Chapter 13: The Sincere Dengeki Bunko
Yukinoshita Haruno's inquiries were just a brief interlude. Izumi Kotomi kept her head down, carefully reviewing the contract in her hands. She remained silent, occasionally taking a sip of tea from the cup beside her.
Kotomi was fairly satisfied with the terms Dengeki Bunko offered.
The payment for each volume's manuscript was 3,200 yen per 1,000 characters. With the first volume of Sword Art Online totaling 270,000 characters, this meant Kotomi would earn at least 860,000 yen just from selling the manuscript.
And this was only the base manuscript fee. It didn't account for the revenue share from the sale of the published light novel or any merchandise rights.
In the light novel industry, the publishing model is fairly standard. The most common format is the publication of single-volume editions, with the first batch being a limited first edition. When readers purchase the first edition, they often receive an exclusive short story written by the author specifically for that edition.
For avid light novel readers, the first thing they do when their favorite series announces a publication is to preorder the limited first edition at a bookstore.
Following that, if a series proves successful, special editions are often released after two or three volumes. These special editions feature unique covers and special packaging and may include merchandise related to the characters, such as keychains, badges, or small acrylic stands.
Finally, there's the deluxe edition, which is more extravagant in both presentation and content. The deluxe edition's packaging, cover, and included items are distinct from the special edition, often featuring even more collectible items like bags, posters, or mousepads.
The prices for special and deluxe editions vary depending on the specific plans for each release, so Kotomi didn't dwell on them. Instead, she focused on the revenue share from the standard editions of the light novels.
The A-level contract clearly stated that the revenue from the sales of the published volumes would be split 60/40 between the author and Dengeki Bunko, with Kotomi receiving 60%.
To put it simply, for every volume sold at the usual price of 630 yen, Kotomi would earn 378 yen.
"The revenue split is just temporary," Haruno explained. "If Sword Art Online's first volume stays on the bestseller list for a year, we can increase the split to 70/30."
Kotomi nodded in understanding. Although Sword Art Online was very popular on the website, it was still uncertain how well the physical volumes would sell once published.
As a precaution, Dengeki Bunko wouldn't offer a 70/30 split right away. After all, S-level contracts offered an 80/20 split, and a 70/30 split was already close to that.
But a 60/40 split was still generous, and buying the manuscript for 860,000 yen before the light novel was even published showed that Dengeki Bunko was serious about working with her.
After nearly twenty minutes of reviewing the contract, Kotomi finally set it down and asked, "Can I sign now?"
"Whenever you're ready." Haruno handed her a pen.
Kotomi signed her name on the contract and passed the A-level contract back to Haruno.
After confirming the signature, Haruno finally breathed a sigh of relief, releasing the tension she had been holding onto.
Despite her calm exterior, Haruno was still a new editor and lacked experience in handling these situations. She had worried about whether she could successfully sign Kotomi.
After carefully putting away the A-level contract, Haruno stood up and shook hands with Kotomi. "I look forward to working with you, Izumi-sensei."
"Likewise," Kotomi replied, extending her hand.
As Haruno shook Kotomi's hand, she was struck by how soft and delicate it felt, like holding a piece of sweet, fluffy cotton candy. It made her reluctant to let go, wanting to protect it carefully in her hands.
"Izumi-sensei?"
Kotomi's soft voice brought Haruno back to reality after she had held her hand for a whole minute. She smiled sweetly at Haruno, gently prompting her.
"Ah, sorry, I was just thinking about something," Haruno quickly apologized, snapping out of her thoughts.
"The base manuscript fee for the first volume is 860,000 yen. It will be transferred to your bank account within three business days. Please confirm that the bank details on the contract are correct," Haruno reminded her.
"They're correct," Kotomi confirmed. Then she asked, "Is that 860,000 yen before or after taxes?"
"It's after taxes."
"Oh, that's great! It's really convenient that the 860,000 yen is after taxes," Kotomi said, pleasantly surprised.
"By the way, do you have any questions about the light novel creation process? Feel free to ask anything. I'm here to help with any concerns, especially since you're new to the industry and might have some uncertainties," Haruno offered, softening her tone.
Though Haruno herself was a new editor, she felt it was her duty to guide Kotomi.
Haruno thought that despite Kotomi's calm demeanor, she was still just a 16-year-old high school girl. There had to be some nervousness or confusion about the signing process, and this was where Haruno's guidance and patience would be essential.
So she braced herself to be the helpful older sister, ready to support Kotomi.
"Hmm? I understand the process, and I don't have any questions. Why?" Kotomi replied without a trace of uncertainty.
"Really? No questions at all? But aren't you thinking about how to write the second volume? Like how to start it, how the plot should develop, and how to wrap it up?"
"Well, I am currently thinking about the second volume of Sword Art Online…"
"In that case—"
Before Haruno could offer her guidance, Kotomi casually mentioned, "I had some free time last night, so I went ahead and outlined the second volume."
"Uh…"
Haruno was speechless.
Last night… she had some free time… so she just… outlined the second volume?
Is she even human?
"Um… Izumi-sensei, don't you ever get writer's block?" Haruno asked, trying to offer some sage advice.
"Don't worry, I haven't hit any writer's block yet. If it weren't for the new event in Azur Lane, I might have already finished outlining the fifth volume of Sword Art Online last night."
Kotomi's nonchalant response left Haruno dumbfounded. Now that the contract was signed and she was officially Kotomi's editor, she had expected that the young author would need guidance on plot development or other aspects of the writing process. Even veteran authors often consulted with their editors to brainstorm ideas.
But Kotomi was so reliable, so competent, that there was nothing Haruno could do to assist her. As an editor, Haruno should have been thrilled to have such a dependable author, one who required little oversight.
However, this left Haruno feeling like her role as an editor was diminished, with no sense of participation.
I'm your editor! We're supposed to grow together! How can you not need my guidance? At least let me feel like I'm contributing!
Even in games, beginners still need a starter companion, right?
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