Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 40 Royalties
"Publish?" Wu Jianping glanced at his son.

"Don't even think about it before the New Year."

Newcomers are often impatient after creating their own works, wishing that their work could be published and sold the very next day so that readers could see it.

Wu Jianping understood that his son was eager to publish "Bright Sword," but January was just before the Chinese New Year, and everyone at the publishing house was focused on the holiday. Even if everything was approved, they would still schedule it for after the New Year.

Wu Yuchen paused for a moment, surprised that even with his father being an insider, it would still be delayed until after the New Year. It would take at least a month or two for the market to react, so it seemed that relying on the novel's revenue would take at least another six months.

However, this is how things are done in China these days; efficiency isn't that important, and he's not some big shot who can be fawned over by others.

Wu Yuchen sighed inwardly; these things couldn't be rushed. He then asked:

"Dad, let me ask you, what percentage of royalties do you estimate you'll get?"

This concerns the revenue of the novel "Bright Sword," so Wu Yuchen can't help but care.

Wu Jianping extended his right thumb and forefinger and gestured.

"Eight percent? Dad, can't you even give us a preferential treatment within your own company and offer us ten percent?" Wu Yuchen frowned upon seeing this.

"Hey kid, what are you thinking? Getting 8 points is already a favor from the publisher!"

Wu Jianping chuckled and scolded, then began explaining to his son the current situation regarding royalties paid to authors by domestic publishing houses.

Currently, the royalty rate for writers in China ranges from 4% to 15%.

If you are an unknown new author and your book is just barely good enough to be published as a trial, you'll get the lowest royalty rate of 4%. If the publisher is optimistic about your work, you can probably get 5%-6% in royalties. Some well-known authors can get 7% or 8% in royalties. If you can get 10% in royalties, you've already stepped into the threshold of becoming a well-known author.

Currently, the domestic royalty ceiling is 15%. Do you know who that is?

Leaving aside Jin Yong, a native of Hong Kong, and not Shi Tiesheng or Yu Hua, who are generally considered literary giants, let's talk about Zheng Yuanjie, the "King of Children's Books." Although he writes children's books, they are truly bestsellers!
Yu Hua's "To Live" was also reprinted after it became a huge hit, and only then was it able to get 15%. Ultimately, this thing depends on your sales.

Wu Yuchen finally understood after listening to his father's explanation.

Initially, he thought that Han Han in his previous life could get 8% royalties for his first novel, "Triple Gate," and assumed that his father should be able to get even more.

However, when Han Han published "Triple Door", he was already a famous and talented young writer, so the publisher was willing to give him an 8% royalty.

However, this guy later broke the domestic royalty ceiling of 15% and received 20%, prompting Zheng Yuanjie to directly address him on his blog:

"Since the dawn of civilization, literature, and royalties on Earth, the last writer to enjoy a 20% royalty rate was Hu Shi. Back then, Hu Shi set a royalty rate of 15% for the first edition and 20% for the second edition. He would not publish a book if it was lower than this standard. My royalty rate for 'Pipilu's Adventures' is 15%. I also want to learn from Hu Shi and Han Han and strive for 20%."

This is how Lao Zheng is using Han Han to put pressure on his own publishing house.

Bringing his thoughts back, Wu Yuchen pondered to himself, "If that's the case, then Wu Jianping getting 8% must have been due to a discount from the publisher. Of course, the publisher must also be aware of Wu Jianping's abilities."

However, Wu Yuchen still felt that 8 points was a bit low!

Wu Yuchen had a sudden inspiration and asked his father:
"Dad, have you ever heard of tiered royalty systems in other countries?"

“You mean…” Wu Jianping has been in this line of work for many years, so he naturally knows about it.

"Dad, could you try to negotiate with the publisher? We could give up 8% and go with a tiered royalty system."

"If sales are below 3, I'll take 4%; 3-5, 5%; 50-100, 6%, and so on. Sales of 100 will get 10%, 1 million will get 12%, and if…" Wu Jianping interrupted his son with a laugh, waving his hand: "Wait a minute, 1 million copies? Do you really think your book will be an instant hit?"

Wu Yuchen chuckled: "Dad, I just have faith in you!"

Wu Jianping shook his head: "It's not as simple as you think!"

There doesn't seem to be a precedent for military-themed novels to be particularly popular before, so Wu Jianping is currently taking a conservative approach.

"Dad, put aside whether our book will be a hit or not, just tell me if this tiered royalty plan will work out?"

Wu Jianping hesitated for a moment, then said, "It's hard to say. After all, our publishing house has never had this precedent before, and it's rarely heard of in China. I guess we'll have to hold a meeting to discuss it later."

"Since this has never happened before, Dad, why don't you be the one to start this trend!"
Isn't everyone advocating learning from advanced foreign experiences these days?
It would be even better if this tiered royalty system didn't exist in China. Your publishing house should be the first to try it; that way, your appeal to authors will definitely surpass that of your competitors!

Wu Yuchen was enthusiastically encouraging his elderly father from the side.

Seeing his son's enthusiasm, and considering the validity of his words, Wu Jianping clicked his tongue:

"I'll go to my workplace and ask first, but it might not work out."

He's a senior member of the company, and he's a leader, no less. He can even talk to the top boss. We could try to bring it up, and use his book as a pilot case.

"Dad, you're the one who will succeed!" Wu Yuchen flattered his father.

"Hey, you little rascal, you're always causing me trouble!" Wu Jianping said, pointing at his son with a laugh.

Wu Jianping, who is middle-aged, had already gotten used to this leisurely and relaxed lifestyle, but he never expected that his son would suddenly keep him so busy.

But there was nothing he could do; after all, this was his son!
The next day, Wu Yuchen rushed back to school early in the morning.

Arriving at a corner of the school, I saw Jiang Qinqin doing morning exercises with several girls, practicing tongue twisters in Mandarin.

Wu Yuchen didn't disturb them, but stood aside and watched with great interest.

However, since he was a living, breathing person standing there, he was quickly noticed by the girl.

Several girls giggled at Jiang Qinqin, then Jiang Qinqin pushed them aside, ran to Wu Yuchen, and asked with a mixture of joy and shyness, "Why are you here?"

I miss you~

Wu Yuchen's words made Jiang Qinqin feel sweet inside.

"After you finish practicing, let's go have breakfast together," Wu Yuchen said with a smile, no longer teasing her.

He didn't even eat at home; he just came over to help Jiang Qinqin build up her favorability.

After yesterday's encounter, the two have now officially established a relationship.

Wu Yuchen didn't have any other thoughts; he just wanted to max out the intimacy level as soon as possible and achieve the home run achievement.

Thank you all for your votes! Are there any book list experts out there? I'd love to have a book list added!
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(End of this chapter)