[Sheila Kaye-Smith, novelist.] Autograph Letter Signed to 'Mr. Cazenove' of the publishers George Bell & Sons, regarding the publication of her first novel 'The Tramping Methodist', requesting corrections to the proofs and suggesting the title.

3pp., 12mo. On bifolium. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Docketed at head of first page. She begins by explaining that at her 'interview with Mr. Bell on the 8th. he suggested an alteration in an important sentence, giving me the alternative of taking the MS. home with me or of correcting the sentence in the proofs. At the time I thought the latter course would be the best, but it occurs to me that it would save expence if the correction was made now.' She asks Cazenove to 'ask Mr. O'Connor if he would kindly alter the words in accordance with the enclosed [not present]'. She indicates the relevant sentence, adding that she assumes that 'it is the publishers who bear the cost of necessary alteration to the proofs, as nothing was said about it in the agreement'. Turning to the problem of 'how it is that a story supposed to be told by a man is written by a woman', she admits that she 'cannot think of anything that would do' by way of introductory explanation. 'Perhaps the title might read - | The Tramping Methodist. | The narrative of Humphrey Lyte, Preacher. | I would rather have this than put "edited by" before my name on the title page.' It does not appear that the suggested subtitle was utilised.