Author may sue over fee for book

An author hailed as a literary phenomena and reportedly offered a record pounds 750,000 for her first novel is said to be considering legal action against her publishers for breach of promise.

Keri Beevis, 25, from Norwich, was offered the deal two months ago by little-known publishing firm Buckley- Bennion. But Miss Beevis, who gave up her job with a travel firm, said she has seen no sign of any advance and has no idea when her horror novel, called When The Pen Writes, will be published.

Her agent, Peter Willis, said last night that Miss Beevis had not been paid and was contemplating suing the publishers. "They [Buckley-Bennion] don't seem to have got their act together."

No one from Buckley-Bennion was available for comment.