Zhong Cheng, an experienced editor at a publishing house, found an envelope of submission on the desk of an editor below the other day. Originally, he didn't pay much attention to it, but after taking it apart and looking at it out of boredom, he couldn't help but be surprised. Judging by his many years of experience, this is definitely a fairy tale with high literary and publishing value.

Of course, as the editor-in-chief of a publishing house, he values not only this book, but the author of this book, which will be a very potential writer.

Zhong Cheng did not hesitate at all, and asked the people below to quickly book the train tickets for that night, and went straight to Gucheng County from Jiangcheng City. Then it took a lot of effort to find Su Chenyu's house, but unfortunately, there was only one old lady in the house, and it was said that the old lady had just brought a comrade from the capital to find someone.

As soon as he heard that it was a comrade from the capital, Zhong Cheng suddenly became nervous, and he knew that he was likely to meet a competing peer opponent. But there was no way, although Zhong Cheng was in a hurry, he could only wait at Su Chenyu's house until noon.

After sitting on the boss for a while and drinking several cups of tea, Zhong Cheng raised his hand and looked at his watch and found that it was already twelve o'clock, and he couldn't help but be a little anxious. He didn't know if the family would come back for lunch at noon, but just as he wanted to stand up and ask the old lady, he saw a group of people walking in from outside.

"Who are you, comrade?" Su Zhenbang asked vigilantly as he looked at a stranger at home.

Zhong Cheng looked at Su Zhenbang and thought that he was Su Chenyu, so he hurriedly introduced: "You are Su Chenyu? I am Zhong Cheng, the editor-in-chief of Changjiang Publishing House." ”

As soon as Liu Yu heard Zhong Cheng's introduction, he knew that he was coming to the opponent now.

After listening to Zhong Cheng's words, Su Zhenbang knew that this person was the same as Comrade Liu, and he came for the book, so he smiled and waved his hand and said: "Comrade Zhong, I am not Su Chenyu, I am Su Chenyu's father, my name is Su Zhenbang." ”

When Zhong Cheng heard Su Zhenbang's words, and then saw Su Zhenbang pointing to a child and saying that he was Su Chenyu, he couldn't help but be stunned. He didn't expect this Su Chenyu to be so young, no, so young, and he couldn't help but wonder if he was looking for the wrong person. So he hurriedly asked Su Chenyu about it, and under this question, he couldn't help but sigh that the world is changing too fast, even children can write such excellent works.

When lunch time was approaching, Su Zhenbang naturally wanted to entertain these two editors from the north and south, after all, they came for Su Chenyu.

"Xiaoyu, you can show us the original manuscript now. Liu Yu knew that he couldn't avoid Zhong Cheng's competitor this time, so he simply said directly.

Su Chenyu was not hypocritical, and took out the original manuscript of "Xiaobei Wanderings" written by himself directly from the house. After Liu Yu and Zhong Cheng read the original manuscript, they already believed in their hearts that the person in front of them was undoubtedly the author. Then there is no need to rush about the next thing, it depends on which of the two families offers the highest price.

The two of them had traveled more than a thousand miles from the capital and Jiangcheng respectively to come here, and now that they had eaten and drunk enough, they could finally take a break. The two chatted with Su Zhenbang and Feng Ying about Su Chenyu, obviously they both wanted to know more about this genius little writer.

Although we talked for a long time, we finally got back to the main topic, that is, how to publish the book and what to do about the specific matters. These things are what Liu Yu and Zhong Cheng are most concerned about, and they are also the focus of this trip.

"Comrade Zhenbang, our publishing house has decided to publish this book by Su Chenyu. Liu Yu took the lead and said: "We will pay the manuscript fee according to the highest standard, how about 20 yuan per thousand words?"

Seeing that Liu Yu had snatched the lead, Zhong Cheng didn't dare to lag behind and said: "Our publishing house is also willing to publish this book under the same conditions." ”

"This matter, Xiaoyu, you decide. ”

In the surprised eyes of Liu Yu and Zhong Cheng, Su Zhenbang left such a big matter to a child to decide, and he couldn't help but feel too child's play.

Su Chenyu looked at the two editors-in-chief and listened to what they meant, it seemed that the two publishing houses were only willing to pay for their manuscripts, which was obviously different from Su Chenyu's expectations. If you only calculate the remuneration, Su Chenyu can't get much money for this book, and there is no way that there is no royalty in this era.

