HP Deal

February 1982

James sat across from his mother in their home office, the Scholastic contract spread out before them. The document was thick, filled with clauses, royalty percentages, and legal jargon meant to tie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone to the publishing giant.

The offer itself was incredible — a $100,000 advance for a debut author, an amount almost unheard of for an unknown writer. Any other aspiring novelist would have jumped at the chance without hesitation.

But James barely glanced at the money.

Because for him, this was never just about publishing a book.

It was about owning an empire.

He knew too well how publishers exploited authors, locking them into predatory contracts that stripped them of creative control and future profits. He had read about it in his past life — how authors, blinded by the excitement of their first deal, unknowingly signed away their most valuable rights.

He wouldn't make that mistake.

His mother flipped through the pages, frowning. 'This all looks good, but… do we need a lawyer for this?'

'We do,' James said immediately. 'I won't sign anything without someone breaking this down first. The contract isn't bad, but there's always fine print.'

His mother exhaled, clearly relieved that he wasn't rushing into anything. 'Alright. I'll set up a meeting.'

The next day, they sat in a law office across from a publishing lawyer.

At first, the man was skeptical, treating them like any other overwhelmed family dazzled by a big offer. But as he combed through the contract, his expression shifted from indifference to concern.

After a long silence, he adjusted his glasses and looked at them seriously.

'You were right to bring this in,' he said, tapping the papers. 'Scholastic wants full rights to the entire series, including future books, adaptations, and even merchandise. That's unacceptable.'

James resisted the urge to smirk. He had expected this.

'What's the workaround?' he asked, leaning forward.

The lawyer steepled his fingers. 'We negotiate. Keep the publishing rights limited to one book at a time, but never let them own the series outright. And whatever you do — do not give them the film rights. They're massively undervaluing those.'

His mother hesitated. 'But wouldn't that make them walk away?'

The lawyer shrugged. 'Maybe. But if they really believe in the book, they'll fight for it.'

James nodded, already forming his strategy. 'Then we fight.'

A week of intense negotiations followed.

Scholastic, thrilled by the book's potential, pushed aggressively. They wanted control, not just of Sorcerer's Stone, but everything that followed — sequels, spin-offs, merchandising, and all adaptation rights.

James fought back just as hard.

He played his role perfectly — just a talented young writer, enthusiastic but firm. His mother acted as his shield, pushing back on the legal terms while James focused on building excitement for the book itself.

When Scholastic tried to claim the film rights, James refused outright.

He countered with confidence. 'You're a book publisher, not a movie studio. You don't need those rights. Focus on what you do best — publishing great books. Let the films be handled separately.'

It was a bold stance — one that could have made them walk away.

But they didn't.

Because they wanted this book.

Eventually, a compromise was reached:

Scholastic would publish Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone with an option for future books, but not ownership of the entire series.James would retain film, television, and merchandising rights under Stargate Entertainment.The royalty percentage was increased and set at 10%, ensuring James earned per book sold.

It was unheard of for a debut author, but Scholastic was willing to bend because they believed Harry Potter could be the next big thing.

When the final contract was signed, James felt something lighter, a step more taken.

His mother set the pen down and exhaled, looking at him with an almost disbelieving smile.

'James, you're officially a published author.'

James leaned back in his chair, feeling the weight of the moment.

With E.T. nearing release and Harry Potter secured, the next phase of his plan was clear.

Hollywood.

He had the credibility of a leading role in a blockbuster. Soon, his face would be on posters, interviews, and television screens across the country.

But he wasn't just aiming for fame — he was after power.

He needed to direct his first film. And he knew exactly what it would be — Home Alone.

It was time to start playing at a higher level.

James glanced at the signed contract on the table, then out the window, his mind already calculating the next steps.

The world was about to know his name — not just as an actor, not just as an author.

But as a force that would shape the future of entertainment.