the list of publishers to whom we addressed
a letter asking whether the circulation obtained for novels published originally at a lower price than 6s. would,
in their opinion, result in a proportionate increase if the price were lowered. The basis on which we asked for
information was a 6s. novel of the ordinary length of about 80,000 to 100,000 words with a circulation of at
least 3,000 copies; and, further, we asked if it would be practicable to pay an author royalties on a 2s., a 2s. 6d.
or a 3s. net book at so high a rate as on a 6s. book; and if it would be practicable to consider raising the Original
price in certain cases.
We desire to record our sense of the valuable and courteous manner in which our questions, necessarily of
a searching nature, were responded to by the publishers.
Several publishers said that at the present moment they were not prepared to answer definitely, while one,
who may be mentioned by name, because his position has been made public by his own letter to The Publishers
Circular, viz., Mr. Heinemann, pointed out to us that he was at the present moment engaged in an important
experiment in the alteration of the prices at which new novels should be issued, of the results of which he would
be in a position to inform us in February. Other publishers who have issued new fiction at lower prices than
6s. have given us details showing that the experiments had failed.
The consensus of opinion from the publishers is to the effect :
(1) (a) that from 9,000 copies at least, to 12,000 (the highest figure mentioned) must be sold at 2s. net ;
(b) that 8,000 must be sold at 2s. 6d. net ; and
(c) that 6,000 copies must be sold at
net before the author would receive the amount equivalent
that
6s., i.e., 4s. 6d. net.
which he usually receives on 3,000 copies
count,
(2) That leaving exceptional cases out
does not appear probable that the author's circulation
proportionately
would
enhanced by
reduction
the price
the original issue.
On this point figures
relating
particular cases have been submitted
proof
the opinion.
(3) That the same proportionate royalty could not
offered upon the lower prices.
On this point the
publishers are all very clear.
Regarding these publishers,
thoroughly cognisant
we do,
the business side
the publication
competent
guide
fiction
the present conditions, and
the probable result
modifications
developments
grave warning
those conditions, we think that their opinions constitute
authors who may
any price below 68.
be invited
issue new novels
the ordinary length
2s., we hope that this
With regard
the issue
new novels
cloth binding
the initial price
likely
any
large
innovation
not
affect
number
writers.
Few publishers will make the attempt
pay the
produce
required
new work
fiction
such enormous quantities for
first edition
would
guarantee that the large prices which have been offered
author and recoup themselves.
There can
payment for serial rights and royalties
authors
advance under this system will
maintained.
We have definite information that, with regard
the 7d. reprints, the publishers are already offering far
smaller sums
advance than
the first instance
and that even
the cases
authors whose books have
practically earned these advances they are not now willing
make new contracts
the old terms.
We possess large amount
evidence from the booksellers upon the various questions involved, but this,
which has only just reached us, requires sifting and classification,
We have received scattered information from several authors who have actually experienced the results
prices lower than 6s. In every case the author has suffered.
the issue
new novels
Having, then, regard
opinion from those novelists whom we have consulted,
the weight
the
responsible remarks
leading publishers, and
details which we have received
the actual experience
authors, we repeat the recommendation that the novelist should maintain the price
the original production
large circulation.
his works
68. There
evidence that
low price means
of
it
or of
of
at
to
a
a
no
is
at
of
of
of
to
of
of
of
to
of
at
of
a
of
to
on
of
in
;
in
in
to
in
be
to
to
a
as
be
of
to
of
at
in
no
be
in
as
a
of
is
to
to
to
of of
a
to of
as
us
to
to of
be of
in
as
of
in
as
as
to
in
a
be
of
to
at 38.
ſº
ADDENDUM.
to
in
of
to to
.
of
It
to
as
as
at
of
to
in
of
of
in
of
point out
us, having particular knowledge
France, wishes
One
the business side
literature
that even
the days when the regular price
the new novel
France was Fr. 3.50, all the leading French
novelists, Daudet and Zola among them, greatly regretted the lowering
the standard price
that figure.
9%d., and the result has been most disastrous
France has since been flooded with new novels
French
great
produce
literature
well
French authors.
has meant that the
mass
writers have now
popularity
sensational,
dependent
upon
appeal.
novels that are short and
and
for their
their violent
(Signed)
M. A. BELLOC-LOWNDES.
S.
CHARLES GARVICE.
E. W. HORNUNG.
W. W. JACOBS.
SQUIRE SPRIGGE.
J)ecember
27-d, 1909.
�
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publications
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1910-05-02
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19100502
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Title
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Report of the Sub-Committee on the Price of Novels (1910)
Subject
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<em>Report of the Sub-Committee on the Price of Novels</em> (1910)
Description
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A report from the <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=56&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Price+of+Novels+Sub-Committee">Sub-Committee on the Price of Novels</a> (<span><a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Lowndes-Marie-Adelaide-Elizabeth-Renee-Julia-Belloc">Marie Belloc Lowndes</a>, <a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Garvice-Charles-Andrew">Charles Garvice</a>, <a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Hornung-Ernest-William">E. W. Hornung</a>, <a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Jacobs-William-Wymark">W. W. Jacobs</a> and <a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Sprigge-Samuel-Squire">Samuel Squire Sprigge</a>)</span> on the feasibility of reducing the price of novels from 6 shillings to 2 or 3 shillings, including a survey of publishers' opinions.
Creator
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Lowndes, Marie Adelaide Elizabeth Renée Julia Belloc
Garvice, Charles Andrew
Hornung, Ernest William
Jacobs, William Wymark
Sprigge, Samuel Squire
Source
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<a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015027638405" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015027638405</a>
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Publication
Identifier
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1910-05-02-Supplement-20-8-Price-of-Novels-Report
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<a href="https://historysoa.com/The-Author-Issues/1910-05-02-The-Author-20-8">Supplement to <em>The Author</em>, Vol. 20 Issue 08</a>
finance
publications
publishing
The Author