1980 My literary era

In 1911, Gaston Gallimard, who was only 29 years old, founded Gallimard Publishing House. Half a century later, under the leadership of Gaston Gallimard, Gallimard Publishing House, literary books accounted for almost half of French publishing in the 20th century.

During this half-century, four of Gaston Gallimard's authors won the Nobel Prize for Literature, and his published works won the Prix Goncourt 19 times, the French Academy Novel Grand Prix 12 times, and the Joint Prize 8 times. , won the Medici Award 4 times...

"For French and European readers, Gallimard is synonymous with French literature. The works published by our publishing house not only represent the highest achievements of French literature, but also represent the highest achievements of European literature!"

This was Lin Weimin's first time chatting with a French person in real life. He had only heard about it before, but this time he finally saw it.

Real Gallic Rooster!

He can brag better than Lao Mi!

That's not right. I'm not bragging. After all, what I'm talking about is real results.

It can only be said that he is a bit pretentious. Teacher Lin is most annoyed by people who are more pretentious than him. This is called same-sex repulsion.

After patiently listening to Roman Gallion's The Flood of Gold, Lin Weimin said: "Mr. Gallian, let's talk about the specific details of the novel's publication?"

Roman Gallion smiled when he heard this, "Mr. Lin, great, your decision is wise. As an important publishing house in the French literary world, our Gallimard Press..."

Lin Weimin and Comrade Liang, the translator of the WS department, looked at each other with helpless expressions. The translator coughed and interrupted: "Mr. Galliyan, let's talk about business first."

Roman Galyan said happily: "Of course, let's talk about it!"

In order to prevent this guy from spraying water again, Lin Weimin asked him to negotiate the terms directly.

"The first printing is 50,000 copies, and the royalties will be paid at 6%." Roman Galyan set the price.

Lin Weimin was so angry that he almost slammed the table on the spot, but because there were comrades from the WS department, he could only suppress his temper.

"Mr. Galliyan, I think you, Gallimard Publishing House, may not be very clear yet. The novel "The Lover" has been published in many English-speaking countries, and the sales volume is still good, and the royalty price given to me by the publisher is comparable to your bid. Much higher."

Gary raised his eyebrows, not panicking at all, with a look of wisdom on his face, "Our publishing house is aware of what you are talking about. But you have to understand that our Gallimard Publishing House has won four Nobel Prizes in Literature. , his published works won the Prix Goncourt 19 times and the French Academy Novel Grand Prix 12 times... Hey, Mr. Lin, what are you doing?"

Lin Weimin was forcefully pulled by Comrade Liang and stopped at the door, "Teacher Lin, Teacher Lin, please calm down. This is still a negotiation after all. He says his, and you say yours. You can't just throw it away and leave." !”

This Gallic Chicken is so damn irritating!

You run so many literary awards, does it have anything to do with me?

how? Think of me as a kid who has never published a book!

If Lin Weimin hadn't been worried about the presence of WS personnel, he would have really wanted to leave.

After being dragged back to the negotiation table, he impatiently said to Comrade Liang: "Tell him, 15% royalties, first printing of 100,000 copies. You can talk, but you can't talk and get out!"

Comrade Liang looked embarrassed. These words should not be spoken casually.

He said to Roman Galliang in French: "Mr. Gallian, Mr. Lin said that the novel publishing royalties are 15% and the first printing is 100,000 copies. This is his bottom line."

Roman was shocked just now when Lin Weimin gave up his choice at a disagreement. When Lin Weimin came back, he restrained himself a little, but still said: "No, no, no, this price is too high, we can't accept it."

Comrade Liang translated Galiyang's words to Lin Weimin. He spread his hands and said, "Comrade Liang, you see, it's not that I don't want to, it's that they can't afford the price and are not sincere. Let's do this for today. You guys can entertain this person well." Foreign guests, I will go back first."

After Lin Weimin finished speaking, he stood up again, and Comrade Liang quickly translated his words to Galiyang.

Galiyang was confused as he listened, Mr. Lin, why are you leaving again?

"We are Gallimard Publishing House. We have won 4 Nobel Prizes for Literature, won the Goncourt Prize 19 times, and won the French Academy Novel Prize 12 times..."

Galiyang chased after Lin Weimin and kept talking, while Comrade Liang kept translating beside him like a resentment.

Lin Weimin ignored Galiyang's words and said angrily to Comrade Liang: "Comrade Liang, take him away, take him away!"

He finally understood that this Roman Galyan came here purely to get him for free!

I guess he was used to fooling newcomers by relying on his outstanding performance in the past, so he came to Lin Weimin and wanted to get some money.

It’s a pity that Teacher Lin is well-informed and never lets go of hawks when he sees rabbits. Not to mention you are Gallimard Publishing House, you are the face of the Nobel Prize for Literature, and the royalties you should pay cannot be less!

This, is it a matter of principle!

