Chapter 6: Cover Recommendation

Watching the expression on Asano Aiko’s face grow increasingly solemn, Akiwara Yuto, sitting opposite her, gradually began to feel at ease—if she weren't certain about signing a contract with him, she surely wouldn't be this conflicted.

In truth, had he not been short on time, he originally wanted to write either *Journey Under the Midnight Sun* or *The Devotion of Suspect X*.

Because these two are full-length novels, they are not only better suited for serialization, but they would also yield him greater benefits in terms of winning awards and film adaptations.

For instance, with *The Devotion of Suspect X*, the film alone has three versions—Chinese, Japanese, and Korean—and the income it brings the author is by no means a small sum.

In Japan, when a literary work is adapted into a film, the fees an author receives can be calculated as follows.

First, a fee is obtained based on the work's popularity, usually ranging from several hundred thousand to several million yen (popular works are calculated differently). After the film is produced, if the television station broadcasts it or discs are produced for sale, the author can receive another payment based on sales; after deducting the publisher's share, they can generally pocket about 2% to 3% of total sales.

Based on the box office estimates from his past life, this money could even be used to buy a house in the most expensive areas today, though buying a house right now is not a good choice.

On the other side, Asano Aiko finally made up her mind; the opportunity was right before her, and she had to seize it immediately.

She decided that once she and Akiwara Yuto agreed on a time to sign the contract, she would return to the editorial department to apply for the opening of a column.

She placed the manuscript paper in her hand down flat, picked up her now-cold coffee and took a sip to calm her mood, then spoke: "Akiwara-san, I understand your meaning. I am prepared to turn your work into a column serialized over 11 issues, with one piece published each week."

After a moment's thought, she added: "May I ask if you have any other requests?"

This was something she had to ask; once the contract was officially signed, she would be Akiwara Yuto’s editor-in-charge, his closest partner on his literary path.

Therefore, she had to know if Akiwara Yuto had any other requirements so she could try her best to secure them for him.

It could be said that her professional duties had already begun from this moment on.

Akiwara Yuto felt a bit stirred and subconsciously clenched his fist; he knew there were no more issues with his signing, and what remained was how to secure greater benefits.

What requests should he make?

He couldn't help but think about it.

Asking for a higher manuscript fee didn't seem appropriate; while literary journals certainly use the quality of manuscripts as a benchmark, that benchmark is measured by sales. Since the articles hadn't been published yet, he had no way to prove himself.

Then he would start by suggesting other reasonable things; in any case, as long as he could prove the work's performance through reader feedback, the publisher would surely take the initiative to discuss manuscript fees and book volumes with him.

In short, the most important thing now was to promote the work; as long as he took the first step, the road ahead would become smoother.

He thought about a lot, but it actually only took a few seconds, and then he looked at Asano Aiko with a firm gaze and said: "Ms. Asano, if possible, I would like to obtain a cover recommendation."

For a journal or magazine, the most important position is undoubtedly the cover; if a work can be placed there, it often allows interested readers to see it immediately. But this position usually only displays the titles of important works and is very difficult to apply for.

For a newcomer, this request might still be a bit inappropriate, but whether it could succeed was another matter; he had to propose it first to see.

Upon hearing Akiwara Yuto’s request, Asano Aiko showed a somewhat troubled expression.

"Akiwara-san, the cover position is usually reserved for the most influential works. Currently, there are two novels being serialized in *New Novel*, and their reader feedback is very good. If you want to apply to be on the cover, you must..."

"Ms. Asano, I understand what you mean," Akiwara Yuto said seriously.

"Then if my work receives good reader feedback, I hope my work can be placed on the cover for promotion; this shouldn't be too much to ask, right?"

Akiwara Yuto had already anticipated her reaction, but he just wanted a definite guarantee. After all, he didn't know much about the situation in the editorial department, and who knew if any personnel struggles might affect him.

Although thinking this way was a bit like worrying about the sky falling, he still had to add an extra layer of insurance for himself, at least to ensure it didn't affect his ability to receive normal promotion.

Seeing Akiwara Yuto’s persistence, Asano Aiko was also a little surprised, and she pondered it carefully for a while.

If Akiwara Yuto’s work could receive good feedback, her own influence would undoubtedly increase significantly, and applying for the cover position would be more reasonable then.

At that stage, for the sake of her own professional interests, even if Akiwara Yuto didn't bring it up, she would take the initiative to propose to the editor-in-chief that Akiwara Yuto’s work title be placed on the cover.

However, before that step, it seemed she could try to do some other forms of promotion.

A gentle smile appeared on her face again: "I understand, Akiwara-san. If the reader feedback is good, I will do my best to ensure the work is promoted in a timely manner."

Akiwara Yuto nodded. He still wanted to ask when he could sign the contract and receive the manuscript fee; after all, he was currently at risk of being kicked out of his home, so he shouldn't put on airs.

But to his surprise, Asano Aiko took the initiative and said: "Akiwara-san, is tomorrow morning at 9:00 convenient for you? Could I trouble you to come to the *New Novel* editorial department so we can sign the contract?"

Akiwara Yuto felt relieved and said with a smile: "I will definitely arrive on time."

Asano Aiko smiled with satisfaction and took the opportunity to ask how the other stories were coming along. Akiwara Yuto responded confidently: "The stories are all conceived and can be written at any time."

"That is truly wonderful."

She also felt at ease; after all, if they signed the contract, she would become the editor-in-charge dedicated to Akiwara Yuto, and her career would be semi-bound to him.

The two then chatted about other things, and Asano Aiko told Akiwara Yuto about some of the internal situation at the publishing house. Upon learning that Akiwara Yuto did not have an email address, she took the initiative to hand him her business card, which had her contact information on it.

By this point, the time had already reached 10:30 in the morning.

Akiwara Yuto was just about to pay the bill, but to his surprise, Asano Aiko went to the counter to pay it herself, informing him that there was a departmental budget.

Akiwara Yuto offered a few polite words of thanks. He felt a bit embarrassed; although he had heard a certain writer on the internet in his past life say that it was only natural for editors to treat writers to meals, he still intended to treat her back after receiving his manuscript fee.

Aside from his own male pride, there was also the important factor of maintaining a good relationship with his editor-in-charge.

The two walked out of the cafe together. As if remembering something, Asano Aiko took the initiative to remind Akiwara Yuto: "Don't forget to bring your personal seal."

In Japanese society, a seal is a necessity of life; from renting a house or opening a bank account to signing for mail, none of it can be done without one, and signing a contract is naturally no exception.

Akiwara Yuto nodded in agreement, then they said their goodbyes and parted ways. He strode along the road back, his heart filled with irrepressible excitement.

Very good, the plan is going smoothly; finally, he won't have to live a hard life anymore!