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In choosing Soledad Brother for the distinguished work of non-fiction or work of contemporary significance, the Committee noted that this time the author was listed on both the tally sheet and among the nomination -- a rare happenstance of coordination. The Committee noted that in addition to good score posted by the late Mr. Jackson on the tally sheet, this Academy, even while involved in literary efforts of this kind, must relate to the community. It is common knowledge by now that so-called "prison literature" is becoming a major part of the black writing scene. 

I wish to say that the work of the Book Committee people, or lack work is reflected in this report. Three people narrowly averted what could've been a disaster our first time out in this effort.

Twenty-two people on a committee is far too many persons. Although I know we were trying to cover all bases, what we would up with, in the flesh, were three fiction writers, two non-fiction writers, a historian and anthologist, and a librariean [[librarian]]. No poets, no play-wrights, no scholars, no scientist.

In order to avoid this situation next year, we will request that books already published this year, be secured and read and dominated by Spring, 1972, so that summer will not interfere with what must become the orderly process of selecting winners for the Academy's Letters Competition. I also suggest that Book Committee be composed of not more than seven persons, including the Chairman, to be selected now, together with a Chairman, since I am acting only by default.

As to the questionnaire on publishing and literary practices,  there were only 21 responses. The information coming from these and hopefully the other questionnaires to go out, any give us material for a contemplated handbook for your black writers. I've not had a chance to go over forms in detail, but briefly, here are some of the things I've noted:

Most black writers believe white writers command more in advances than they do. 

The two black publishers responding either opposed or did not answer questions relating to better methods of accounting for the royalties paid to writers, and thus became pretty much like other publishers, at least in my mind, Random House was the publisher least approved of.

Thirteen of the 21 do not have agents and thus, without guidance become pretty much like lambs led to the slaughter. In other words, just on the basis of the answers to this question alone, the Academy should produce a well-needed manual.

A copy of the proposal for manual is in your folder.

John A. Williams
September 18, 1971

2. Book Committee