With the huge success of the Left Behind apocalyptic novels, Tim LaHaye will receive a reported $45 million for four new novels. When The New York Times asked Jerry Jenkins why he didn't join the deal, the author responded, "Well, it is not like I was asked."

In fact, the Times reports, Jenkins heard about it only "when his son mistakenly called to congratulate him on 'the big deal' after reading the news in Variety."

But did publisher Bantam Dell hire the wrong man? After all, Jenkins actually wrote the series, basing the thrillers on conversations with and the nonfiction theological writings of LaHaye.

In "Jenkins Gets Left Behind" (April 1) you parrot my quote about why I didn't join Tim LaHaye's new mega book deal: "Well, it's not like I was asked." The implication in CT, as it was in The New York Times, is that I expected to be asked or was disappointed that I had not been. Dr. LaHaye and I are partners only for the Left Behind series and have also continued doing our own projects all along. We're still friends and partners and expect to be for a long time. The business about my son mistakenly calling to congratulate me [which also orignally appeared in the Times] was also inaccurate.

Related news coverage:

Best-Selling Minister Branches Out — The New York Times (Feb. 11, 2002)