Chapter 492 Partner of "The Englishman"

With Hugo's introduction, Arthur and his two new friends quickly became acquainted.

But not long after, the polite French gentleman Charles Gassulin told Arthur his purpose. This famous publisher in Paris wanted to publish the French version of some novels under "The Brit", especially the masterpiece "Robin Hood" by Mr. Elder Carter.

Arthur was not surprised by Gassulin's intention, because even as early as a year ago, a French publisher had gone to London to discuss similar things with "The Brit".

But after many discussions between Arthur, Disraeli and other shareholders, they finally decided to stop the issue of publishing the French version of the book.

If the reason is to be mentioned, it is because doing business in this era is not as convenient as it is later. Because information transmission is not convenient, everyone's information channels are very closed, so the business field has gathered many crude scammers.

In this environment, if you want to do cross-border business, the most important thing is that the buyer and seller know each other well, trust each other, and it is best to have a friendship for many years. Otherwise, not only will the business fail, but even the principal will be swept away.

Take the publishing industry that Arthur is most familiar with as an example. Many publishers these days are actually enlarged versions of individual businesses. You can't find a company that can reach the scale of a publishing group.

A few familiar friends took out their savings, contacted a paper shop and a printing factory, and then found a few unknown novelists or playwrights to authorize them to print seven or eight new books. This way, they can add the title of a well-known publisher to their business cards.

These people rarely pay cash for the original manuscripts of authors. They usually pay a six-month, nine-month or one-year promissory note, which is commonly known as an IOU. The reason why they use this payment method is that the books have not been sold yet. If the transaction is conducted within the same industry of the publisher and bookstore, the payment cycle will be even longer.

The paper and printing fees owed by the bookstore owner are generally paid with promissory notes, so many publishers can publish a dozen works in a year without spending a penny. If two or three books are popular, the money earned can just cover the unpopular ones, so they can print books one after another, and the bookstore can barely survive.

But if they are unlucky and encounter works that only a small number of readers like and appreciate every day, or if the bills sent for discount have problems, or if they are affected by the bankruptcy of others, these people will declare bankruptcy without caring.

They are not in a hurry at all, because this ending is within their expectations. Because no matter what situation they encounter, they bet on other people's capital, not their own, at the speculative gambling table.

Of course, these people did not spend no money, but most of their expenses were usually used to treat reporters, writers and critics to dinner and theaters. Of course, restaurants and theaters do not accept bills, only cash.

The difference between "The Brit" and other magazines and publishers is that its shareholders are all authors of the company. Every penny they earn is earned by the shareholders one letter at a time. If they lose money, they really lose money, so it is difficult for them to be as free and easy as other peers in printing.

But this way of operation is not without any advantages. At least most authors like Heine like to cooperate with "The Brit" because it is the only publisher he has met that uses promissory notes instead of promissory notes.

After writing today, you can get cash the next day, so no matter what kind of flattering or scolding articles "The Brit" wants Heine to write, this great poet will never refuse.

"Mr. Gasulin is interested in the books under the name of Mr. Elder Carter?"

Arthur held the table knife and slowly cut the chicken leg meat on the plate. His tone of questioning was not heavy, but it was enough for Gasulin to hear his hesitation in his heart.

Those who work in this industry are very clear about the needs of their peers, but he is determined to get the agency rights for Elder Carter's books today. For this, he even went to great lengths to get in touch with Hugo and Henry De Lesset, who is quite famous in London.

And why these French publishers are so eager for Mr. Carter's masterpieces, this is also due to the popularity of Sir Walter Scott's works in France. If you want to select the greatest British writer in history, Shakespeare's position is of course unshakable. But if you want to select the best-selling British author in France, it must be Walter Scott.

Since Walter Scott's historical novels became popular in France, the Paris publishing industry has paid special attention to British products. These publishers and bookstore owners have shown the courage of William the Conqueror, scraping the ground in London, and desperately looking for works similar to Walter Scott.

In Paris today, if you randomly pick up a historical novel on the bookshelf, no matter what the plot is, the cover of the book will definitely have "Walter Scott's novel" printed in bold letters.

