Chapter 22: Hot Sales

[Chapter 22: Hot Sales]

Charlie smiled in thanks, but the two did not dwell on that topic any further.

Landing a deal with 20th Century Fox would undoubtedly accelerate his career development. No one, nothing moves forward alone.

But if it were up to Charlie, he preferred to have more leverage before committing to a single major studio or collaborating long-term with two or three. Otherwise, the partnership status wouldn't satisfy his ambitions.

...

At the same time that Independence Day was dominating the box office, Chris Book House utilized Simon & Schuster's sales channels to vigorously promote and launch the paperback edition of Fifty Shades of Gray.

...

Outside a Los Angeles theater, the earlier noisy scene had quieted down.

In a Ford parked by the street, an aging and heavy-set man, Kirk, puffing on a cigar, frowned as he flipped through a copy of Fifty Shades of Gray.

Beside him, a restless African American associate finally asked, "Boss, are we waiting for the Godfather to come out?"

The old man didn't answer, distractedly asking, "You said a lot of people bought the book at the bookstore?"

"Right, they ran a discount event and put up posters about how wealthy men attract women. Lots of folks bought it."

Kirk pursed his lips. "The book's content is good, very descriptive. Reading it almost made me want to try it myself."

Noticing the associate's odd eyes and distance, Kirk's eyes widened, scolding, "Damn it, what's that look? You think I'm about to do something to you?"

"Uh, no, I mean, I also thought the writing was good."

"You actually read books?"

"A bit tough for me, haha, but the feeling it gives is unique."

"Drive!" Kirk barked loudly.

"Aren't we waiting for the Godfather?"

"You fool, 2Pac's gone. Why the hell are we still here?" Kirk yelled, his expression sour. "Damn it, that bastard must've sold out. 20th Century Fox is actually protecting him."

Full of pride, Kirk wanted to squeeze every dime, but lacked the courage to confront anyone and slunk away.

The convoy passed a newsstand bustling with activity, making Kirk's mouth water.

In Los Angeles, everyone craved a piece of Hollywood's fame and fortune swirl.

...

"Give me a copy of Fifty Shades of Gray! My buddies say it's way more interesting than Playboy. I've got to see this!" a man shouted at a crowded bookstall, waving dollars.

"Me too, I want to know how Will picks up women!"

The vendor smiled despite being busy, but soon turned dour. "Sorry folks, Fifty Shades of Gray sold out."

The crowd stirred, and the vendor shouted angrily, "Damn it, my share's too small. Hold on, I'll call the publisher to hurry up deliveries."

...

Inside Chris Book House's small office, over a dozen employees hurried about, the office chaotic.

"134 Luke Street, bookshop, 100 copies tomorrow."

"Okay, noted. Sorry, we're arranging printing and publishing!"

A receptionist held the phone, too busy to hang up, simultaneously answering and taking notes.

In the lobby, Locke grinned smoking a cigarette, telling his female assistant, "We did it, Lily. Fifty Shades of Gray will make us a key Simon & Schuster partner. This is a historic moment for Chris Book House!"

"Yes sir, your vision and skills are unmatched."

Full of energy, Locke pumped his fist, "I'll contact Simon & Schuster now to ramp up printing and launch the next promo phase. There can be no mistakes!"

...

Busy until 6 PM, Locke collected updates then happily called Charlie with the good news.

Charlie was driving Rachel home after dinner and planned to rest at home after too many social engagements recently.

He called Judy earlier, while driving, pondering to himself.

Once this busy period ended, he planned to hit the gym properly. At 19, he couldn't let himself fall apart.

"Hey, yeah, congrats to us all. Uh, 2,167 copies sold, another 10,000 stocked -- are those good numbers?"

"You don't get it! That's just California's half-day sales. At this pace, you'll easily make the New York Times bestseller list! You'll clear over a million in income this year. You're officially a famous author now!"

"Okay, but my movie investment costs three to five million!"

"Shut up, kid!" Locke was annoyed by Charlie's cluelessness. "You bragging to me? Don't you know how book sales massively boost rights for film and other media?"

Charlie laughed heartily. "Haha, of course I know. Locke, I'm just saying don't get too excited yet. This is just the beginning."

"That's right. You hit it big fast. Unless the next books tank, the money will keep rolling in. Godfather, any plans for the next book? By the way, I'm also a literary agent on the side. I can craft a perfect career plan for a star like you!"

Charlie chuckled, he didn't rememeber Locke had a comedic streak.

Thinking back over the past few months, at first, he spent money on food, drinks, entertainment, flattering agents to get his book out.

Now Locke's attitude had completely changed.

Charlie deliberately ignored this and glibly replied, "I have plans and plenty of ideas. If you check the copyright office, there's a script of mine. I intend to expand it into a series of novels."

"Right, you said you sought investments for a project before!" Locke suddenly stood up pacing excitedly. "Charlie, we're good friends, right? You gotta give Chris the new work. We want a long-term deal!"

"We'll see," Charlie smiled. "At least things are smooth for now."

Locke, holding the dropped receiver, scratched his head like a guy chasing a girl he can't get.

...

The strong sales of Fifty Shades of Gray quickly became well known.

Early the next day, the bookstore launched a massive promotional campaign. Major papers like The Washington Post and The New York Times ran stories on secondary pages.

The Hollywood-focused Los Angeles Times featured a widely noticed article on a prominent page.

Written by famed editor Don Lewis, it included words like Independence Day and 20th Century Fox.

Though vague on details, it credited Charlie with the emotional hype around Will.

An attached interview with bestselling author John Grisham trashed Fifty Shades of Gray. "Third-rate smut, a disgrace to literature. A lucky kid whose work will never be accepted by the market!"

Lewis ended his critique projecting sales outcomes.

The article offered no judgment but asked, "Luck or talent?"

Suddenly Charlie's visibility went from Hollywood elites down to the broader public.

The strong sales amazed many familiar with the backstory.

*****

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