DL/A-Z//AUSTIN/4 - [Correspondence with David Austin 2002: publication]

DL/A-Z//AUSTIN/4

Sub-file

[Correspondence with David Austin 2002: publication]

12/08/2002-02/09/2002

3 Letters (typescript and MS)
1 Fax

Jonathan Cape

Austin, David

031 is a fax from Dan Franklin of Jonathan Cape to Doris Lessing: "Two of us here have read A Clear Calling, and we were both very impressed." He expresses doubts about "how many copies we would sell of it". He asks how old Austin is and whether he will go on to write more.

032 is a letter from Franklin to Austin. He offers to publish A Clear Calling [for a modest advance – closed GDPR], and lays out terms.

033 is a letter from Franklin to Lessing. He mentions that Austin has accepted his offer. He refers to Lessing praising Austin in Edinburgh and asks her to provide a more formal quote in praise of the book.

034 is a letter from Lessing to Franklin. It includes a quote in praise of Austin's novel: "This is the best first novel I have read in years." She includes a personal note for Franklin: "I advised David not to get an agent because of the ten per cent. So – I am sure you'll do your best for him."