He unexpectedly becomes a father at the start of his life, and the mother of his child is a national

The condition proposed by Zhou Kaiwen suddenly changed the atmosphere at the negotiating table.

Paying royalties based on actual sales volume and paying royalties based on print run are two completely different models, and the entities that bear the risk are also completely different.

If royalties are calculated based on the number of copies printed, then regardless of how many copies of the book are ultimately sold, as long as the publisher decides to print, for example, 10,000 copies for the first edition, the author can calculate royalties based on the sales of 10,000 copies.

Unsold?

That's the risk of publishers facing inventory pressure and losses; the author has already received the compensation they deserve.

In this model, the publisher bears the main sales risk, so they usually offer a relatively low royalty rate, such as the previously discussed 6%, 8%, or 10%.

If the income is settled based on actual sales volume, it means that the author's income is completely linked to market performance.

If a book sells well, the author earns more; if a book sells poorly, the author earns less.

Publishers only pay royalties for books that are sold, and bear the losses from unsold inventory. However, in return, authors lose their guaranteed income.

In this model, authors bear more risk of income uncertainty, but in exchange, publishers are often willing to offer higher royalty rates.

Zhou Kaiwen's intention in making this condition is very clear:

Aren't you so confident in your book that you insist on a high royalty rate of 15%?

Sure, but would you dare to link revenue to actual sales volume?

Dare to bet your book will really be a bestseller?

If you dare, I'll agree to 15%.

In this way, even if high royalties are paid, the risk for the publisher is greatly reduced - if the book doesn't sell, we lose money on printing and distribution costs, but the author doesn't make much money either;

When books sell well, we pay high royalties, but the profits are still considerable, and we win the market and the author's relationship.

This is a typical scheme where risk and reward are commensurate.

Almost the instant Zhou Kaiwen finished speaking, Chen Hao understood the crux of the matter.

He nodded decisively, meeting Zhou Kaiwen's scrutinizing gaze, almost without hesitation:

"Okay. I agree to settle royalties based on actual sales volume."

His answer was crisp and concise, without any hesitation or calculation of the potential risks.

This decisive attitude surprised both Zhou Kaiwen and Zhao Ziming, who were standing next to him.

Zhou Kaiwen originally thought that the other party would at least weigh the pros and cons or try to negotiate.

After all, for most authors, especially new authors, the allure of "stability" and "guaranteed minimum" is immense.

Payment based on the number of print runs means that once a contract is signed, there is a guaranteed income.

Settlement based on sales volume is fraught with uncertainty; if the market response is not as expected, all the work may yield little income.

But Chen Hao seemed completely unconcerned about this uncertainty.

He has almost absolute confidence in his work.

A complex look flashed in Zhou Kaiwen's eyes, a mixture of surprise, appreciation, and a hint of anticipation.

This young man is either blindly arrogant or genuinely confident.

Judging from the quality of "The Adventures of the Chen Family's Daughter in the Mountains and Seas" and the data from the electronic platform, the latter seems more likely.

"Okay!" Zhou Kaiwen finally showed a genuine and relieved smile. He stood up again and extended his right hand to Chen Hao across the desk.

"Mr. Chen, that's great! It's settled then! 15% royalties will be settled based on actual sales."

I wish us a pleasant collaboration, and I also wish the physical book "The Adventures of the Chen Family's Daughter in the Mountains and Seas" great success!

Chen Hao also stood up and shook his hand firmly:

"It's a pleasure working with you, Mr. Zhou. I'm confident this book won't disappoint you."

Looking at the two hands clasped together, Zhao Ziming breathed a sigh of relief, and at the same time, a surge of excitement welled up inside him.

Although the process was tortuous, it was finally agreed upon! And it was done in a way that was less risky for the publisher.

He also has great confidence in the book's sales.

"Now that the cooperation framework is set, let's discuss the specific plans." Zhou Kaiwen sat down again, regaining his editor-in-chief's competence.

"Our initial plan is to print 10,000 copies of the first edition of 'The Adventures of the Chen Family Daughter in the Mountains and Seas' as a trial run."

These 10,000 copies will be distributed to our partner online platforms and offline bookstores.

Based on the sales speed and market feedback of the first edition, we will quickly decide whether to print a second edition, and how many copies to print.

Mr. Chen, is this arrangement acceptable to you?

"No problem." Chen Hao nodded.

"Leave the professional matters to the professionals. You are experts in printing, distribution, and advertising, and I trust your judgment."

His words made Zhou Kaiwen feel very comfortable.

A collaborator who knows how to delegate authority in their area of ​​expertise and doesn't interfere arbitrarily is always more welcome.

"It's wonderful that Mr. Chen thinks that way," Zhou Kaiwen said with a smile.

"Then let's finalize the contract as soon as possible."

Zimo, go and prepare the publishing contract, according to the terms we just discussed:

The author's pen name is Haolin (real name Chen Hao), the title of the work is "The Adventures of the Chen Family's Daughter in the Mountains and Seas", the royalty rate is 15%, and the settlement method is based on the actual sales volume. The first edition has a print run of 10,000 copies.

Other terms will be in accordance with the Category A cooperation terms of our standard contract.

"Yes, Mr. Zhou, I'll take care of it right away!"

Zhao Ziming immediately agreed, got up, and quickly left the office.

While waiting for the contract, Zhou Kaiwen and Chen Hao discussed topics such as book cover design, content revision (mainly integrating the online serialized content into chapters suitable for physical reading), and potential promotional points.

Although Chen Hao is young, he has a clear mind and his ideas often hit the nail on the head, which makes Zhou Kaiwen think more highly of him.

About twenty minutes later, Zhao Ziming returned with the freshly printed contract.

Three copies are made, and the terms are clearly stated.

Chen Hao took the contract and read it carefully.

The contract wasn't particularly thick, but the key clauses were marked in bold or underlined.

He focused on reviewing sections regarding royalty settlement, the rights and obligations of both parties, copyright ownership (limited to the publishing rights of this physical book; other rights such as adaptation rights still belong to the author), and the contract term.

Thanks to the comprehensive understanding and keenness brought by the various skills provided by the system, he quickly confirmed that there were no problems with the contract, that the rights and obligations were equal, and that there were no hidden traps.

"I've reviewed the contract, and there are no problems."

Chen Hao put down the contract and said to Zhou Kaiwen.

"Then let's sign it."

Zhou Kaiwen took out his pen and signed his name on the three contracts first, affixing the company seal.

As the editor in charge, Zhao Ziming also needs to sign in the designated place.