All-rounder Artist

Upon receiving a call from YangFeng, Lin Yuan learned that “Ghost Blows Out the Light” had been decided to be published, and the promotion of the novel was of the top tier scale – a treatment only top class authors within the publishing house could receive.

“Yes.”

YangFeng explained, “Even with the success of your previous two novels, this treatment is considered quite impressive. But the reason the company offered top tier promotion is ours hoping that you could make it onto a certain list.” “What list?”

“Here’s the thing, since the merger of Qin and Qi Provinces, the circles of novelists naturally merged. You were previously selected as the tenth novelist on the short story ranking by the ‘Literature and Art Gazette’, right? That’s one of the changes that came about as a result of the merger. Our fantasy genre has similar selections too.”

“Oh…”

Lin Yuan remained noncommittal.

YangFeng laughed while explaining, “‘Literature and Art Gazette’ held the selection of short stories, whereas the selection of fantasy novels is more important. So the entity responsible for the selections is the Literature and Art Association, which was established after the merger of Qin and Qi Provinces. They plan to conduct two professional evaluations: The first one is to select the ‘Gold Award GOAT’ of fantasy genre; the second criterion is to crown the ‘Supreme God’ of fantasy genre. Every industry should be setting similar standards for the future, just like the music industry that has ‘Golden Composers’ and so-called ‘Maestro’.”

“Are there any benefits?”

Lin Yuan was not interested in these empty reputations. In the music industry, ‘Golden Composers’ could receive contracts with higher share percentages from their companies, whereas the ‘Maestro’ status was even more incredible. This was what Lin Yuan truly valued.

“Of course, there are!”

YangFeng answered immediately, “If you could become the ‘Gold Award GOAT’, your contract with our company will inevitably rise to the next level. The specifics can be discussed later. Of course, I know that Mr. Chu Kuang doesn’t care much about these things. He just wants Silver Blue to make a gesture. As for the ‘Supreme God’, chances are slim because the sales volume of Chu Kuang’s works is not high enough…”

“I got it.” Lin Yuan’s eyes sparkled.

‘GOAT’ is akin to ‘Golden Composer’ in the music industry, and ‘Supreme God’ is equivalent to the ‘Maestro’ in the music world.

The biggest drawback for Lin Yuan currently was that the total sales volume of his novels was not high enough.

His novels were indeed popular, but he had only been in the industry for so short a time. Without the accumulation over a period, Lin Yuan’s sales volume could not be compared to top-class novelists who had been writing for decades.

However, Lin Yuan had his strengths.

He had pioneered two new genres in the fantasy fiction field, and there is also “Ghost Blows Out the Light,” which would soon establish a new tomb-robbing genre. All these achievements could be counted as Lin Yuan’s influences. If a selection is to be held, these would all be considered. Giving the highest promotion to the new book obviously meant that Silver Blue Books wanted to help him receive a higher ranking. After all, the stronger the influence of the authors under a company, the greater the influence of the company itself.

“And, as long as you understand.”

YangFeng chuckled, “Recently, these matters have been circulating both within and outside the industry. It is rumored that the selection would commence officially in June. Therefore, the timing of your new book is just right. However, precisely because there is such a selection in June, there are numerous authors releasing their works in June. ‘Ghost Blows Out the Light’ happens to be the new book that Silver Blue values most in June…”

“Hmm…”

Lin Yuan did not engage in further discussion.

Regardless of the selection results, at least the top-tier promotion arranged by Silver Blue was a good thing. Just like the promotion for films, novels also require promotion before their publication. Proper promotion could garner more sales. After all, good wine needs no bush.

Word-of-mouth reversal?

Rising through word-of-mouth reversal is indeed a good narrative, but that is only a consolation when faced with reality. Wouldn’t it be better if a storyline could be explosive right from the start?

Sure enough…

After notifying Lin Yuan, Silver Blue Books began to operate on a full scale. “Ghost Blows Out the Light” directly entered the top-tier promotion phase. It involved not only the conventional strategy of flaunting banners on the official website but also pervasive urban advertisements and newspaper promotions. Even the literary section of the tribe also advertised for it, mentioning that Chu Kuang would soon publish a new lengthy novel…

Consider this…

Under normal circumstances, tribes seldom accept these kinds of novel advertisements. However, this after all, is a new book by Chu Kuang, and there has always been a good cooperation foundation between the tribes and Chu Kuang. Therefore, when Silver Blue Books approached for a partnership, the tribe agreed without considering much. Instead of saying it’s to give Silver Blue Books face, it’s more about showing some courtesy to Chu Kuang.

As a result…

The advertising campaign was successful!

After this comprehensive promotion, Chu Kuang’s new book advertisements were everywhere within a few days. All those paying attention to novels knew about the release of Chu Kuang’s new book. Anyone could see that this was the highest level of promotional value that a writer could get from a publishing house – the advertising effect was almost maxed out.

Apart from this…

The promotional slogans that Silver Blue Books used for Chu Kuang’s new book were extremely ambitious, no less audacious than those of Chu Kuang’s last book: [Chu Kuang’s new book will launch on June 1st, “Ghost Blows Out the Light” will set the agenda!]

