Chapter 138 The Four Noble Truths Change Their Names…
Chapter 138
Lin Mujin is not a novice in the industry, so she will naturally defend her own interests without giving in.
Editor-in-Chief Ma said gently, "Ms. Lin, the rules of this industry aren't easily broken. You're a newcomer, so even if we admire your work, it's difficult for us to do anything about it. We're just optimistic about your work, but we don't know how it will be received. Over the years, there have been many works we've favored that haven't been very popular."
Lin Mujin also replied with a smile, "I'm a newcomer, but my work is mature enough, and I'm sure the two editors are aware of that. Besides, Cheng Bao is accepting high-paying articles from all over Hong Kong, and in the end, they offered me 20 yuan per thousand words. It's no joke, right? I feel a little cheated."
It’s not even as much as what the tabloids give her. Does that mean she can only write small, crappy articles?
He quickly shook his head to get rid of this terrible thought.
Editor Wu quickly said, "Don't worry, Miss Lin. Editor-in-Chief Ma's offer of 20 yuan per thousand words is definitely not low for a new writer. We used to offer 10 yuan per thousand words for new writers. You can also ask around at other newspapers; they're all around the same price."
Lin Mujin patted the manuscript on the table. "Is their work as mature, excellent, and innovative as mine? My confidence in bargaining with the two editors has nothing to do with whether they're new or not. It's my work, so our focus is different."
Editor-in-Chief Ma considered it for a moment and said, "This way, the fee remains the same, but as long as you maintain the same quality, I will recommend it for publication."
Lin Mujin didn't agree immediately, but asked, "How many copies are in the first print run? How many points can you give?"
Editor-in-Chief Ma and Editor Wu looked at each other and knew that Miss Lin really understood and could not be fooled.
Editor-in-Chief Ma said, "That depends on the serialization of the novel."
Lin Mujin understood that he was just promising her a happy ending. "Well, I agree to the fee, but the contract stipulates that I can publish the book during the serialization period."
Editor-in-Chief Ma was choked. "This... this won't work. Our newspaper only serializes articles, and we're not allowed to publish them during the serialization period."
Lin Mujin nodded with a smile and put away the letter. "Since our differences are so great, let's look forward to working together again next time. I'll go to the Express and ask."
Editor Wu quickly said, "Don't worry, Miss Lin, we are still discussing it."
Lin Mujin didn't stop. "You should have seen that I'm not a newcomer. I just don't want to continue on the same track. You treating me like a newcomer really hurts my reputation. I chose Cheng Bao in the first place because your newspaper's style is very consistent with my work. I didn't expect this result..."
He stood up and said, "I hope we can have the opportunity to cooperate again in the future."
After saying that, he turned around and prepared to leave.
She wasn't playing hard to get, because there were plenty of newspapers to choose from.
If this one doesn’t work, try another one.
Editor Wu took two quick steps to stop the person. "Ms. Lin, don't be impatient. Since you're the first one to come to us, it means you're optimistic about us. We can see that you're not a newcomer, but you must have been a newcomer before, so you know that you can't build a big building from scratch. Plus, this martial arts novel is your first attempt, and you're unwilling to disclose your previous works. If we rashly offer a high price, it will be difficult to explain to the higher-ups."
Lin Mujin was persuaded again. "I used to write about the pain of youth, which has nothing to do with martial arts. I'm ready to start over, but you can't treat me like a complete newcomer."
The three of them started negotiating again, and the final result was 25 yuan per thousand words.
It can be published when it reaches 350,000 words.
This is also the idea that Lin Mujin came up with, that is, both sides should work together for mutual benefit.
This is a new cooperation model, and Editor-in-Chief Ma thought it was worth a try, so he agreed.
He also verbally promised to recommend the book to the cooperating publishing house.
Lin Mujin was naturally grateful.
She discussed the subsequent details with Editor Wu. This time she directly submitted a manuscript of 100,000 words, which would take some time, so there was no rush to urge her to submit it.
Agree to submit the manuscript once a week, at least 30,000 words.
This word count requirement was naturally no problem, and Lin Mujin agreed very readily.
However, it is a bit troublesome that we cannot mail the manuscript here.
Fortunately, he comes once a week, so I can barely accept it.
"Ms. Lin, I'm confirming with you that your pen name is Zhuang Zhou, right?" Editor Wu asked.
Lin Mujin nodded, "Yes!"
Editor Wu stood up and said, "Okay, I'll go get the contract. Wait a moment."
It will take ten minutes for Editor Wu to come back.
He explained, "Because you have special requirements, the contract needs to be modified, which wastes some time."
Lin Mujin kept smiling, "I understand."
She took the contract and examined it carefully. She was very familiar with this type of contract, but she still read it patiently twice to make sure there were no traps before signing her name.
Editor Wu took a contract and said, "Our newspaper will remit the payment after the article is serialized, but don't worry, we won't delay the payment."
Lin Mujin was reassured about this. Such a large newspaper wouldn't be short of her small contributions. "How long will it take for this martial arts novel to be serialized?"
Editor Wu replied, "About five days later. But..."
Seeing the other party's hesitation, Lin Mujin asked, "Editor Wu, is there something wrong with the manuscript?"
Editor Wu asked cautiously, "Have you ever considered changing your name?"
Lin Mujin was puzzled, "Did Zhuang Zhou violate a taboo in his writing?"
Editor Wu waved his hand. "That's not your pen name. It's the title of your work."
Lin Mujin suddenly blushed and cleared her throat. "I wonder if Editor Wu has any suggestions?"
Editor Wu held up the manuscript and said, "I think...it could be called the Four Noble Truths."
Lin Mujin's mouth twitched. What the hell?
Editor Wu explained, "It's a Buddhist saying. The Four Noble Truths are the truth of suffering, the truth of origin, the truth of cessation, the truth of the path...balabala..."
Lin Mujin listened to it once but didn't quite understand it. "Isn't it too... profound?"
Editor Wu said, "That's better."
Lin Mujin held her chin in thought. She believed in the advice of professional editors.
Although she didn't get the good point.
But it must be said that the Four Noble Truths seem more mysterious than the Eight and Nine Divine Powers.
"Did we just sign a contract?"
Lin Mujin is a little afraid of trouble.
Editor Wu quickly said, "There's a standard contract for the name change. I'll go get it."
Lin Mujin had to sign another contract.
We made an appointment to meet next week and she went home with two contracts.
She didn't tell her family when she got home. This time she planned to give them a surprise.
I used to write crappy articles but kept them hidden because I was too embarrassed to let my family know.
Now she is writing serious martial arts novels, which can be widely publicized.
She marked the date five days later on the calendar, but felt that a circle was a bit ugly, so she drew a five-pointed star.
The most important point among the points must not be forgotten.
That day she wanted to buy a copy of Cheng Bao and show it off to her uncle and the others.
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