In this and the following chapters it is proposed to discuss the various methods of publication now in use; to point out as far as possible what they mean to the author and what to the publisher, so that in consenting to an agreement the author may know what he is giving away, and what he is receiving in exchange.

The first of these methods and the earliest in history, is the Sale Out-right.

The Sale Out-right.

This method is the simplest. The author has a piece of property which he offers for sale, and it would appear to be nobody's business but his own, if he makes a bad bargain. Now there are reasons why the author must very generally make a bad bargain, therefore this method of publishing is not to be recommended under any but the most infrequent circumstances.

The following are the reasons:—-

(1.) Often the author cannot afford to wait, but must take any price rather than no price.

Everybody is aware that theoretically the producer can choose whether he will take the price offered or not. But everybody also is aware that necessity knows no law, and that the buyer recognises no other right in the producer than what the law allows him—namely, the right to keep his property if he will not sell it.