DLA019-0164  Transcription

The Incorporated Society of Authors, Playwrights & Composers,

OFFICES – 11, GOWER STREET, LONDON, W.C.1.

June 22nd 1931.

Philip A. de Laszlo Esq.,

3 Fitzjohn’s Avenue, N.W.3.

Dear Sir,

I am  in receipt of your two letters dated the 19th instant and enclosures.

In clause 1 of the agreement I suggest, in the second line, after the word “publish” the addition of the words “in book form.”

The provisions of the clause in regard to the United States and Canada are not very clearly expressed and I think it would be as well to include a stipulation that the publishers shall not be free to dispose of sheets or bound copies to the United States or Canada for six months after the date of first publication in Great Britain save with your written consent. This stipulation will give you an opportunity of arranging for copyright publication in the United States through an American publishing house. In this connexion you should take steps to secure ad interim copyright in the United States by filng at Washington a copy of the English edition within sixty days after first British publication. I can advise you in regard to this matter when the time comes if you will communicate with me.

In this clause you would, I think, be wise to ask your publishers to undertake to publish the work within six months after receipt of the completed MS.

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Clause 2.   The terms of this clause are unusual. Possibly you have no objection to them.

Clause 3.  The publishers should undertake not to remainder copies for at least two years from the date of first publication, save with your written consent, and then only subject to your being offered the option of purchasing such copies as you may require at a valuation.

Clause 4.    The provisions of this clause are usual and not unreasonable.

Clause 6.   I suggest the substitution for this clause of the indemnification clause enclosed which, as you observe, has been approved both by the Society and by the Publishers’ Association.

Clause 7  should be deleted. There is no reason why, if a wild claim is made that you have infringed copyright etc., your publishers should have power to withhold royalties due to you.

The agreement contains no termination clauses and two which most publishing houses are willing to incorporate into their agreements are enclosed.

The copy agreement and copy letter from Messrs. Seeley Service of the 8th instant I am returning herewith.

Yours very truly,

D. Kilham Roberts

DKR/DG.

Enclosures.

SMDL

11/06/2018