3 SEPTEMBER 1994, Page 31

Facial challenges

Sir: P. D. James's remark (Diary, 30 July) that for new young novelists 'good looks are regarded as an asset on the publicity trail' is alas not wholly true; for one thing, most of us are airbrushed into a semblance of sanity and attractiveness, and for anoth- er these supposed good looks can rebound very nastily on the author when reviewed by the facially challenged. Perhaps authors' photographs, like their work, should bear a publisher's disclaimer.

Amanda Craig

20 Falkland Road, London NW5