Royalties were abolished in the 60s and replaced by mandatory remuneration rules, so writers are now living a "hard time". How can there be such a good thing as tens of millions of writers in the future, and they are all getting a pitiful remuneration.

It was not until 1999 that the royalty system of publishing was reintroduced to the publishing world.

So in the face of this situation, Su Chenyu was stunned for a while, he had to think about how to maximize his interests. If it is said that it is obviously unrealistic not to publish it now and publish it after 1999, and he still has a lot of money to write the book, but what should he do?

After being stunned for a while, in everyone's surprised eyes, Su Chenyu got up and went back to the house to take out another thing, and then handed it to Liu Yu and Zhong Cheng respectively. Liu Yu and Zhong Cheng took the things suspiciously, only to find that it was a new manuscript, and they couldn't help but be overjoyed, and they buried their heads in reading it regardless of the occasion.

The minutes passed by minute by second, and after about twenty minutes had passed, both of them raised their heads and glanced at each other, both of whom could see the surprise in each other's eyes.

Su Chenyu was surprised to see the two of them, but they were obviously still within the range of bearing, so he brought another thing. Liu Yu and Zhong Cheng took a look, and they were completely shocked at this moment, and the two continued to bury their heads in browsing. If it was just a surprise just now, this time it was completely shocking.

However, Su Chenyu obviously didn't want to let these two go, so he handed over another thing. But this time both of them were no longer so shocked, because they were numb. After reading it all, Liu Yu and Zhong Cheng glanced at each other, and they both read the same meaning from each other's eyes - unbelievable.

Su Chenyu was very satisfied with the expressions of the two, so he said slowly. "The manuscript I read just now is what I wrote recently, and I believe that both of you can see the publication value of it, so I won't say more. ”

"I don't know, classmate Su Chenyu, what do you mean?" asked Liu Yu directly and straight to the point.

"I believe in my potential and value, both of you can see it. Su Chenyu also ignored Liu Yu's question, and said to himself: "I don't agree with the publication of the remuneration system. ”

"But now it's all this kind of publishing, and when publishing books are issued, publishers give authors a certain amount of basic remuneration and print retention, which is also the rule of the domestic publishing industry. Zhong Cheng thought that Su Chenyu didn't understand the rules, so he introduced: "However, in view of the great value of your book, our publishing house will give a certain subsidy." ”

"Editor-in-Chief Liu also means this?" asked Su Chenyu to Liu Yu.

Liu Yu nodded and agreed with Zhong Cheng's statement, the two are now comrades on the same front.

Su Chenyu didn't say anything else, took back his manuscript and said, "Those two, please go back." ”

"Hey, Su Chenyu has something to talk about. Liu Yu and Zhong Cheng saw that Su Chenyu was leaving, and quickly stood up and said.

Su Zhenbang and Feng Ying were also confused, and they didn't know what to do, so they could only stand by and watch, and let Su Chenyu deal with it by himself.

"The two editors-in-chief, what I mean is very simple, that is, even if I don't publish these books, I will not accept such a cheap basic remuneration. Also, I'm not one of those writers who makes a living climbing lattice, writing is just my hobby. I can wait until I have the ability to publish it at my own expense. Su Chenyu didn't beat around the bush and said bluntly.

"Then what do you want to do?" Liu Yu looked at Su Chenyu, he was in his forties and felt like the experienced writers he had faced in the past.

Su Chenyu finally stated his purpose: "Use royalties to pay for this book." ”

"This is absolutely impossible, this method has no precedent in China, and it is likely to violate the relevant laws and regulations. When Zhong Cheng heard this, he fiercely objected.

"I'm just saying what I think, and it's up to you to disagree, so it's a big deal that I'll save these books for a few years. "Su Chenyu is now as if Zhizhu is in his hands.

Liu Yu looked at Su Chenyu, and then involuntarily took out a cigarette and lit it, as if thinking about the feasibility of this matter. After half a cigarette, Liu Yu looked at Su Chenyu and asked, "Then how much royalty do you want?"

Zhong Cheng couldn't help but be surprised when he heard this, knowing that no one had opened this opening since the 60s when the royalty payment method was stopped. He couldn't help but look at Liu Yu deeply, wondering if the publishing house in their capital had heard some rumors.

