An open letter

[girlyswot]

I seem to have become something of a campaigner in the last 24 hours. It's a while since I've sent a complaint letter (though I'm sure Tony Blair has a file with my name on it somewhere). Anyway, I've just mailed this to David Shanks (CEO, Penguin Putnam), Susan Peterson Kennedy (President, Penguin Putnam) and Claire Zion (Editor in Chief, Signet Publishing).

Dear Mr Shanks,

I am writing concerning the recent allegations surrounding several of the books published by Penguin, under its Signet wing, by Cassie Edwards. I am certain that by now you will be not only aware of this case but will also have taken the time to acquaint yourself with the details of the plagiarised passages.


I am concerned that your editorial process permitted such work to be published without taking the most basic steps to ensure its originality. The copied passages were easily and quickly identified by (i) noticing places where the prose style was distinctly different; (ii) using an internet search engine to check for plagiarised expressions. How is it possible that the editors of these books were unable to take these basic steps for themselves? You must be aware that sophisticated software is currently available for checking plagiarism in academic writing. Would it not be advisable for a publishing house such as Penguin to avail themselves of this technology as well, in order to avoid future embarrassments of this kind?

Second, I was very disappointed by the response from Signet which claims that Ms. Edwards has 'done nothing wrong.' This suggests that the kind of copying evidenced in Ms. Edwards work was known about by her editors and condoned. Let me be clear: I understand perfectly that an author must do research and that this will involve the gathering of factual information and ideas. However, the writing process involves the use of this information within one's own style and story. The evidence is clear that Ms. Edwards copied more than information and ideas, she copied large sections of text verbatim. Aside from the copyright infringement where this work was not in the public domain, this is a clear attempt to deceive the reader.

When I buy a book, whether fiction or non-fiction, I do so on the understanding that it contains original work. In particular, when I buy a novel, I expect the mode of expression - the words used - to be the original creative work of its author. I do not expect it to contain sections copied from another book, of any kind, included as if they are part of the original work. If quotations are used, I expect them to be clearly indicated. And if a source text has been particularly useful or influential, I think it is appropriate for this to be acknowledged briefly somewhere in the front or end matter.

However, it seems that I can no longer trust books published by Penguin Putnam to adhere to this standard. How will I know what I am buying in the future? If your staff see nothing wrong with this kind of copying (whether or not it can be legally challenged), then I think they have failed to understand the normal level of trust that exists between the reader and the author.

You will understand that this is a very serious matter since it impugns the credibility of the whole of the publishing industry.

I hope you will address these concerns and I look forward to your response.

Want to write? You'll find contact details here.

Comments

[alkari.livejournal.com]

Excellent. I'd also fire off a few letters to editors of big papers with respected literary sections and some impact, and send a copy of your letter to Penguin and co. to the literary / arts editors of those papers. You never know your luck - maybe one of them will pick up the whole plagiarism issue and run with it, and it will be a lot harder for Penguin and co to dismiss them!

[tdu000.livejournal.com]

Oh, well done Ros! It's always more satisfying to take action rather than just grumbling about it. (And one day soon, I will get round to tackling the deplorable menu at Little Tyke's school, really I will!). I think there has been a certain amount of snobbery being indulged in by the publishing companies. It's just romance and only read by silly women who wouldn't recognise good writing if they read it so they don't have to bother. I very much want to see any response you might get.

[crumplehornedki.livejournal.com]

the next time I have to write a letter of complaint can you do it for me?