Chapter 89

《Fantasy Era》 and 《Science Fiction World》 were founded around the same time, yet they ended up with completely opposite fates.

When 《Science Fiction World》 broke through a million copies in monthly sales and earned the title of best-selling magazine, the once glorious 《Fantasy Era》 quietly ceased publication, forever remaining in the memories of its readers.

Li Wenyuan also sighed. He had first published his science fiction stories in 《Fantasy Era》, and considered himself an author who had emerged from there. Now, with the magazine gone, it felt like losing a mentor.

"This is inevitable. We can't just stay in the glory of the past; we need to seek change. This applies to magazines, and it also applies to us as novelists. We need to be vigilant to avoid being phased out by our readers."

Although reading has become increasingly popular, readers' tastes have become more discerning. Ordinary novels hardly pique their interest anymore; only high-quality novels can achieve higher sales.

The other authors nodded in agreement. While publishing books has become easier, achieving higher sales is still a difficult task. The pyramid structure of book sales is very stable.

Lin Han spoke up, "There's no need to be overly worried. I think this is the best era for science fiction novels. Don't you think the sales of science fiction novels are actually increasing? While martial arts novels have always been strong, their current sales are not as good as before. The 90s and 00s generations, as new buyers, have already proven themselves."

Many fantasy novels are aimed at teenagers, who have become the strongest purchasing force in the book market. Whether it's Jiang Nan's 《Dragon Tribe》 or Xuan Se's 《Silent House》, they have all captured this group of readers.

"Frankly, not many young people read science fiction. Hard science fiction is difficult to digest. I did a big data survey, and among my readers, only about 30% are young people," said a man with glasses, pushing his glasses up his nose and then sitting quietly.

Li Wenyuan smiled and said, "Science fiction is a broad genre, ranging from middle-aged and elderly people in their fifties and sixties to teenagers in their teens. That's why the proportion of young people is relatively low."

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Lin Han is not a theorist. He only knows that when things get tough, change is necessary. It's impossible to stick to the same old methods forever, and writers must adapt to the times.

After chatting until evening, everyone had dinner together and then went home.

"I actually knew about 《Fantasy Era》's cessation of publication a long time ago. Now my mind is a bit confused. I have an impulse to buy the magazine and run it myself. What do you think of this idea?"

Lin Han, sitting in the passenger seat, was startled. He leaned back and said, "Are you out of your mind, Wen? That's a pit of fire. Once you jump in, you'll be burned."

Li Wenyuan, driving, said, "I know there might be many problems, but founding a magazine has always been my dream. Now, with a magazine right in front of me, buying it is much better than starting from scratch. At least we can keep the ISBN and publication number."

Lin Han didn't understand why his friend wanted to transition from a writer to a magazine publisher. Most people think about becoming a boss after working as an editor, chief editor, and then general manager. But here was a science fiction writer wanting to start a magazine.

If it were any other writer, Lin Han would have called them crazy. Isn't this a bit too impulsive?

"Do you know that running a magazine usually requires a lot of money, especially one that has already ceased publication? Or do you know how to run a magazine? How many employees to hire, how to collect manuscripts, how to print and sell, how to market and promote—don't let your emotions override your rationality."

Running a magazine isn't a game. Lin Han thought Li Wenyuan was just being sentimental.

But Li Wenyuan was very clear. He had thought it through carefully. He sighed and opened the car window to let the cold air in.

"I am very clear-headed. I have over ten million yuan available. I can hire professional managers, like a chief editor, and not get involved in the specific management. I just want to have decision-making power over the content. We need to carefully consider our market strategy. This isn't something to be done hastily; I need to prepare in every aspect."

The cold wind was piercing. Lin Han zipped up his jacket and said, "We are just writers. Ten million yuan is your hard-earned royalties."

Li Wenyuan smiled, "You know, it's just royalties. If I lose it all, I can always write more novels. As long as I'm still standing, I have a chance to start over."

Since the main person had made up his mind, Lin Han didn't have much to say in opposition, as he didn't know how to acquire or run a magazine.

Different industries are like different mountains. The overall positioning, content positioning, reader positioning, and advertising positioning of a magazine all require careful planning. Additionally, the market operation model and future business direction need to be considered.

Whether a magazine can gain consumer recognition largely depends on the editorial style and the unique features of the content. Therefore, the recruitment, training, and management of personnel are crucial.

Suddenly, a "famous person" from Earth flashed in Lin Han's mind—Guo Xiaosi. His life was like a transformation. He became a famous young adult novelist in his youth but later got embroiled in plagiarism controversies.

This Guo Xiaosi, who liked to look up at the sky at a 45-degree angle, became even more popular amidst the criticism. He transitioned from an author to a boss, founding a studio and a cultural media company, and turned 《The Most Fiction》 into a "dream factory" for domestic young adult literature.

Li Wenyuan's approach might have some similarities to Guo Xiaosi's. Lin Han just hoped that 《Fantasy Era》 could be like 《The Most Fiction》, even if it couldn't be the best, at least it shouldn't cause Li Wenyuan too much loss.

A science fiction writer running a magazine—if Li Wenyuan's readers knew, how would they feel?

Would they be happy or regretful? Would they be moved or sad?

Please give me some recommendations. The author forgot to upload this chapter during the day, and the number of recommendations is declining. On the first day, it was 1,700, on the second day, 1,300, and today it's less than 1,000.

I have seen your comments in the book review section. I will definitely write about science fiction movies, but I will do it gradually to avoid getting stuck after writing 500,000 to 600,000 words.

Many books start off great but then get abandoned after 500,000 words. The author wants to write more, so I need to be cautious in controlling the plot.

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