The sudden death of Sir Walter Scott was of course the saddest for Britain, followed by France.

However, at this time, Elder Carter suddenly appeared. Although this young author was not famous among French readers, French publishers who closely followed the development of British literary circles knew very well that Mr. Carter was the successor appointed by Scott before his death.

It was like a thirsty man suddenly found an oasis in the desert, or a starving man sat on the king's table.

In order to seize the right to distribute Elder Carter's masterpiece, the Paris publishing industry had been fighting fiercely in places where Arthur could not see. Everyone asked around to find out who knew Mr. Elder Carter's address, and they were ready to go to London to discuss publishing matters with Mr. Carter himself.

But when they arrived in London, they were rejected by "The Brit" one after another, and were coldly told that Mr. Carter was overseas at the time. During his absence, the agency and distribution rights of all books had been transferred to Mr. Carter's close friend, Mr. Arthur Hastings.

As for who Arthur Hastings is?

This is a heavyweight, the Assistant Commissioner of Police of the Greater London Police, and a member of the British Publication Review Committee.

The identity of the police had already made these publishers lose their courage, and the publication review was even more deadly.

Once "The Englishman" pushed Arthur to the forefront, the Parisian publishers dared not use their usual tactics of pestering.

But what was unexpected was that Arthur Hastings resigned in London in just one year, and well-informed people learned that the gentleman was in Paris at the time.

So, Mr. Gasulin naturally ran at full speed, using the "fast running" skill he learned when having dinner with reporters, and rushed to Arthur first.

Gasulin said to Arthur enthusiastically: "Sir, I think we don't need to waste our breath. I have read the original version of Robin Hood, which has a strong literary flavor and is perfect for us. If you agree, we will immediately organize people to translate it and send the manuscript to the printing house within a week.

Here is the contract I prepared in advance. The terms are based on the most generous treatment in the current Paris publishing industry. We will never violate the details. For general authors, the promissory notes we issue are usually nine months or one year, but we are very confident in Mr. Carter's strength, so we plan to issue a six-month promissory note this time. Discounting is very convenient, and the interest is All of it is borne by us.

Of course, in order to better publish it in Paris, we reserve the right to change the title of the book. Although the title "Robin Hood" is very good, we think it is a bit short and not enough to stimulate the curiosity of readers. French readers are not as familiar with Robin Hood as British readers, and there were many archers and thieves in the Middle Ages. They don't know where Sherwood Forest is. You have to point out to them directly that this place is in Nottingham. This is a story from the time of Richard the Lionheart.

If we don't do this, if I want to promote it in the mainland in the future, I will need to give those ignorant guys a lesson in British history. "

Arthur looked at the contract in his hand strangely.

The six-month promissory note of twelve thousand francs, the interest was directly given to 3%, which is much higher than the public debt of Britain and France.

Gasulin really didn't play tricks on the contract, and this publishing treatment didn't seem to be given to ordinary authors at all, but to some prestigious writers.

Elder is worth so much?

The contract for Heine's "On Romanticism" and "The Englishman" was only 8,000 francs, while the French version of Elder's book made Gasoulin offer a high price of 1.5 Heines.

Money doesn't lie.

For a moment, Arthur didn't know whether to sigh that Dumas was too strong or Elder was too lucky.

If Arthur was dealing with his own copyright, he could certainly do what he wanted, but... this 12,000 francs... a full 600 pounds...

He couldn't stop Elder from making a fortune!

Elder might not be able to earn so much money even if he sailed around the world in the Royal Navy.

The most important thing is that Gasoulin was introduced by Hugo and had just published the best-selling book "Notre Dame de Paris" last year, so he would not have any problems with funds in the short term, and there was no need to think that this guy would suddenly go bankrupt. Therefore, this six-month promissory note is likely to be fully redeemed...

Arthur took a handkerchief and wiped his mouth. He pretended to be nonchalant and said: "Mr. Gasulin, as a colleague in the publishing industry, I can see your sincerity at a glance. But..."