Meanwhile…

There were more slogans everywhere, their appearances all over the internet were relentless, like the irresistible advertisements on some novel forums that sparkled curiosity in people: “Planting mound print, touching golden talisman, moving mountains and unloading ridges to find dragon decisions; people lit candles, ghosts blew out the light, exploring gradients and dipping dippers to seek star peaks. Mercury streaks, nurturing brilliants, numerous trips to dragon tower treasure pavilions; burying deep coffins, bronze bottles, don’t approach if the eight characters are not hard!”

People light candles!

Ghosts blow out the light!

Although the style of the advertisement was completely different from the previous two books by Chu Kuang, resembling supernatural novels, many readers actually enjoyed this mysterious feeling. It highlighted an impressive unknown, especially the fans of Chu Kuang:

“It feels like it’s a new genre!”

“The promotional material said they’re starting a new school of thought.”

“After the previous two books, although I had hoped Chu Kuang would continue with fantasy martial arts or sports genre, I still support him writing a new genre. Because I believe in Chu Kuang’s writing ability; the previous two books have proven everything!”

“The advertisement is really strong!”

“Old rascal Chu Kuang is now one of the faces of Silver Blue Books, his sales may not be number one, but his influence is extremely high. After all, he led two waves of trends, he’s a real pioneer. How could Silver Blue Books not give him the recognition?”

“I can’t wait!”

“The old rascal Chu Kuang has finally released a new book, seems like he’s quite productive. But, I won’t read it. Ever since he killed off Biyao in his book, 1 decided not to read any of his novels anymore, this post is my witness!”

“To be released in June?”

“Are there too many new books being released in June? Probably all aiming for the GOAT award. But Chu Kuang is one of the few authors whose status is high enough. Other novels released in June can only be considered as last-minute attempts, the main thing is still past achievements. I think with Chu Kuang’s strength, there’s no problem in getting a GOAT award.”

And within the industry.

All the major publishing companies frowned at the same time. In such fiercely competitive market conditions, Chu Kuang’s sudden release of a new book is not good news for everyone, since everyone in the industry has already witnessed Chu Kuang’s capability twice.

In fact.

From the start of the high-level promotional campaign, several booksellers have contacted Silver Blue Books, pre-ordering a certain number of Chu Kuang’s new books. After last time’s painful incident, no one dares to underestimate Chu Kuang anymore.

“Is he ushering in a new school of thought again?”

“Is he aiming for the GOAT?”

“Addicted to introducing new genres?”

“Even if Chu Kuang doesn’t release a new book in June, with the influence of his previous two books, he still has hope of getting the GOAT award. Now that he’s releasing a new book, he probably wants to play it safe. The specifics are up to the quality of his new book.”

“It shouldn’t be too bad.”

“That’s not necessarily true, while advertising scale represents an author’s brand; regardless of the quality of the famous author’s new book, the publisher will give them recognition based on their past achievements. Whether the content of the new book is masterful is another matter. What I’m curious about is whether he’s really created a new genre?”

II II

While the industry is discussing, Chu Kuang’s name is well-known, but now that Qin and Qi have merged, not everyone knows who Chu Kuang is, because half of the market now consists of readers from Qi Province.

Yes.

Although some readers from Qi Province have read Chu Kuang’s “Zhu Xian” after the merger, the number is not significant and the readers from the two sides have not completely integrated yet. They still have limited knowledge of the authors from the other side, so many people have raised questions:

“Is Chu Kuang really that good?”

“This Chu Kuang seems pretty tough, his new book advertisements are on the bus I frequently take. In our Qi Province, such a level of author is already a leading figure in some fields.”

“Is he really that impressive?”

“I’ve read Chu Kuang’s short story ‘Necklace’, it was really good. I didn’t expect that he would also write long fantasy novels, and this happens to be the genre I like. I’m curious to see if Chu Kuang really is that good.”

Naturally, readers from Qin Province are eager to explain Chu Kuang’s information to readers from Qi Province: “Chu Kuang originally wrote long stories. All the popular sports competitive texts in Qin are following Chu Kuang’s trend. Qin’s popular fantasy martial arts novels are also following Chu Kuang’s trend. Do you know what a pioneer stands for?”

With pride.

With a hint of bragging.

Since Chu Kuang is a fantasy writer from Qin, after explaining to the readers from Qi, they genuinely have high expectations, and plan to see how good ‘Ghost Blows out the Light’ is. This also serves another purpose of Silver Blue Books in giving Chu Kuang’s new book the highest level of promotion:

Win the competition!

Expand the market!

Let Chu Kuang firmly become a GOAT, and at the same time let the readers of Qi province recognize Chu Kuang’s strength. In this way, the sales of Chu Kuang’s novels can go to a higher level.

Without a doubt.

Silver Blue Books is still very optimistic about the quality of “Ghost Blows out the Light”. Although there is some internal controversy about this novel, such as worries that readers won’t accept the first-person narrative, or concerns that the genre of this novel doesn’t quite match with fantasy, one thing everyone agrees on is:

This novel is very fascinating.

All major publishing companies are now closely watching the competition. The publisher with more GOATs and Supreme Gods under its banner represents greater strength. Naturally, Silver Blue Books wants to help Chu Kuang….