Chapter 415 Grandet
In 1911, Gaston Gallimard, who was only 29 years old, founded Gallimard. Half a century later, under the leadership of Gaston Gallimard, literary books accounted for almost half of the French publishing in the 20th century.
During this half century, four of Gaston Gallimard's authors won the Nobel Prize in Literature, and his published works won the Goncourt Prize 19 times, the French Academy's Grand Prix de Novel 12 times, the Union Prize 8 times, and the Medici Prize 4 times...
“For French and European readers, Gallimard is synonymous with French literature. The works published by our publishing house not only represent the highest achievements of French literature, but also the highest achievements of European literature!”
This was the first time that Lin Weimin chatted with the French in real life. He had only heard about them before, but this time he finally saw them in person.
A true Gallic rooster!
This guy can brag more than Lao Mi!
That’s not right. He is not bragging. After all, what he said are real achievements.
I can only say that he is a bit pretentious. Teacher Lin is most annoyed by people who are more pretentious than him. This is called like repels like.
After patiently listening to Roman Galiyan's story, Lin Weimin said, "Mr. Galiyan, shall we discuss the details of the novel's publication?"
Romain Gallian smiled upon hearing this, "Mr. Lin, that's great. Your decision is wise. Gallimard Publishing House is an important publishing house in the French literary world..."
Lin Weimin and WS department translator Comrade Liang looked at each other with helpless expressions. The translator coughed and interrupted: "Mr. Gariyan, let's talk about business first."
Roman Gallian said happily: "Of course, let's talk about it!"
In order to prevent this guy from talking nonsense again, Lin Weimin asked him to negotiate the terms directly.
"The first print run will be 50,000 copies, and the royalties will be 6%." Roman Gallian offered the price.
Lin Weimin was so angry that he almost slammed the table on the spot, but because of the presence of his colleagues from the WS department, he had to suppress his temper.
"Mr. Gallijan, I think you, Gallimard Publishing House, may not be very clear. The novel "The Lover" has been published in many English-speaking countries, and the sales are still good. The royalties the publisher gave me are much higher than your offer."
Gary raised his eyebrows, not panicking at all, with a look of mastery, "We at Gallimard Publishing House are aware of the situation you are talking about. But you have to know that our Gallimard Publishing House has produced four Nobel Prize winners in Literature, and its works have won the Goncourt Prize 19 times and the French Academy Novel Prize 12 times... Hey, Mr. Lin, where are you going?"
Lin Weimin was forcibly pulled by Comrade Liang and stopped at the door. "Teacher Lin, Teacher Lin, calm down. This is a negotiation after all. He said his thing and you said your thing. You can't just give up and leave!"
This Gallic rooster is so fucking annoying!
You run so many literary awards, does it have anything to do with me?
What? You think I'm a rookie who has never published a book!
If Lin Weimin hadn't been concerned about the WS staff being here, he would have really wanted to just leave.
Being dragged back to the negotiation table, he impatiently said to Comrade Liang: "Tell him that the royalties are 15% and the first print run is 100,000 copies. We can talk, but if not, get lost!"
Comrade Liang looked embarrassed. This statement cannot be translated casually.
He said to Roman Gallian in French: "Mr. Gallian, Mr. Lin said that the royalties for the novel are 15% and the first print run is 100,000 copies. This is his bottom line."
Roman was shocked when Lin Weimin quit the job just because of a disagreement. When Lin Weimin came back, he restrained himself a little, but still said, "No, no, no, this price is too high. We can't accept it."
Comrade Liang translated what Jialiyang said to Lin Weimin. He spread his hands and said, "Comrade Liang, you see, it's not that I don't want to, it's that they can't afford the price, they are too insincere. Let's leave it at that for today. You treat this foreign guest well, and I will go back first."
After Lin Weimin finished speaking, he stood up again, and Comrade Liang quickly translated his words to Garyan.
Gariyang was confused as he listened. Mr. Lin, why are you leaving again?
"We are Gallimard Publishing House. We have won four Nobel Prizes in Literature, 19 Goncourt Prizes, and 12 French Academy Novel Prizes..."
Jialiyang kept chasing after Lin Weimin and muttering to him, while Comrade Liang kept translating beside him like a resentful person.
Lin Weimin ignored Jialiyang's words and angrily said to Comrade Liang: "Comrade Liang, take him away, take him away!"
He finally realized that Roman Gallian came here purely to get something for free!
I guess he was used to fooling newcomers by relying on his outstanding achievements in the past, and now he wants to take advantage of Lin Weimin.
It's a pity that Mr. Lin is knowledgeable and has seen a lot, but he won't release the eagle until he sees the rabbit. Don't say that you are Gallimard Publishing House. Even if you are the Nobel Prize in Literature, you should not pay a penny less in royalties!
This is a matter of principle!
