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Thursday, September 21, 2006From An Age Without AgentsThe following letter was penned to publisher Thomas Cadell in London in November, 1797: I have in my possession a manuscript novel, comprised in three vols about the length of Miss Burney's Evelina. As I am well aware of what consequence it is that a work of this sort should make its first appearance under a respectable name, I apply to you. Shall be much obliged therefore if you will inform me whether you chuse to be concerned in it. What will be the expense of publishing at the author's risk; & what will you venture to advance for the property of it, if on a perusal, it is approved of? Should your answer give me encouragement I will send you the work. Talk about your rambling query letter lacking any real information! The letter fails to mention the title or genre of the novel, or even a hint about its plot. Even the author's name has been omitted. Imagine what would happen in this day and age, should such a query be sent. Actually, the response in 1798 was much the same as we might expect today: The letter was returned with declined by return of post scribbled across the top of the page. Nice. Know who wrote the query letter? Mr. Austen -- Jane Austen's father. He was referring to her finished manuscript, First Impressions, and she was most likely not aware that her father had contacted the publisher (talk about meddling parents). The novel was published many years later by its well-known title, Pride and Prejudice. There's hope, fellow writers. Meddling fathers aside, there's always hope. (Mr. Austen's letter taken from Jane Austen by Carol Shields.) Labels: writing |
About Me
I am: Mother to five stunningly individualistic children... Writer of young adult fantasy... Passionate advocate for Women At Home... Madly in love with my husband... In need of Organic Gourmet Chocolate on a regular basis. I've got a Paypal account if you'd like to contribute to the cause....
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6of my readers are feeling chatty:
Well, as a meddling parent myself, I always use the explanation that I'm only trying to help. It's true. I think my children are the most beautiful and talented, and have the most potential of only SOMEONE beside their parents (especially their mother) would only realize it! Of course, I generally embarrass them by my enthusiasm. On the other hand, perhaps a little spell check or something would have been nice. Or, maybe he was counting on the recipient knowing him by name... who knows? Still, I suppose it's a dire warning, rather than a good example, of what over-enthusiastic parenting can bring... *sigh* Not that I'm likely to stop, but I WILL try to cut back a bit. Maybe. Later.
Aren't you glad Dad doesn't have a copy of your novel????
Sister! LOLOL That's a scary thought.
AKJamie -- Enthusiam is one thing. Meddling is another. You get a gold star for your enthusiasm. Reading your words about your family gives one the impression of undying wonderfulness....and there ain't nothin' wrong with that! :)
chuse Um... that was how they spelled it back in Regency England.. right? :-D
Yep, they did. In fact, it's spelled that way throughout my leatherbound edition of P&P. Throws me off!
My query letter wasn't much better. Apparently the promise of dancing fairy martians didn't make them wqant to read my Civil War piece.
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