On July 18, 1901, Paul Laurence Dunbar in Washington, D. C., wrote to his literary agent Paul Reynolds in New York City regarding his fourth novel, The Sport of the Gods. The story had appeared in the May 1901 issue of Lippincott's magazine, and Paul was trying to arrange for its publication in book form.
As to the price for the book "The Sport of the Gods," I had had no idea of selling it outright. I do not think that would be a good plan as I expect the book to go well. What I should prefer to do would be to follow the plan that has been followed by Dodd, Mead and Co. Get an advance of four or five hundred dollars and then a royalty of fifteen per cent.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Paul R. Reynolds, July 18, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
Paul's earlier novels had been published by Dodd, Mead and Co., but he was concerned that the firm would not promote The Sport of the Gods sufficiently. He urged Reynolds to find a different publisher, but eventually agreed to let Dodd publish the book.
I find myself in somewhat of a mix-up with Messrs. Dodd, Mead and Co. They have learned through Jarrold and Sons of London that the right of the "Sport of the Gods" has been offered them, and forgetting their former terms to let the novel go to Lippincott's, want to arrange for its publication. Now I prefer to have another firm publish this story if it is possible, and I should like to know just what is doing with it, as I shall have to make an immediate answer to their letter which is now a week old. If the firm who has it now should return it to you, will you kindly send it back to me and I will get back once more into the graces with Dodd, Mead and Co., although I am sure they will not push the book as a younger firm would do.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Paul R. Reynolds, August 5, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
Dodd and Mead are going to publish the "Sport of the Gods" but insist upon waiting until the Spring so that the book can be illustrated.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Paul R. Reynolds, August 14, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
Paul later expressed dissatisfaction over the terms of the contract for The Sport of the Gods.
I have your letter and the contract of the "Sport of the Gods," and I am a good deal puzzled. In the first place, I have always been in the habit of having two contracts sent, one for myself. In this case, suppose I have a kick coming, where do I come in? Again, Section 3 says that the copyright shall be vested in the publisher. This has not been done before, and pray tell me what does 433/400 copies mean? Neither do I understand the part of the matter written in nor the counting of thirteen copies as twelve in the reckoning of royalties. The whole agreement is very puzzling to me, and I am unwilling to sign it without further elucidation. I have penciled the points which I do not like and do not understand, and return it to you for some word. What do you yourself, think of this contract?
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Paul R. Reynolds, September 26, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
When Dodd, Mead & Co. released The Sport of the Gods in the spring of 1902, it was mentioned in a full-page advertisement in The New York Times.
Dodd, Mead & Company's Announcement of Spring Books
The Sport of the Gods by Paul Laurence Dunbar, author of "Lyrics of Lowly Life," etc. Cloth, $1.50. The story of misfortune and unmerited disgrace which befell an emancipated slave who was unjustly convicted of robbery, and who on his release found himself deserted by his wife and children.
Advertisement. The New York Times (New York, New York). March 29, 1902. Page 197.