Robert E. Howard to Claytons Magazine, Jun 13, 1933
Gentlemen:
A few weeks ago I wrote you asking a release of the British Empire rights on my stories, "People of the Dark" and "The Cairn on the Headland," published in Strange Tales. I have had no reply from you.
I note that in the Author & Journalist for November, 1932, your company is quoted as buying "all North American serial rights, but do not purchase and have no control over motion picture, radio, book, or dramatic rights."
According to this, I have the right to offer the stories mentioned to the British publishing house which has asked to look at them, with the view of bringing them out in book form. But I would like to have some sort of writing from your company, showing that I own the foreign rights.
Or, in case some special conditions prevailed in the case of Strange Tales, by which you purchased book and foreign rights, I would appreciate a release on them. I see no reason why I should not be given such release, since the magazine has been out of circulation for some months now. I realize that things are not breaking well for your company, and I sympathize with you. But things aren't breaking so good for me, either, and this may be a chance for me to make a little money through British publication. Please answer this letter, one way or another. I enclose an addressed and stamped envelope for your convenience.
Yours,
R. E. Howard
L.B. 313
Cross Plains, Texas