In fact, the state attaches more and more importance to the cause of cultural publishing, and also attaches great importance to the treatment of writers. Since the Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee, there have been several provisions to raise the basic remuneration of authors. So the reform of remuneration will definitely take place, and the payment of remuneration by royalties is also imperative, but that may be a few years away. Now we are only at the forefront of reform, and we are probably the first to try it. Su Chenyu saw that Liu Yu was a little loose, and couldn't help but explain again.

Liu Yu and Zhong Cheng's faces both changed for the better, but they still looked pensive.

Suddenly, Zhong Cheng seemed to have made up his mind and asked, "How much royalty do you want?"

“15%。 Su Chenyu said a very painful number.

"No way, even if the royalty rate is too high. Liu Yu was really a little anxious this time and said.

"I admire Mr. Hu Shizhi the most, and I have always taken him as my role model. The royalty rate for all of his books is not lower than 15%, and there was a rule of '15% for the first edition and 20% for the second edition'. Su Chenyu began to pretend to say: "Of course I don't dare to compare myself with Mr., but the tax rate can't be too small." ”

Of course, Su Chenyu knew that this was impossible, but negotiating, it was natural to allow the sky to ask for a price, and of course you could also bargain on the ground. In fact, Su Chenyu wanted to say that although I can't compare with Mr. Hu Shizhi, there is also a controversial young writer in later generations who has also received a 20% royalty rate, but this matter cannot be used as a bargaining chip now.

"Either I'll take a step back, just 14%, and I won't make it too difficult for you. Su Chenyu knew that a 15% royalty rate was absolutely impossible, so he took a step back.

Liu Yu said: "I can't be the master of this matter alone, I have to ask the editor-in-chief and the president." ”

"Me too, it's too heavy. Zhong Cheng also echoed.

"Then we'll talk about it tomorrow. Su Chenyu knew that this kind of thing was definitely not something that the two of them could decide.

The two were arranged by Su Zhenbang to the county's guest house, how they should consult the publishing house, this is not something that Su Chenyu can care about. However, Su Chenyu was interrogated by Su Zhenbang and Feng Ying at night, and of course he was questioned by other people in the family.

The next day, Liu Yu and Zhong Cheng came again, and this time many people from the Su family were there. Su Zhongping, Su Zhongwen, Ye Yunxiu and Wen Zhaolin didn't go to work and were all there, of course, Su Zhenbang and Feng Ying were naturally indispensable.

"Two editors-in-chief, what's going on?" asked Su Chenyu.

"Our president agreed to pay royalties, but 14% was too high. Liu Yu said.

That's what we mean. ”

When Su Chenyu heard that the two publishing houses agreed, he couldn't help but secretly rejoice, as long as he agreed to pay the remuneration with royalties, the rest of the things were easy to discuss.

However, after negotiations, it is obvious that no one will let go first, and the two sides have a confrontation again, and finally the two sides still reach an agreement.

Su Chenyu handed over the first part of "Xiaobei Wanderings" and "Little Master of China" to Changjiang Publishing House, and gave the first part of "Blue Mouse and Big Face Cat" and "Digimon" to Juvenile and Children's Literature and Art Publishing House. The parties agreed to pay the remuneration in the form of basic remuneration plus royalties, the basic remuneration is 10 yuan per 1,000 words, and the royalty is paid at a royalty rate of 12%. At the same time, Su Chenyu will also retain the right to adapt comics and animations, and the overseas distribution rights will be granted to the two publishing houses. But in the end, there is a rule that within the next six years, Su Chenyu's new work needs to be given priority to two companies.

Obviously, Su Chenyu took a big advantage in this contract, but the last one was more important to the two publishing houses. After the contract was drawn up, Su Chenyu checked it again, and finally Su Zhenbang, as Su Chenyu's guardian, signed it.

After that, under the construction of Liu Yu and Zhong Cheng, Su Chenyu gave himself a pen name - Chen Shiyu, a name that will resound in the literary world in the future.

The publisher decided to publish the book as soon as possible, and the sample book would be sent as soon as possible.

Su Chenyu didn't know that this time to use royalties to pay for the remuneration of the first crab to eat the role of the first crab would bring a great change to the entire publishing and literary circles, and the royalty system would be reused more than ten years in advance.

Of course, these are not Su Chenyu's concerns, he is just a little butterfly......