| Description | Contains correspondence, dated 1983-1999 and 2005, sent to Richmal Ashbee [niece of Richmal Crompton] and to AP Watt Ltd, [literary agents], from Macmillan Children's Books, London, publishers (along with some correspondence sent to Richmal Ashbee and Macmillan Children's Books from AP Watt Ltd.) relating to:
- The publication of William stories and other books relating to the William stories. (Including signed and unsigned copies of some publication agreements.)
- The publication of Jimmy stories.
- Liaison between Macmillan Children's Books and fans of the William stories.
- Publicising the William stories, including the creation of merchandise.
- The creation of television series and plays about the William stories.
- Infringement of copyright for the William stories.
- Discussions of reviews of the William stories.
- The publication of a biography of Richmal Crompton written by Mary Cadogan.
- Changes in the staffing and organisation at Macmillan Children's Books.
The file also includes:
- A cutting from a booklet or magazine containing an advertisement, created by Macmillan Children's Books, [publishers], promoting the William books; cutting dated 1986.
- A note written by Richmal Ashbee [niece of Richmal Crompton] to go into a leaving book to be given to Michael Wace from Macmillan Children's Books, London, publishers, on his retirement; note written in c1994.
- Draft copies of material for the "Just William Bumper Joke and Activity Book" to be published by Macmillan Children's Books; draft copies created in c1995.
- Proof copies of front and back covers for "Outlaws Club Books" (based on the William stories) published by Macmillan; proof copies created in c1995.
- Notes [written by Richmal Ashbee, niece of Richmal Crompton] about the publishing of William stories; notes written in 1995.
- A press release about Macmillan's publishing plans for the 80th anniversary of the William stories; along with a covering letter sent with the press release to Richmal Ashbee [niece of Richmal Crompton] from Just So, London, [publicists]; press release and letter dated 1999. |
| Related Material | Further correspondence from publishers can be found in RC 7, RC 40, RC 81, RC 112, RC 119, RC test 1, RC test 2, RC test 3, RC test 4, RC 120, RC 124, RC 128, RC 133, RC 137, RC 138, RC 140, RC 141, RC 142, RC 146, RC 147, RC 155, RC 156, RC 159, RC 163, RC 166, RC 167, RC 208, RC 212, RC 213, RC 214, RC 216, RC 217, RC 239, RC 346, RC 350, RC 351, RC 356 and RC 360.
Further correspondence from literary agents can be found in RC 7, RC 20, RC 21, RC 35, RC 46, RC 48, RC 81, RC 105, RC 106, RC 107, RC 108, RC 110, RC test 1, RC test 2, RC test 4, RC 120, RC 121, RC 122, RC 123, RC 124, RC 125, RC 126, RC 127, RC 128, RC 129, RC 131, RC 133, RC 200, RC 208, RC 212, RC 217, RC 227, RC 231, RC 275, RC 337 and RC 350.
Further draft copies of covers for William books can be found in RC test 4, RC 124, RC 133, RC 138, RC 150, RC 181 and RC 227.
Further documents relating to Mary Cadogan's biography of Richmal Crompton can be found in RC 142, RC 146, RC 181, RC 197, RC 198, RC 213, RC 227, RC test 12 and RC 290. |