Have contemporary editors begun to pay attention to the covers of published novels?
For Jiang Yulou, this is a good thing.
Speaking of which, the covers of literary works published by domestic publishing houses in this era are really hard to describe. With an earthy background and black fonts, this is the cover of a book. It can be said to be a crude mess, but this is the characteristic of the times.
The cover plays a very important role, not only to protect the book, but also as an important medium to convey the content, theme and style of the book. Through a well-designed cover, readers can initially understand the connotation and value of the book, and then have the impulse to buy it. Therefore, for literary works, the importance of cover design is self-evident.
He felt that if "The Conspiracy" had a good cover, sales could increase a lot.
But, how could the contemporary editorial department, which has always been conventional, come up with such an idea?
"Editor Meng, how did your company come up with the idea of working on the cover?" Jiang Yulou was curious and asked what came to mind.
Meng Weizai smiled and said bluntly: "A few of my old friends participated in the literary exchange group to Xiangjiang this time, and they accidentally mentioned that the covers of the novels published there were very exciting and very attractive to readers, so I I got interested. I also thought about Yulou that you also went to Xiangjiang, and I was wondering if you had any suggestions for the covers of my works."
"That's it."
Reasonable, too reasonable.
After saying that, Jiang Yulou began to think deeply.
In later generations, there was a saying about eyeball economy. In fact, this statement was well thought out in that era.
For example, if a reader goes to a bookstore to buy books, faced with a dazzling array of books, the reader's attention is destined to become more and more scattered, and attracting the reader's attention is particularly important. Therefore, excellent cover design has become one of the key factors to attract readers' attention.
As for him, he had engaged in related work in his previous life and knew very well how to make a good cover.
In the context of the eyeball economy, the design of the cover should usually appear concise and clear, and avoid overly complex or confusing designs, so as not to cause visual fatigue or confusion for readers.
A good cover must highlight the theme and key points, and attract the reader's attention by using elements and colors related to the theme of the work, and emphasizing the title of the book.
Thinking of this, Jiang Yulou already had a picture in his mind, so he said: "Editor Meng, let me briefly describe it. Do you think it works?"
"The cover is white. In the pure white snow, a girl is standing in the middle with an envelope in her hand, as if she is shouting something. Then on the left or right is the title of the book and the author's name, and below is the publisher's information. wait."
"It's very artistic." Meng Weizai imagined the scene in his mind and had to admit that the cover designed by Jiang Yulou was much better than the cover originally designed by their magazine.
"Could the cover of Yulou refer to the last scene in the novel?"
"Yes, there is a reference."
"It's really great. Then we'll use the cover you designed."
"Thanks."
"Haha, we should say thank you." Meng Weizai smiled, suddenly patted his head and said, "Look at my memory, this is your remuneration, please keep it."
As he spoke, he took out a check from his pocket and handed it to Jiang Yulou, "This is the basic royalties and the royalties for the first printing of 100,000 copies, totaling 12,000 yuan."
"Ah, thank you, Editor Meng." Jiang Yulou accepted it happily. This is a courtyard house in the capital.
"Then let's get ready to have dinner! Let's celebrate!" After Meng Weizai and Jiang Yulou signed the publishing contract, he felt relaxed.
Jiang Yulou looked at his look and couldn't help but mutter in his heart:
"Why do you feel that Lao Mengtou wants to eat more than me? It's obviously you who invited me!"
He smiled and nodded: "Thank you, Editor Meng, for your hospitality."
Meng Weizai chose a high-end restaurant near the Contemporary Editorial Department to entertain guests. I heard that this restaurant was originally a state-owned hotel, and the chef had done state banquets and later worked on his own. When the state-owned hotels were not performing well and were on the verge of bankruptcy, they didn't know where to get the money, so they bought the hotels.
Relying on the reputation of hosting state banquets, the restaurant's business is getting better and better day by day.
This is the time when there are the most diners. If Editor Meng hadn’t known the boss, he might not have been able to book a seat.
Meng Weizai asked: "Can I have a drink in Yulou?"
"You can drink less." Jiang Yulou nodded politely.
"That's fine."
But maybe it was because Meng Weizai wanted to drink. Today he ordered a few bottles of liquor, and it was Maotai.
Hey, in this era, is Moutai already famous?
"Yulou, thank you very much for your support for our editorial work. Now, the performance of our "Contemporary" is getting better and better day by day. I also want to be the deputy editor. I finally lived up to the expectations of the leader!" Meng Weizai drank a few drinks. , his face gradually turned red.
Oh, it turns out I got a promotion, no wonder I had to drink to celebrate.
"The current achievements of "Contemporary" are all due to the efforts of the editors. Editor Meng's promotion is also due to achievements. What does it have to do with me?" Jiang Yulou asked curiously.
"Yu Lou is so humble. Your two works are now very popular in China. The contemporary generation has made more money than last year just by publishing the novel "The Conspiracy". After the publication of "Love Letter", the financial data will be even better good-looking."
"I see." Jiang Yulou nodded and added: "We are also mutually beneficial. I have also received a lot of royalties from Contemporary."
"Anyway, I still want to thank you."
Meng Weizai raised his glass and drank it first as a gesture of respect.
In that drunken state, he recalled the first half of his life.
He graduated from Nankai University and was assigned to teach at Renmin University after graduation. In 1965, he was transferred to the central department. At that time, he worked hard to practice his ideals on literature and literary theory.
Later... he was transferred to Ningxia.
It was not until 1973 that he returned to Yanjing and went to People's Literature, starting as an editor. Until "Contemporary" was founded, he volunteered to be mobilized in order to make achievements.
Now it seems that everything is worth it.
Meng Weizai drank another glass of wine and asked curiously: "By the way, Yu Lou, I heard that Ming Pao in Xiangjiang is going to publish your work?"
Jiang Yulou was not surprised at all when he learned the news, and said calmly: "Yes, it is Mr. Jin who wants to let the citizens of Xiangjiang see literary works from the mainland. It just so happens that my novels are selling well in China, both as popular literature and as literary works. There has never been a literary genre in Xiangjiang, so Mr. Jin came up with this idea and I agreed.”
"Haha, I didn't expect that we would have a writer whose novels could be sold overseas!"
"Where, I'm still far behind."
"Haha, it's already amazing, let's drink to your success!"
