Otis Adelbert Kline Gallery of Cover Art (original) (raw)

OAK The Literary Agent by Doug Ellis

While Otto Binder was (by far) the most prolific correspondent of SF fan Jack Darrow, he wasn't the only one. Darrow also corresponded with pulp author Otis Adelbert Kline. Besides being an author, Kline operated a literary agency (for which Binder moved to NYC to run its operations there).

In late 1934 or early 1935, Darrow sent Kline a manuscript he'd written, asking if Kline would read it. In response, on January 9, 1935 Kline sent him his four page circular, "Writing For Sales," and directed Darrow to his fee section for reading. Upon receipt of the fee, Kline did read the story and thought it worthwhile enough to send to Farnsworth Wright at Weird Tales, although he wasn't high on its chances. Wright rejected it, but suggested that with some changes it might be acceptable. Darrow indicated to Kline that he'd rewrite it, but he doesn't appear to have ever done so.

In addition to the Kline letters and this circular, the unpublished manuscript was among the papers I acquired many years ago from Darrow's estate.