Comrade Liang failed to hold Lin Weimin back. Looking at his retreating back, Roman Galliang was confused.

"What does Mr. Lin mean? Doesn't he want his novel to be published in France?"

Comrade Liang looked at Roman Galliang helplessly, "Mr. Galiyan, Mr. Lin receives millions of dollars in royalties from overseas works every year. He cooperates with world-renowned publishers like Random House in the United States, and his royalties are as high as It’s based on the standards of famous artists. There is also Ni Hong’s New Wave Club, who also gives me the same treatment as Random House. You only give 6% of the royalties, which he thinks is an insult.”

Roman Gallion said: "But our Gallimard Publishing House has awarded 4 Nobel Prize winners..."

Out of diplomatic etiquette, Comrade Liang couldn't just leave like Lin Weimin, but in his heart he almost rolled his eyes to the sky.

He could only suppress the irritability in his heart and said: "Mr. Galliang, no matter how many Nobel Prizes for Literature the Gallimard Publishing House wins, it has nothing to do with Mr. Lin. If you want to publish his book, you must give him Satisfactory price. You have to understand that he is not a new writer. On the contrary, his works have widespread influence in China, the United States, the United States and even English-speaking countries in the world."

Comrade Liang's last sentence is more or less bragging on behalf of Lin Weimin. The word "extensive" is a bit exaggerated, but the influence is real. After all, the cumulative sales of his novels abroad have exceeded 2 million copies. .

In fact, it’s not that Galliyan doesn’t understand this truth. He is just used to using the banner of Gallimard Publishing House and has become accustomed to this set of thinking patterns.

"But Mr. Liang, you have to understand that our Gallimard Publishing House has a huge market share in the French book market.

We have acquired shares in De Noel, Round Table, Mercury de France, as well as many small and medium-sized publishing houses such as Bookstore Company, Atlantic Press, Dictionary and Encyclopedia Press, Good Book Club, etc..."

Comrade Liang felt helpless and had to correct him: "Mr. Galliyan, does what you are talking about have anything to do with Mr. Lin? You just want to publish his novel, not give him shares in the company."

He added: "You want to publish other people's novels and give them corresponding treatment and respect, isn't it right?"

After Comrade Liang said this, he knew that he had made a mistake. As a WS personnel, he must always pay attention to etiquette and discipline, and not everything can be said.

Another day later, Roman Galyan appeared at the Chinese Literature Society again and gave Lin Weimin a new offer.

Royalty 8%, first printing of 50,000 copies.

Lin Weimin glanced at Comrade Liang who was accompanying him, and Comrade Liang spread his hands helplessly.

Lin Weimin shook his head and sent Gary out.

"Mr. Liang, did you know that those unknown writers and works can not only win world-renowned heavyweight awards under the operation of our Gallimard Publishing House, but their works can also be translated into various languages. Sold dozens and millions of copies.”

Comrade Liang said expressionlessly: "The overseas sales of Mr. Lin's novels have already exceeded 2 million copies."

Galyan was not angry after being criticized. He was silent for a moment and said: "Do all writers in your country love money so much?"

"I think writers all over the world are the same. After all, they rely on manuscript fees and royalties to make a living."

Comrade Liang's words left Galiyang speechless.

The next day, Galliyan finally corrected his attitude and said, "12% royalties, first printing of 80,000 copies."

Lin Weimin put down the manuscript in his hand and looked up at Roman Galliang, "Mr. Gallian, apart from wasting your time these days, this quotation is the only thing you have done right."

The price of 12% is in line with Lin Weimin's psychological expectations. The price of 15% is a bit exaggerated. He is not a famous person in France.

But when it comes to negotiation, you ask for a high price and pay back the money when you get there.

Be good if you get a bargain!

Roman Galyan didn't know this ancient Chinese saying, but he thought so in his heart. If it weren't for the pressing pressure from the country, he really wouldn't want to pay this price.

What famous writer?

It’s a Grandet!

After the money matter was discussed, everything was easy to handle, and the two parties signed a publishing contract as quickly as possible.

After the signing, Roman Galyan shook hands with Lin Weimin in a gentlemanly manner, but the words in his mouth were full of resentment.

"Mr. Lin, you really don't look like a writer."

Lin Weimin did not fall into his language trap. Instead, he said tit for tat: "Next time if your company wants to publish my novel, please change it to someone else."

After the two of them finished speaking, they looked at each other and felt a sense of sympathy for each other.

"Haha! Congratulations! For being able to promote the cooperation between Gallimard Publishing House and Mr. Lin, the unity, friendship and cultural exchanges between China and France have taken another solid step!"

Comrade Liang on the side was afraid that the two would have a quarrel, so he quickly started to fight.

Unexpectedly, Lin Weimin and Roman Galyan both showed tacit smiles.

He shook hands again and said, "Happy cooperation! Mr. Galliyan!"

"Happy cooperation! Mr. Lin!"