On September 15, 1902, a representative of a publishing firm in New York City wrote to Alice Moore Dunbar in Wilmington, Delaware, about publishing a book she had written. After permanently separating from her husband Paul Laurence Dunbar earlier in the year, Alice had moved to Delaware to teach school.
We hope you are making progress with "The Confessions of a Lazy Woman," for we should like very much to publish the book (if it is accepted) in time for the holidays. Can you give us an idea how soon you can favor us again with the manuscript?
A. S. Barnes & Company to Alice Moore Dunbar, September 15, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Alice spent years writing and revising Confessions of a Lazy Woman. Ironically, the novel was about a woman who had difficulty getting things done. The main character procrastinates so much that the first entry of her diary is on January 26 instead of January 1.
January 26
As usual, I am some weeks late. In a rash moment last year, I decided to keep a diary beginning with the new year. It was the only resolution that I made, and I have broken it, and [so far] I am twenty-five days behind time. Well, what is the use of being a professional procrastinator if one is to begin keeping a diary right away in the beginning of the new year?
Excerpt from The Confessions of a Lazy Woman, unpublished typescript by Alice Moore Dunbar. Alice Dunbar-Nelson papers, Special Collections, University of Delaware Library (Newark, Delaware). MSS 0113, Box 14, F242.
Alice occasionally mentioned the book in her letters to Paul before they separated.
I brought the "Confessions" up to 14,000 words last night.
Alice Moore Dunbar to Paul Laurence Dunbar, March 24, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
I have brought the Confessions up to 25,000 and there I ended it. I did over 17,000 words in one week, which wasn't bad for me, was it? I began copying today and I shall have to revise and arrange it, because it is not written consecutively. In the arranging and revision I expect to add from 3000 to 8000 words, which will make it long enough. Now then, when it is finished, what am I going to do with it?
Alice Moore Dunbar to Paul Laurence Dunbar, March 30, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Even after Alice made the story longer, it was still too short, according to Paul Reynolds, the literary agent for both Paul and Alice Dunbar.
I offered your manuscript, "The Confessions of a Lazy Woman" to Mr. Phillips, the manager of McClures. He read it and after considering it decided he did not want it. Since it came back from McClures, I have taken the time to go over it more carefully. I think it best frankly to write you my opinion about the story. I think in the first place that the story is too short. Secondly, I do not think people like stories as a rule that are told in the form of a diary. Thirdly, I don't think there is quite enough action or quite enough culmination in your diary to make it attract wide attention. I doubt, therefore, my ability to sell this book. I am offering it to a house, but should they decline it, I think I shall send it back to you.
Paul R. Reynolds to Alice Moore Dunbar, July 27, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
A. S. Barnes agreed to publish the book after certain revisions were made. Alice accepted their proposal and the publishing company sent a memorandum of agreement for her to sign.
We enclose herewith two copies of an agreement which we trust will be satisfactory. We have left blank the title of the book because we notice that there are a number of books being published with the title beginning "Confessions," and we apprehend that before long the market will be flooded with "confessions;" therefore, we think it would be wise to change the title. In case you sign the enclosed agreement, please have your signature witnessed.
A. S. Barnes & Company to Alice Moore Dunbar, October 2, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
The agreement was signed by Alice and witnessed by her friend Ella Smith. However, a few months later, Alice received disappointing news from the publishing company.
Certain changes in the firm of A. S. Barnes & Co. necessitate the return of your manuscript, the present members not deeming the book of sufficient value to publish. We mail the manuscript to you today and return the enclosed contract. We regret exceedingly the outcome of this matter.
A. S. Barnes & Company to Alice Moore Dunbar, February 18, 1903. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).