She states, in addition, that it is not their intention to
publish these tales on their own account; but that the authors direct her
to ask Messrs. Aylott and Co. whether they would be disposed to undertake
the work, after having, of course, by due inspection of the MS.,
ascertained that its contents are such as to warrant an expectation of
success. To this letter of inquiry the publishers replied speedily, and
the tenor of their answer may be gathered from Charlotte's, dated April
11th.
"I beg to thank you, in the name of C., E., and A. Bell, for your
obliging offer of advice. I will avail myself of it, to request
information on two or three points. It is evident that unknown
authors have great difficulties to contend with, before they can
succeed in bringing their works before the public. Can you give me
any hint as to the way in which these difficulties are best met? For
instance, in the present case, where a work of fiction is in question,
in what form would a publisher be most likely to accept the MS.?
Whether offered as a work of three vols., or as tales which might be
published in numbers, or as contributions to a periodical?
"What publishers would be most likely to receive favourably a proposal
of this nature?
"Would it suffice to _write_ to a publisher on the subject, or would
it be necessary to have recourse to a personal interview?
"Your opinion and advice on these three points, or on any other which
your experience may suggest as important, would be esteemed by us as a
favour.
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