Comrade Liang failed to hold Lin Weimin back after all. Looking at his receding back, Roman Galiyan was confused.
"What does this Mr. Lin mean? Doesn't he want his novel to be published in France?"
Comrade Liang looked at Roman Galiyan helplessly, "Mr. Galiyan, Mr. Lin receives millions of dollars in royalties from overseas every year. He cooperates with world-renowned publishers such as Random House in the United States, and the royalties are all based on the standards of famous authors. And Nihong's New Trend Publishing House also pays the same as Random House. You only pay 6% of the royalties, which he thinks is an insult to him."
Romain Gallienne said: "But our Gallimard Publishing House has produced four Nobel Prize winners..."
Out of diplomatic etiquette, Comrade Liang could not just walk away like Lin Weimin, but in his heart he was almost rolling his eyes to the sky.
He could only suppress his irritation and said, "Mr. Gallijan, even if Gallimard Publishing House wins more Nobel Prizes in Literature, it has nothing to do with Mr. Lin. If you want to publish his books, you have to give him a price that satisfies him. You have to understand that he is not a fledgling new writer. On the contrary, his works have a wide influence in China, Japan, the United States and even English-speaking countries in the world."
Comrade Liang's last sentence is more or less a bit of bragging on behalf of Lin Weimin. The word "widespread" is a bit exaggerated, but the influence is real. After all, the cumulative sales of his novels abroad have exceeded 2 million copies.
In fact, it’s not that Gallijan doesn’t understand this logic. He is just used to flying the banner of Gallimard Publishing House and has become accustomed to this way of thinking.
“But Mr. Liang, you have to understand that our Gallimard Publishing House has a huge market share in the French book market.
We have acquired De Noel Publishing, Round Table Publishing, French Mercury Publishing House, and hold shares in many small and medium-sized publishing houses such as Bookstore Company, Atlantic Publishing House, Dictionary and Encyclopedia Publishing House, and Good Book Club..."
Comrade Liang felt helpless and had to correct him: "Mr. Jialiyang, what you said has anything to do with Mr. Lin? You are just going to publish his novel, not give him shares in the company."
He added: "If you want to publish someone's novel, shouldn't you give them the corresponding treatment and respect?"
Comrade Liang knew he had spoken out of turn after he said this. As a WS staff member, he must always pay attention to etiquette and discipline, and not say anything he wants.
A day later, Roman Gallian appeared at the Guowen Society again and gave Lin Weimin another offer.
Royalties 8%, first print run 50,000 copies.
Lin Weimin glanced at Comrade Liang who was accompanying him, and Comrade Liang spread his hands helplessly.
Lin Weimin shook his head and sent Gary Yangli out the door.
"Mr. Liang, do you know that those unknown writers and their works can not only win world-renowned heavyweight awards under the management of our Gallimard Publishing House, but their works can also be translated into various languages and sell tens of millions of copies."
Comrade Liang said expressionlessly: "Mr. Lin's novels have already sold more than 2 million copies overseas."
After being rebuked, Garyan was not angry. He was silent for a moment and said, "Do all writers in your country love money so much?"
"I think writers all over the world are the same. After all, they make a living from writing and royalties."
Comrade Liang's words left Galiyan speechless.
When he came back the next day, Garyan's attitude finally straightened out. "12% royalties, first print run of 80,000 copies."
Lin Weimin put down the manuscript in his hand and looked up at Roman Galiyan. "Mr. Galiyan, this quotation is the only right thing you have done except wasting your time these days."
The price of 12% is in line with Lin Weimin's psychological expectations. 15% is a bit exaggerated as he is not considered a famous artist in France.
But in negotiations, you have to ask for a high price and pay the low price.
You're so ungrateful after getting an advantage!
Roman Gallian didn't know this ancient Chinese saying, but he thought so in his heart. If the domestic side hadn't urged him to pay, he really didn't want to give this price.
What famous writer?
It's just Grandet!
Once the money issue was discussed, everything became easy and both parties signed the publishing contract as quickly as possible.
After the signing was completed, Roman Gallian shook hands with Lin Weimin like a gentleman, but his words were full of resentment.
"Mr. Lin, you really don't look like a writer."
Lin Weimin did not fall into his trap. Instead, he responded sharply: "Next time if your company wants to publish my novel, please find someone else."
After they finished talking, they looked at each other and actually felt a sense of mutual appreciation.
"Haha! Congratulations! We are able to facilitate the cooperation between Gallimard and Mr. Lin. The solidarity, friendship and cultural exchanges between China and France have taken another solid step forward!"
Comrade Liang, who was standing by, was afraid that the two would start an argument, so he quickly laughed it off.
Unexpectedly, Lin Weimin and Roman Galiyan both smiled in tacit understanding.
He shook hands again, "Happy cooperation! Mr. Garyan!"
"It's a pleasure to work with you, Mr. Lin!"
(End of this chapter)
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