FINDS $20,000 AN EASY MARK ON GRUB STREET

"If young writers knew how eagerly great publishing houses are constantly searching manuscripts for new talent, they would be encouraged to enter the profession."

Basil King, famous author of "The Discovery of God" and many other books, made this statement in an address before the Harvard Dames yesterday, in which, discussing "Writing as a Career" he outlined its attractions and requirements.

In the point of financial remuneration, Mr. King said: "I suppose that any active writer can easily earn from $1500 to $4000. These would be the small incomes. With relative ease he can go on to $10,000 and $20,000."

Need a Thinking Public

Stating that great writers are only produced by a thinking, intelligent public, Mr. King struck out at some imperfections in American life. He mentioned one case for Darwinians. "The American head is developing a runlet from one ear to another. I do not want to seem to undervalue meetings like these where people come together to hear someone holding forth as I am holding forth now, but I believe there is a great deal too much of it. People hear something and forget it; it would be much better for them to think for themselves. The lack of great writers is due to the lack of a great thinking public behind them.

Besides the requirement of original, independent thinking on the part of authors, Mr. King mentioned wide reading, continued "pegging away," and "something worth saying," as other necessities.