For Labor Day: "The Fee" [poem by Bill Zavatsky]

Portrait of John Keats by Joseph Severn

Dear Author:

We are preparing
the definitive, illus-
trated catalogue
of our international
exhibition, “Urns
Around the World”
for publication.
May we, The State
Education Department
of New York, The Uni-
versity of the State
of New York at Albany,
Time/Life Books and their
subsidiaries, the
Smithsonian Institution,
and the licensees
of the foregoing
have permission to use
your poem, “Ode on
a Grecian Urn,”
throughout the world
in all editions of our
catalogue and in any
material based on it
for all printings
of all editions?
The press run of our
catalogue is 150,000 copies
in cloth and 300,000 copies
in paperback. The volume
features 200 full-color plates
and will be printed
on 90 lb. glossy stock.
These editions
will sell for $98.00
and $45.00 respectively.
Due to the fact that
so many authors
will be represented
in the catalogue,
we cannot offer
remuneration. However,
upon publication we will make
copies available to authors
at a ten percent discount
(postage and handling
not included).
Of course we will
make certain that you
receive credit in these
publications for the use
of your material.
If you agree to
the terms of our contract,
please sign below
and return this form
at your earliest convenience.

Comments

[The Best American Poetry]

How (sadly) true -- and how funny when presented with a straight face. -- DL

[Philip Regan]

Very funny!