Writing Web Novels In America-Chapter 32 Release

To capitalize on the lingering warmth of "I’m a Great Mage" and the buzz surrounding its events,

the editors at Random House had dived into intensive work from the moment they received the manuscript of "Arcane Throne" from Tom.

Reviewing, cover design, marketing, and other tasks were all initiated simultaneously.

For this reason, Wang Jian received the final draft and the official contract just two days later.

It must be noted that "Arcane Throne" was not a casual product for the publisher like "I’m a Great Mage" was.

Instead, it was a key project that Random House had secured the distribution rights for after paying a sizable advance royalty.

As Wang Jian marveled at the efficiency of the large publishing house, he lowered his gaze to the sample edition of "Arcane Throne" in his hands.

First off, the quality of this novel was incomparable to that of "I’m a Great Mage."

The hardcover, with the blurb personally written by the chief editor of Random House.

Slipping off the blurb, one could see a handsome young man, wearing a top hat and tailcoat, with his arms raised, hands outstretched.

One hand held a stack of papers, and if one looked closely, "Periodic Table of Elements," "Schrödinger’s Cat," "Observer Effect," and other phrases could be seen.

Perfectly revealing the protagonist’s Golden Finger.

Above the other hand fluttered fiery orbs and ice blades, showcasing the powers the protagonist had gained.

Obviously, it was designed by someone after reading the manuscript of "Arcane Throne."

It was a cut above the random image selected from a stock library for "I’m a Great Mage."

Wang Jian nodded in satisfaction.

At the very least, it had good curb appeal.

Upon flipping open the cover, the pages inside were genuine coated paper.

This gave the book a satisfying heft in one’s hands.

Wang Jian flipped the book around to check the price.

US dollars?

That’s...

A bit pricey, isn’t it?

But then, considering his 10% royalty share, he involuntarily licked his lips.

Perhaps it really could sell?

The first volume contained 300,000 words.

With the entire book containing 3.3 million words, it could be sold in eleven volumes.

Wang Jian picked up the contract again and saw that the first printing run for the first volume was set at 300,000 copies.

Therefore, once the first volume’s 300,000 copies were sold out, he would earn...

1.2 million US dollars?

Wang Jian, a bit excited, picked up a pen and signed his name on the contract.

Then, while handing over the contract to the publishing house staff member accompanying Tom, he asked, "When is the official release?"

Tom smiled and answered, "In five days."

He then opened the champagne he had brought along.

While pouring the drink into three glasses, he said, "For your 10%, my 1%, and the raise and promotion of this editor."

"Let’s toast to the big sale of the new book."

Wang Jian and the editor also picked up their glasses and gently clinked them together.

Then, they said in unison, "To the big sale of the new book!"

And so, Wang Jian spent the full five days in a mix of anxiety and excitement.

During these five days, as Random House’s promotion campaign kicked off in full swing,

TV, newspapers, and radio spots intermittently featured the news of the upcoming new book release by the author of "I’m a Great Mage."

Some bookstores had even posted countdowns,

adding even more ceremonial significance to the first-day release of "Arcane Throne."

Those who had read "I’m a Great Mage" and felt thrilled, as well as those extremely dissatisfied with it, also received the news.

For their respective reasons, they started to frequent bookstores.

Because the target audience for fantasy literature highly overlapped with that of comic lovers,

it even led to a slump in comic bookstores.

This even caused comic store owners to lament and complain.

But their complaints incited curiosity in children who only used to love comics,

drawing more people to pay attention to "Arcane Throne" and its impending release date.

Thus, after five days,

Wang Jian watched the morning sun rise and took a deep breath.

Today was his last day of mandatory community service.

It was also his eighteenth birthday.

And most importantly, it was the release day of "Arcane Throne."

Hopefully, it would also be his lucky day.

Wang Jian changed his clothes, put on the glasses he had prepared in advance, and disguised himself before deciding to visit a bookstore to see things for himself.

But which neighborhood bookstore should he go to?

After pondering briefly, he decided to head towards the area near New York University.

That place had the most college students and, accordingly, the most fantasy literature enthusiasts.

Being close at hand, he would get the most direct sense of this group’s reception to "Arcane Throne."

After all, one could hardly expect people living in the slums of the Bronx to spend 40 dollars on a book, right?

When he arrived by cab at the large bookstore near New York University, it was already packed with people.

The usually popular areas for realistic and motivational literature were now eerily deserted.

Some bespectacled, bookish-looking individuals were lined up, waiting for "Arcane Throne" to be placed on display shelves.

Yet, it seemed the crowd had different stances.

Some were excitedly discussing plots from "I’m a Great Mage."

Others, with serious expressions, fixed their eyes on the entrance, anticipating the arrival of the "Arcane Throne" delivery.

Seeing the crowded scene, Wang Jian first breathed a sigh of relief.

No matter what, it was better to garner attention than to be ignored.

However, the words mumbled by a dark-haired young man standing behind him made Wang Jian frown.

"This is a disgrace."

"A disgrace to fantasy literature."

"I will never buy it!"

Wang Jian turned around to glance at the young man,

who was dressed in a black suit with a New York University emblem pinned to his chest.

Beneath the emblem read "Jack Dorsey."

Just as Wang Jian wanted to chat with him and understand the reasons for his attitude,

"Arcane Throne" arrived.

The bookstore clerk unpacked the boxes in front of the waiting crowd,

placing copy after copy of "Arcane Throne" with its exquisite cover on the display case.

Then, the crowd surged forward.

The freshly placed novels were snatched up instantaneously.

And then, taken to the counter for payment.

Wang Jian observed that those who immediately went to purchase were mostly the same people who had been discussing "I’m a Great Mage."

Those with serious expressions picked up the book and began reading in the corner of the bookstore.

However, because there were so many people, those directly purchasing left "Arcane Throne" in high demand,

leading the bookstore owner to soothe the crowd while hurriedly calling the supplier to request additional copies.

Seeing this, Wang Jian let go of the anxiety he had been holding in his heart.

Even if it didn’t sell as well as "I’m a Great Mage," surely "Arcane Throne" wouldn’t flop too badly, right?

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