Chapter 194
News arrived from the overseas market.
"Both 'The Weapon' and 'The Deserted Village School' have strong electronic and physical sales in Southeast Asia."
Isabella Sullivan was stunned. "I didn't know these books were released overseas..."
"I've estimated the revenue from these two books over the years to be at least this much." Sophia Sullivan held up five fingers.
David Sullivan guessed, "Five hundred thousand?"
"Dad, think bigger."
"...Five million?"
Sophia shook her head. "Seven point two million USD." And that was a conservative estimate.
David sucked in a sharp breath.
"Mom," Sophia sat beside Isabella and took her hand, "The past can't be changed. Your ten-year contract with Editor Moore is over."
"The most important thing now is to reclaim the lost time. I know what pains you most is your work being buried. How many productive decades does a writer have?"
Isabella turned away, her shoulders trembling slightly.
"I sent your completed but unpublished manuscripts to an editor. You should meet with him..."
Isabella took a deep breath. "Okay."
That night, soft weeping came from the second bedroom.
It was accompanied by a man's gentle comfort.
Sophia lay awake, staring at the ceiling all night.
...
The next day, the three of them went to a coffee shop.
The café was quiet in the afternoon.
A Ragdoll cat napped on the front counter.
A man with a square jaw sat by the window.
He wore black-framed glasses, a white shirt, and casual pants, exuding a scholarly air.
He was gazing out the window, waiting.
Hearing the doorbell chime, he turned and immediately stood to approach Isabella.
"Hello, Ms. Sullivan. I'm Stone Macmillan, an editor from Decagon Publishing."
He nodded in greeting to Sophia and David.
"Shall we talk? We'll wait outside?" Sophia asked.
Isabella nodded.
Stone pulled out a chair for her and thoughtfully placed an order.
Isabella only asked for lemon water.
She had been in a daze since yesterday.
A decade of trust had been wasted, and she didn't know who to blame.
Stone got straight to the point. "Ms. Sullivan, I wonder if you'd be interested in publishing these four books: 'The Lantern,' 'The Curse,' 'The Ancestral Grave,' and 'Ming Dynasty Ghost Hunters'?"
Isabella was stunned.
Had she heard correctly?
Stone offered an apologetic smile. "I know this is presumptuous, but after reviewing the works, this is the publishing house's decision."
"Before meeting you, I prepared many persuasive arguments. But now, I believe being direct is most appropriate."
These were all manuscripts Editor Moore had rejected.
Isabella had finished them out of sheer stubbornness.
She had dreamed of publishing mystery novels again.
She had approached Editor Moore multiple times, only to be put off with various excuses.
Now, someone was telling her they could be published.
And—
Stone continued, "If you agree, we will immediately apply for ISBNs, contact printers and media. We estimate publication can be completed within two months."
"We have a preliminary offer for the advance and royalty rate. You are welcome to provide your input..."
Stone was well-prepared.
The advance and royalty percentage were very generous.
He had even brought a contract.
Isabella moved from shock to calm.
"Mr. Macmillan," she took a deep breath, "I apologize..."
Stone's heart sank.
Isabella said, "The terms are very generous, but I need time to think clearly..."
After being stuck in a rut for ten years, Isabella was now wary of everyone.
Editor Moore had seemed very sincere when she first approached all those years ago.
And look how that turned out.
She was afraid of repeating the same mistake.
Stone masked his disappointment. "Ms. Sullivan, I understand how you feel. But I believe, as a mystery writer, you are more rational and clear-headed than most."
"Here is my card. If you change your mind, I hope Decagon Publishing will be your first choice."
"Thank you." Isabella accepted the card.
Stone slid a USB drive across the table. "This contains the proofread electronic manuscripts. Even if you decide not to publish now, having the proofed copies might be useful later."
"They're already proofread?" Isabella was shocked.
Stone's expression turned serious. "My apologies, we did it without your permission..."
"Why? If I refuse, your work would be wasted."
Stone replied, "But if you agree? The proofreading saves half a month."
Isabella asked, "Aren't you afraid of losing money?"
Stone said, "All investments carry risk. Victory and defeat are both common in business."
Victory and defeat are both common in business?
Isabella was taken aback.
"Ms. Sullivan," Stone stood and extended his hand, "I hope we have the opportunity to work together in the future."
Isabella looked at his hand, lost in thought.
Stone did not rush her.
Just as he was about to withdraw his hand, Isabella suddenly spoke. "All four books together?"
Stone was momentarily speechless.
Then, surprise flashed in his eyes.
"You've been silent in the mystery genre for a decade, but with 'The Weapon' and 'The Deserted Village School' as your foundation, your market appeal remains. We shouldn't act unless we can make a big impact. To attract attention, we must truly astonish..."