After a period of understanding and analysis, Ding Yun specifically chose a martial arts magazine with a good reputation, although many of its prominent authors had been poached and it was on the decline. However, its current channels and readership were not bad, so she submitted her manuscript there.
Of course, she didn't intend to pin all her hopes on this one publication. If this magazine, which she considered most suitable, rejected her work, she would naturally submit it elsewhere.
She refused to believe there wouldn't be someone who could recognize its worth.
As it turned out, Ding Yun's judgment was indeed quite good. Even though the martial arts magazine she favored was on the decline, it was only because they had fewer outstanding works. Their ability to discern quality, however, remained.
The editor responsible for reviewing manuscripts at the magazine took one look at the thirty thousand characters Ding Yun had sent and immediately felt that this work had the potential to become popular. At the very least, he enjoyed reading it immensely and wanted to continue.
As an editor who had read countless manuscripts, he wouldn't claim that a novel he didn't like couldn't be popular, as one person's taste couldn't represent everyone, and there might be many who liked that particular genre. However, a novel he enjoyed and wanted to keep reading would certainly become popular.
Even if it didn't become a massive hit.
At the very least, it would achieve moderate success.
Therefore, he immediately printed several copies of the manuscript from his email and distributed them to other editors. After the other editors also found it quite good and were eager to know what happened next, he promptly went to the editor-in-chief's office with the manuscript, intending to secure favorable terms for the author.
The most important thing was to secure this author.
Without good treatment, how could they secure her?
Talking about ideals and making grand promises had lost its appeal; people now wanted tangible, visible proof in the form of cold, hard cash.
In the editor-in-chief's office, after carefully reading the thirty thousand characters, the editor-in-chief, Zhang Hanyu, pondered for a long time before speaking:
"The author's writing skills are very mature, but the style is something I've never encountered before. It doesn't resemble any familiar renowned martial arts author, and the content seems to incorporate a lot of Northern Dynasty historical background and a few historical figures. Furthermore, the various exquisite martial arts names look quite appealing and are very eye-catching.
To some extent, it has transcended the current framework of martial arts. If it continues to be this brilliant, it might even establish a new school within martial arts fiction and show the potential of a grandmaster. However, it doesn't feel like something a newcomer would write. Could it be that a traditional literary writer has entered the popular fiction market?
Perhaps they make good money writing popular literature but are hesitant to do so openly, so they used a pseudonym?
It's hard to say. Xiao Zhou, contact the author.
If it's a renowned martial arts author who, fearing that a sudden change in style might alienate readers or damage their reputation, specifically created a new identity and submitted the manuscript under a pen name to us, then we should offer them eighty percent of the standard manuscript fee. I believe they would be satisfied with that. After all, if they specifically used a pen name to submit, they likely don't have absolute confidence.
If it's a traditional writer using a pseudonym.
Let's see who it is. If they are well-known, offer them more. If their reputation is average, give them half the fee of a renowned martial arts author.
If it's a newcomer.
Since we have to take on a risk and are unsure if a newcomer can maintain their current standard, it's normal for them to start strong and end weak, or even for the story to fall apart.
So, the price should be slightly lower. Let's offer twenty yuan more per thousand characters than the normal market rate. Tell them that because it's their first book, we need to bear some risk, which is why the price is set so low. If they successfully complete this book without a weak ending or a disastrous conclusion, we will definitely increase the manuscript fee for the next one.
We can even increase the publishing royalties.
Do you understand what I mean?"
Although Editor-in-Chief Zhang felt it was highly unlikely that this martial arts novel was written by a newcomer, he still explained the treatment they should offer if it were.
This was to prevent Xiao Zhou from being confused and having to ask for further clarification.
"Understood. The author left a phone number. I'll contact them right away and inform you immediately if I get any news."
After acknowledging the instructions, Editor Zhou turned and left the editor-in-chief's office. He returned to his workstation and dialed the phone number Ding Yun had left in her email.
"Hello, is this Ding Yun?"
That's right, Ding Yun had used her real name as her pen name.
"Yes, it is."
As Ding Yun responded, Editor Zhou fell silent. He had initially assumed the author was a man, and at least middle-aged.
But listening to the voice on the other end.
It sounded like a young girl.
After a long pause, he hesitantly asked:
"Uh, I'm calling about the martial arts novel manuscript you submitted to our magazine. We wanted to contact you. May I be so bold as to ask if you are the owner of this phone number?
Do you have any family at home?"
It was as if he was asking if Ding Yun was using her father's phone to answer, and how could Ding Yun not understand his underlying meaning?
"I know what you're implying. You think the martial arts novel you received doesn't sound like something I wrote, right? Well, you're completely mistaken. I did write that novel, and I'm the one who sent it to you.
In fact, the first part is already completely finished.
The subsequent parts are also largely outlined, though they are currently undergoing self-correction, revision, and refinement. They should all be completed before the summer holidays. So, there's no need to doubt that I am the author. Since you're calling specifically, I assume you're interested in my manuscript.
So, let's cut to the chase.
What kind of contract do you intend to offer me?"
Although the original text of this novel was indeed purchased by Ding Yun, she had legally acquired it. Most importantly, after her modifications, there wasn't much content that resembled the original. The changes in the story structure and content were even more drastic than a screenwriter's adaptation.
Therefore, she spoke with considerable conviction.
When Editor Zhou heard that Ding Yun had the complete manuscript of the first part and was revising and perfecting the others, he immediately realized that, contrary to expectations, something unexpected had happened. The editor-in-chief had not anticipated this possibility.
So, he could only say:
"Uh, your situation is slightly different from what we anticipated. We thought you had just started writing the beginning, but we didn't expect you to have already completed it. In that case, the relevant terms will certainly differ from our initial plan. I can't make a decision on this. Could you please wait a moment? I need to discuss it with the editor-in-chief."
"Also, could you provide some identification?
At least provide your name and age. It's best not to withhold these details; use what's on your ID card."
"Certainly. My name on my ID card is Li Yun, I am eighteen years old, and I have already had my birthday. If there's no problem, I'll hang up now. I'll contact you again once there's a result."
Ding Yun answered sincerely, speaking the truth.
"Uh... okay, I understand.
After I speak with the editor-in-chief, I'll call you again as soon as there's a result. Please be available to answer your phone in the meantime."
...