Chapter C: W. B

_Authors' Trustee Society._--Authors, as a class, are perhaps the most unfit men in the world to make the most of their own property; and were they ever so competent, it will often happen that their works do not attain to any great value as copyrights till after the poor author is laid in his grave. It is then, when his family are sometimes exposed to severe distress, that more favourable terms might be obtained from publishers; but there is no one left who is capable of acting for the benefit of the widow or children.

A Society might be formed to take charge as trustees of the property of an author in his works, to make engagements with booksellers for the privilege of publishing future editions as they may be required, and to take care that the _honorarium_ for each edition be duly paid into the hands of the person who is entitled to receive it.

No expense would attend the formation of such a Society. Its meetings could be held at scarcely any cost. The advertisements, to announce from time to time what works are open for offers from printers, booksellers, and publishers, would amount to a very small sum in the course of the year--I dare say the Editor of "N. & Q." would insert them gratuitously. But, if necessary, a small percentage on the fees paid would cover all the disbursements of the Society.