Edward L Stratemeyer (1862-1930), owner of the Stratemeyer Syndicate, hired writers (beginning with Mildred Wirt) to write the manuscripts for the Nancy Drew books. They were paid $125 per book and were required to give up their rights to their works and to maintain confidentiality. Harriet Adams (Stratemeyer's daughter) rewrote the original books and added new titles after the withdrawal of Mildred Benson nee Wirt.