sovbooks 8: Recommendations
8: Recommendations
Gu Jianping smiled somewhat embarrassedly when he realized he had guessed wrong. However, he did remember Han Wen's name and had some impression of him now.
"Professor Cao, let's get down to business." He changed the subject, looking at the manuscript as he said, "I personally really like your book, and I'm very optimistic about its market prospects."
If all goes well, the manuscript should be approved by the editorial department soon and then published. If you have no further comments, we can sign the contract now.
30 yuan per thousand words—that's the highest price I, as a new editor, can offer. I hope you won't be disappointed.
"30 yuan per thousand words is fine, it's the national regulation, I understand." Cao Guilin had no objection: "Besides, you're a new editor and I'm a new author, it really is a coincidence."
My book had never been favored by any editor, nor was it sought after by any editor, and no publisher was willing to publish it.
It's truly remarkable that this has been published in your October magazine. To be honest, I should thank you.
"It's such a coincidence! I was also short of manuscripts, which is why I tried to commission an article from you. I didn't expect to gain so much from this experience."
"It's all fate, Teacher Cao, please don't stand on ceremony with me." Gu Jianping nodded, opened the drawer, took out the contract, and handed it to Cao Guilin: "Teacher Cao, this is the contract. Please take a look at it carefully. If there are no problems, you can sign it directly. As for the royalties, they will be paid to you in full within six months according to the regulations."
"Okay." Cao Guilin quickly finished reading the contract, signed it, and asked, "After signing this contract, is there nothing else to do?"
"I can't guarantee anything for now. If anything else happens during the publication process, I'll try to communicate with you then," Gu Jianping replied.
At this moment, Han Wen brought over two cups of tea and placed them in front of the two people respectively.
"Hanwen, tell me the typing fee, and I'll give you the money," Cao Guilin said, picking up his teacup and taking a sip.
Han Wen took out a list he had prepared in advance from his pocket and handed it to Cao Guilin: "Teacher Cao, I rounded it down for you, just give me a whole number."
Cao Guilin took the list, glanced at it briefly, and then took out his wallet and started taking out money.
"Teacher Cao, I really like your work, I really do."
"While reading it, I was almost completely engrossed, unable to tear myself away." Taking advantage of Cao Guilin counting the money, Han Wen suddenly said, "I'm very happy to see it published smoothly. However, I have a suggestion and an idea in my mind, and I wonder if I could share it with you and Senior Brother Gu?"
"Go ahead," Cao Guilin nodded.
"I feel the title of this book isn't very distinctive and doesn't quite match the content," Han Wen said directly. "If we changed the title to 'Beijingers in New York,' it would probably be better. What do you guys think?"
"The Beijing Chinese in New York?" Cao Guilin was surprised and even stopped counting the money.
"Yes, Teacher Cao, I actually really enjoy reading and writing books." Han Wen nodded: "I started reading extracurricular books when I was in elementary school, and during the five years from junior high to high school, I wrote nearly a million words of manuscripts."
However, my writing is so poor that it's hardly worthy of serious consideration. Therefore, I haven't officially submitted it yet.
I just felt that the title "Going Abroad" was a bit bland and ordinary, not very appealing. That's why I came up with another title.
Teacher Cao, this is just my personal opinion, one person's view. If you agree, I'll be overjoyed. If you disagree, I hope you won't blame me for being rash and ignorant.
"Xiao Gu, how do you feel?" Cao Guilin asked.
"Teacher Cao, please don't be angry if I'm telling you the truth," Gu Jianping said with a smile.
"Go ahead!" Cao Guilin nodded.
"I personally think that the new book title proposed by Hanwen is worth the money," he said, holding up one finger.
"One hundred yuan." Cao Guilin understood that Gu Jianping had already decided to adopt the new book title proposed by Han Wen.
Actually, he also felt that the new book title was very good and liked it very much, so he directly pointed out an extra hundred-dollar bill, ready to buy the book title.
"Teacher Cao, I didn't mean one hundred yuan, I meant one thousand yuan." Gu Jianping couldn't help but laugh after seeing Cao Guilin's actions.
"That's worth so much?" Cao Guilin was stunned. "I can afford to give you a hundred yuan, but I really can't afford to give you a thousand yuan. That's all the royalties I get for this book. Never mind."
"Teacher Cao, if you and Senior Brother Gu really like this new book title, you can use it directly. I don't want any money," Han Wen quickly interjected.
"Alright, I'll have the magazine cover the cost. But I need to negotiate a lower price." Gu Jianping thought for a moment before saying, "600 yuan, in Korean, how about that?"
He genuinely liked the new book title and couldn't bear to give it up. It wouldn't be reasonable or appropriate for Cao Guilin to pay for it, so the magazine's accounts had to be used instead.
"Senior Brother Gu, you really don't need to do this," Han Wen said, still politely declining.
"Han Wen, this is the reward you deserve. Don't keep refusing," Cao Guilin suddenly interjected. "Knowledge is wealth, and talented people all have their own value. Actually, I also feel that the title of this new book is excellent and worth the price."
"Teacher Cao, since you've put it that way, I'll respectfully accept your offer. Thank you and Senior Brother Gu." Han Wen had no choice but to nod.
"Hanwen, I have high hopes for you. So, don't be shy with me."
Also, since you enjoy writing books and have manuscripts, remember to keep in touch with Xiao Gu whenever you have time.” Cao Guilin said with a smile, “I live abroad and rarely have the opportunity to return to China.”
In the future, if I need anything in China, I'm afraid I'll need to ask you to handle it for me.
I'll write you a power of attorney right now, and have Xiao Gu witness it in front of you.
"From now on, if there are any problems with my manuscript, he can contact you directly, and you can resolve them for me."
"Teacher Cao, it's so kind of you to trust me like this. I'm truly honored and couldn't ask for more." Han Wen was very happy.
"Since you've agreed, I'll leave you my overseas address and phone number as well," Cao Guilin said, while asking Gu Jianping to get her paper and a pen.
He wrote the authorization form on the paper, left his address and phone number, signed his name, and handed it to Han Wen along with all the money in his hand: "Write me the address of Ningning Typing Shop as well. If I need anything, I will write to you in advance. Then, we can contact each other by phone."
Han Wen nodded, and without being polite to Cao Guilin, he put away the money and the letter of authorization, and left the address of Ningning Typing Shop with the other party.
The three of them signed the necessary contracts and settled accounts in just over an hour.
Then, Han Wen and Cao Guilin walked out of the magazine office together, preparing to leave.
"Teacher Cao, where are you going now? If it's not far, I can give you a ride on my bike," Han Wen said, pointing to a bicycle not far away.
"Haha, Han Wen, thank you so much. But don't go to all that trouble, I can just take a taxi myself." Cao Guilin was very happy and shook her head with a smile.
"Then I'll wait until you get a taxi before I leave, and I'll keep you company for a while." Han Wen didn't insist.
"Okay." Cao Guilin did not refuse.
The two stood by the roadside for a while before a minivan arrived. After Cao Guilin got into the van, Han Wen waved goodbye to him.
After seeing Cao Guilin off, Han Wencai hopped on his bicycle and sped off towards Zhongguancun.