Charlotte Elizabeth Riddell, 1832–1906
This letter concerns Riddell’s work, A Bid for
Fortune; or, Michael Gargrave's Harvest, which is listed in the Bentley
Private Catalogue for 1898 but was never issued. The publishing agreement
for the work was signed in 1894, but not until December 1897 does Mrs.
Riddell write that she is ready to "go on" with it. Before she
does, she wishes to know if Bentley still wants to publish the novel,
whether she should change the hero's name, and how long the book should
be. She is aware of the major changes in the publishing world (negotiations
were being made with Smith Elder for the sale of Richard Bentley and Son
at that time, but it was sold to Macmillan in 1898) and realizes that
this may affect the publication of her novel. She feels it is her fault
for not getting the manuscript to Bentley earlier, and does not want him
to feel anxious about breaking their agreement. A pencilled note from
the publisher comments: "A very honourable letter from a writer dependent
upon her pen."
[top] Charlotte Elizabeth Riddell. Phemie Keller. A
novel. By F.G. Trafford [pseud.] ... London, Tinsley brothers, 1866.
[bottom] Charlotte Elizabeth Riddell. Autograph
letter to Richard Bentley, December, 1897.
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