RBCT 18: Help them get on their horse and see them off for a while.
18: Help them get on their horse and see them off for a while.
The three people entered the teahouse and sat down. Hanwen called over a waiter and asked the two of them to order tea and pastries.
The teahouse on the island in the middle of Zizhuyuan Lake has a very nice environment, but the prices are very low, so the two of them don't need to deliberately save money for Hanwen.
After the tea and snacks were served, the three of them sipped the tea and talked about business.
Cao Guilin's book, "Chinese in Beijing in New York," was not carefully revised or polished because the magazine publisher was in such a hurry at the time.
It has some flaws in its writing style and some incompleteness in its story.
Bai Shurong's main purpose in coming here was to acquire the publishing rights to this book. Then, it will involve revising and supplementing the new version.
Since Cao Guilin himself is not in the country, he naturally cannot revise the manuscript himself, and the publisher cannot find someone to revise the manuscript for him.
Firstly, he had no obligation to do so, and secondly, he was afraid the original author would be dissatisfied. Therefore, he entrusted this important matter to Han Wen.
This is a tremendous trust, and Han Wen feels honored. Of course, he's also very happy. As for pressure, it doesn't exist.
Because he himself is the author, although he's not famous yet. Of course, he may never be famous.
However, when it comes to writing skill, character portrayal, and story control, Korean script is truly second to none.
After all, "Beijingers in New York" is Cao Guilin's first work, so it's not necessarily true that the writing is particularly concise.
This book's strengths lie in its well-developed characters, captivating story, and unique setting. That's why it became an instant hit.
After hearing Bai Shurong make his request, Han Wen nodded: "When I was printing this manuscript for Teacher Cao, I actually realized that the story was not complete."
This isn't a major problem; I can make corrections and additions.
It won't be too long; it's just a slight adjustment to the whole book, about ten thousand words should be enough.
Copyright issues can be addressed according to copyright law, with a maximum authorization period of ten years, and only covering publishing rights. Film adaptation rights, as well as other rights, are not included.
Next came the calculation of royalties. After "Beijing Chinese in New York" was published in the October magazine, it became a nationwide sensation.
Now, Teacher Cao is a nationally renowned writer, so I don't want a high basic royalty, but the highest one.
In addition, royalties based on print runs will be calculated according to the highest percentage of the basic royalties. ..."
Bai Shurong listened and nodded, but couldn't help but sigh.
Because Han Wen is very familiar with copyright law and understands how royalties are calculated.
Moreover, he was only willing to grant the publishing rights for simplified Chinese, keeping all other rights to himself.
However, just as Han Wen said, "Beijing Chinese in New York" has become a huge hit, and Cao Guilin is now very popular in China.
His fame was enough for the publisher to make concessions, so she actually had no objection to Hanwen's terms.
After finalizing the deal for "Beijingers in New York," Han Wen shamelessly produced his three book manuscripts.
This is an appreciation piece for Bai Shurong, a senior figure at the publishing house, and Gu Jianping, a rising star at the magazine, hoping to receive their guidance, support, and assistance.
As an editor at a publishing house, what I want most is good manuscripts.
Because if you land a good article, it means more than just an increase in prize money; it also means a significant boost in fame, the benefits of which are immeasurable.
Like Gu Jianping, who achieved remarkable success after securing the rights to publish "Chinese in New York." He is now a highly sought-after figure in the magazine publishing industry.
So even though Han Wen was a new writer and his manuscript wasn't likely to be excellent, the two of them still read it carefully.
Regardless, Han Wen was Cao Guilin's favorite newcomer. Moreover, three of his short stories and novellas were published in a magazine in Jinghua City.
It's absolutely impossible to say he has no talent or ability.
The tea can be refilled, and snacks can be added. The two people can enjoy tea while reading their manuscripts.
A manuscript of two or three hundred thousand words cannot be read in a short time. However, neither of them are newcomers to the publishing industry; they are veterans and geniuses.
By roughly reviewing 20,000 to 30,000 words, or 40,000 to 50,000 words, one can determine whether a manuscript meets the requirements for publication and publication.
Then, the market response to the work and its popularity with readers should be considered.
To their surprise, the manuscript written in Korean was of surprisingly good quality; the writing style, the story, and the characters were all outstanding.
The only strange thing is that it gives people the illusion that the story is very naive, but the writing style is very mature.
The manuscript that Han Wen wrote when he was a student in his previous life naturally carries a unique youthful style and atmosphere.
After his rebirth, when he revised and polished his work, his writing style was naturally different from that of a young person who lacked experience and depth.
There was nothing that could be done about it. Korean writers could only work on the writing style; they couldn't change the characters or the story. Otherwise, the manuscript would have been completely ruined.
"Hanwen, I have high hopes for your book. According to our publishing house's review requirements, it has a good chance of being published." Bai Shurong held up the manuscript of "People in Cave Villages" and said with a smile, "I want this manuscript."
However, even though Xiao Cao admires and appreciates you, you won't get his price or treatment.
"Teacher Bai, you're exaggerating. My level is worlds apart from Teacher Cao's; how could I dare to compare myself to him?" Han Wen knew the other party was joking with him, and put on a very embarrassed look: "You should treat him as a newcomer, a complete newcomer."
As long as I don't have to pay the publisher, there's no problem even if there's no royalties.
"I don't really want to pay you royalties, but I'm afraid of being accused of bullying the weak." Bai Shurong glanced at Gu Jianping, implying, "Besides, the royalties are paid by the publishing house, not by me, so I have no reason to save money for the company."
The base royalty is 1200, and the print run royalty is 8%. Do you think this is acceptable?
"Great, that's wonderful. Teacher Bai, I really need to thank you for your generosity." Han Wen nodded happily.
"You don't need to thank me. I'm just like Xiao Cao, I just appreciate talent."
There aren't many writers in China these days, and even fewer with real talent. It's rare to find someone with such talent and gift; I can't ignore it.
"Consider it helping you get on your horse and seeing you off for a while." Bai Shurong said with a smile, "In the future, if you become famous and achieve great success, I hope you will still remember your teacher."
"Teacher Bai, don't worry, I'm not an ungrateful person. I will remember your kindness to me today." Han Wen nodded vigorously.
"I can tell, Han Wen, you're doing very well." Bai Shurong smiled, her expression gratified.
"Since Teacher Bai has made his choice, I'll pick one too." Gu Jianping waved the manuscript in his hand: "Single-Parent Family, this is it."
"I've taken the manuscript with me today. You can come to the magazine office anytime you're free. We can discuss the contract and payment then."
"Senior Brother Gu, thank you for your care. I am very grateful." Han Wen nodded, very happy.