16 FEBRUARY 1951, Page 5

Literature is business, and good business for some people.' Don't

let anyone make any mistake about that. A veteran! English author, as result of an advertisement by a New Yorkf literary agent, sent the agent in question an article to be placed in some American paper. In reply he has received a letteti indicating that he writes well (he has been writing for fifty years); but "defects in organisation and presentation will retard, if not completely block, sale." It is suggested, therefore, that the articlq be revised, and that "our Editorial Department carry out a! professional report of criticism and analysis to assist you in revision "—at a fee of $10, payable in advance. That might, o course, pay the author. If as a result of an expenditure of 1 dollars he could sell his article for 100 dollars it undoubted! would. But there is no guarantee that what is aestheticallyi described as "sales action" would have that consequence. Nor do I gather that the writer feels peculiarly enamoured of sugges- tions from "our Editorial Department." However, he can't tell