Chapter 194 A Big Move
"Overseas?"
"Yes, these two books have topped both the e-book and physical book sales charts overseas."
Bella was shocked again. "I didn't know these two books were even released overseas."
"I've estimated that over the years, The Secret Key and Campus Conspiracy have brought in at least fifty..." Camilla paused.
Alistair asked, "Fifty thousand dollars?"
"Dad, think bigger." Camilla shook her head. "Fifty million dollars." And that was a conservative estimate.
Alistair was stunned.
"Mom," Camilla sat next to Bella, gently holding her hand, "I know you must be feeling very conflicted right now, but the past is the past. With the contract expiring, your ten-year deep bond with Debra has come to an end."
Camilla continued, "The most important thing now is how to make up for the lost time. I know that more than the financial loss, what pains you the most is your work being buried. How many decades does a writer have?"
Bella turned away, her shoulders starting to tremble slightly.
"I sent your completed but unpublished works to an editor. You should meet him; he'll tell you what to do."
Bella took a deep breath, "Okay."
That night, low sobs came from the guest room.
And Alistair's gentle words of comfort.
Camilla lay awake, staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep.
The next day, Camilla and Alistair accompanied Bella to a coffee shop.
The coffee shop was backed by an office building, and after the lunch rush, only a few people were scattered inside.
A long-haired Ragdoll cat lazily lay on the counter. Hearing the door chime, it just yawned and closed its eyes again.
In the window seat on the left, a man sat wearing black-framed glasses, a simple white shirt, and casual pants, giving off a scholarly vibe.
At that moment, he was looking out the floor-to-ceiling window, seemingly waiting for someone.
Hearing the door, he turned back to the front, and then he quickly stood up and walked straight toward Bella.
"Hello Bella, I'm Elmer Roach, an editor from SoulSpring Publishing."
He then nodded slightly to Camilla and Alistair.
"Dad and I can wait outside."
Bella nodded.
Elmer personally pulled out a chair for her and thoughtfully called a waiter to ask what Bella wanted to drink.
Bella, upset, only asked for a glass of lemon water.
From yesterday until now, Bella had been in a daze, feeling a sense of helplessness, unable to express her sadness or anger.
For ten years, Bella had entrusted her career entirely to Debra. Despite being rejected countless times, she never doubted Debra's character.
To say she wasn't hurt by the betrayal would be a lie.
Elmer said, "Bella, I'll get straight to the point. Would you be interested in publishing Crimson Shadows, The Curse, The Master's Tomb, and Dance of Death?"
"Huh?" Bella was stunned for half a minute before she reacted.
But she was still a bit confused.
What was he talking about?
Elmer smiled apologetically. "I know this request is a bit abrupt, but after reading the works Camilla sent me, this is the decision I and the publisher have made. Before meeting you, I thought of many ways to phrase this, but after seeing you, I felt being straightforward was the most sincere."
These four books were ideas Debra had rejected. Bella, unwilling to give up, wrote them as practice.
For years, Bella had dreamed of her suspense works being published again.
She had discussed it with Debra countless times, but Debra always had different excuses to delay.
Now someone suddenly told her that her works could be published.
Elmer said, "If you agree, we will immediately apply for an ISBN, contact the printing press and promotional media to prepare, then proceed with typesetting, printing, promotion, and release. The entire process is initially estimated to be completed within two months. As for the royalties and subsequent income sharing, we have a preliminary plan. Of course, after you hear it, you can also propose your suggestions, and we can discuss and negotiate..."
Elmer was clearly well-prepared.
The offered royalties and sharing ratio were very generous.
In addition, Elmer even brought the contract.
Bella went from shock and bewilderment to seriously listening to him, and finally, completely calming down.
"Mr. Roach," she took a deep breath, "I'm sorry."
Hearing this opening, Elmer's heart sank.
Bella said, "The terms you offered are very generous. It's my own issue; I might need some time to calm down."
After being deceived for ten years, Bella was now wary of everyone.
Although Elmer seemed sincere, Debra had been just as sincere when she first approached Bella.
And it turned out...
Elmer's eyes showed disappointment, but he respected Bella's choice. "I understand how you feel. Anyone would have a hard time with this, but I believe a suspense writer with perfect logic is inherently more rational and clear-headed than the average person. This is my business card. It has all my contact information. If you change your mind, I hope SoulSpring Publishing will be the first partner you think of."
"Okay, thank you." Bella accepted the card.
"Also," Elmer took out a USB drive and pushed it toward her, "this contains the electronic manuscripts of the four books Camilla sent me. I've had them proofread. Although we can't publish them now, the proofread manuscripts might come in handy in the future."
"They've been proofread?" Bella was shocked, gasping.
Elmer's expression was somewhat serious. "Sorry, we did without your permission."
"Why? If I don't agree, all your work will be in vain. Is it worth it?"
Elmer replied, "But what if you agree? This could shorten the preparation time for the new books by at least half a month."
Bella said, "It's risky"
Elmer said, "Investment always comes with risks."
Bella was a bit dazed.
"Bella," Elmer stood up, smiling as he extended his hand, "I hope we have the chance to work together in the future."
Bella looked at his outstretched hand, lost in thought.
Elmer, though puzzled, didn't rush her.
Just as he awkwardly considered withdrawing his hand, Bella suddenly spoke, "All four books at once?"
Elmer was stunned.
Then his eyes lit up. "Because you've been silent in the suspense field for ten years, but with The Secret Key and Campus Conspiracy as your representative works, your market appeal is still strong. We believe a big move and a shocking one at that is necessary to capture the public's attention."
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