"But?" Gasulin's smile froze: "Do you have any objections to the terms of the contract? It doesn't matter, we can talk slowly. I dare to guarantee that there will be no publisher in Paris who is easier to talk to than me. If you are worried about my financial problems, look at Mr. Draisait next to me, he is also one of my partners. Draisait Bank should also have a small reputation in London, right?"

Henry Draisait, with silver hair on his temples, looks like a kind businessman, The old banker observed Arthur and smiled gently: "Sir, I also have business contacts with Rothschild. When the time comes, Gasulin's promissory note will be issued from me. Unless my business goes bankrupt, you don't have to worry about the discount."

"No, you two may have misunderstood."

Arthur lied with his eyes open: "There is one thing I forgot to mention. In fact, most of the copyrights of the authors of "The Englishman" are bundled. I came to Paris this time not only to find a publisher for Mr. Carter's works, but also to find partners for our other authors."

"Oh, do you mean Mr. Alexandre Dumas?" Gasulin's eyes lit up: "We can take over "The Count of Monte Cristo" at the same time."

Seeing that this guy was thinking about good things every day, Arthur quickly raised his hand to stop and said: "As for "The Count of Monte Cristo", you have to talk to Alexander yourself. Everyone knows that Alexander's books can be sold in Paris, so as early as You have been approached by publishers before. But I must remind you that in Alexander’s mind, twelve thousand francs cannot afford The Count of Monte Cristo, and even double it will be difficult.”

"this……"

Although Gasulin had expected it early on, he was still a little shocked when he heard that the asking price of "The Count of Monte Cristo" was so high, and he couldn't help but lower his stance: "Of course. If "The Count of Monte Cristo" is willing to be taken away from me, I can pay 30,000 francs, but due to the huge financial pressure, I have to clear out the inventory on hand first."

Seeing that Gasulin's momentum had been suppressed, Arthur couldn't help but show his signature smile as he gradually gained the psychological advantage. He was about to start making conditions.

"Of course, in addition to Alexander, we currently have many equally excellent works on hand. For example, Charles Dickens's "The Pickwick Papers" and "Boze's Sketch", Benjamin Disraeli's "The Young Duke", Asia Arthur Sigmar's "Hastings", Alfred Tennyson's "Lyric Poems", by the way, Mrs. Shelley also agreed to use her own work "Frankenstein" and her late husband's legacy. "Prometheus Bound" will be fully authorized by our agency. In addition, Adam Mickiewicz's "Ancestors" is also a pretty good choice."

The act of slapping Arthur in the face with his magnum opus is crude, but very effective.

Sure enough, even Gasulin, who had just made a fortune with "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," couldn't help but feel his heart pounding. Although the Paris publishing world is separated from England by a strait, this does not mean that they do not know how well these books sell in London.

What's more, there's Shelly among them!

"Oh, my God! Shelley! This is the favorite of the republicans!"

Arthur nodded slightly and said: "That's right, Byron and Shelley. As long as their names are put on the bookshelf, the sales will be based on it. If you add the gimmick of the posthumous works, maybe the Bonapartists and the Royalists should also buy a copy and take a look.”

Gasulin laughed loudly: "You are indeed a veteran in the industry. The biggest fear in doing business is not knowing which group you serve. However, I do less business with the Republicans. I mainly do The Bonapartist job, so Shelley, I will not do it. Otherwise, not only will I not be able to get orders from the Republican Party, but my reputation will also be ruined by the Bonapartist Party. This is too much. Smash your own sign.”

"Oh! Bonapartist?"

Arthur snapped his fingers with a flash of inspiration: "In that case, do you want a copy of "Napoleonic Thoughts"? The Bonapartists will definitely like this."

""Napoleonic Thoughts"?" Gasulin asked in confusion: "Who wrote this?"

"Louis Bonaparte." Arthur smiled and clinked glasses with him: "If you print this book, from now on, you will definitely be able to do all the business of the Bonapartists in Paris. They want to print When I order a brochure or want to publish something, you are definitely the first one that comes to my mind.”

Gasulin's breath was stagnant. He picked up a handkerchief and wiped his shiny forehead, and hurriedly refused: "No way! There is still a difference between London and Paris. If I did this in Paris, it would be too bold!"