P.E.N. GATHERING

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 132, 1 December 1938, Page 5

P.E.N. GATHERING

A pleasant evening was spent at' the residence of Dr. G. H. Scholefield this week when members of the P.E.N. welcomed Miss Nelle Scanlan on her return to New Zealand. Miss Scanlan is a member of the London P.E.N. and represented the Dominion at one of the big P.E.N. congresses. She was also present at the dinner given to Mr. H. G. Wells in celebration of his eightieth birthday.

Mr. C. A. Marris, president of the N.Z. Centre of the P.E.N., welcomed Miss Scanlan on behalf of members. He referred to her achievement in writing nine successful novels over the last several years in addition to carrying on her journalistic work. Uhe country was proud of her achievements in the world of letters.

Miss Scanlan spoke interestingly of the publishing world in London and gave some "behind the scene" glimpses of the methods of big publishing houses in the marketing of books. The growth of lending libraries, of book-of-the-week organisations, of book clubs and of cheap pocket reprints, had revolutionised the old sales methods of publishers. Miss Scanlan's talk was also full of' practical advice as to securing publication in London.

In proposing a vote of thinks to Miss Scanlan, Mr. J. A. Lee commented on her remarkable industry.