Dear Ben, Jan 22.
I write to commend you upon the excellence of your work. We at Delaney Publishing are greatly impressed with the originality and clarity of your expression.
It is unusual for myself, Mr Bill Delaney, managing director of Delaney Publishing, to become directly involved with the work of junior authors. However I have always insisted that my editors bring to my attention the very best examples of new talent. And I have no compunctions in expressing with certainty that such a talent are you, Ben.
My only regret is that we have such a small sample. We all wish you god speed with your writings, which you may undertake now with the certainty of a reputable publisher.
Unfortunately it would be against policy to forward you any financial remuneration at this time, however on completion of your novel, I expect that you rewards shall be substantial.
Please contact us at any time for assistance.
Yours sincerely,
Bill Delaney.
MANAGING DIRECTOR DELANEY PUBLISHING.
Jan 24.
Dear Bill,
Look I don’t really know how to say this. You’ve no idea how wicked it felt when I got your email about wanting to publish my book. The truth is though that I’m pretty sure I’m finished as a writer. I dunno, maybe I could write a travel book or something. If you look through the little bit I’ve written so far, all the good bits are about when I was travelling. Now that I’m sitting still I feel like I’ve got nothing to say.
And all that stuff I wrote about Ben. You know, I feel really bad about that. He’s turned out to be a really top bloke and I feel that I was just using him to make a story. Nothing bad was ever going to happen. I was just being dramatic.
God, I’ve even become a Tottenham fan!
So look, thanks again for saying you like my writing. Maybe I could send you some stuff next time I go travelling. In the meantime though I’d really appreciate it if you would destroy the work that I sent you. I’d hate for Ben to know that I’d written it.
Cheers,
Ben
